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HISTORY 

OF    THE 

NEW  NETHERLANDS, 

PROVINCE  OF  NEW  YORK, 

AND 

STATE  OF  NEW  YORK, 

TO  THE  ADOPTION  OF  THE  FEDERAL  CONSTITUTION. 
IN  TWO  VOLUMES. 


BY    WILLIAM   DUNLAP 


VOL.  II 


NEW  YORK: 

PRINTED  FOR  THE  AUTHOR's  REPRESENTATIVES 

BY   CARTER  &  THORP,   EXCHANGE   PLACE. 


1840. 


Entered, 
According  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1840, 

BY  JOHN  A.  DUNLAP, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern  District  of 

NEW  YORK. 


CONTENTS 

OF 

THE  SECOND  VOLUME. 


CHArTER  I. 


Capture   of   Ticonderoga — Ethan  Allen — Arnold — Montgomery His 

letters, 9 

CHAPTER  11. 

The  Johnsons — Brant — Schuyler's  Expedition  to  Johnstown — The  state  of 

the  Valley  of  the  Mohawk, 25 

CHAPTER  III 

Gates,   a  British  officer — An  American  officer — At  Cambridge — At  New 

York — Disputes  the  coniumnd  with  Schuyler — Hancock's  letter,     -     -    -    -    39 

CHAPTER  IV. 

General  Gates  at  Ticonderoga — Arnold — His  elTorts  against  Carleton,     •    -    -  48 

CHAPTER  V. 

England  buys  foreign  troops  to  help  to  subdue  America — Her  army  repairs 
from  Boston  to  Halifax — After  being  reinforced,  the  army  lands  on  Staten 
Island— The  troops  of  Washington—Battle  of  Brooklyn,  and  retreat  from 
Long  Island, ,--66 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Lord  Howe  meets  a  Committee  of  Congress,  on  Staten  Island — General 
Howe  pushes  his  army  to  Hellgate — Heath,  and  death  of  Henly — Hale  is 
executed-- Affair  of  Kipp's  Bay — Difficulties  of  evacuating  the  city-- 
Death  of  Leich  and  of  Kiiowlton — Fire  of  1776 — General  Howe  crosses 
to  Frog's  Point — White  Plains— Fort  Washington — Rawlins — Prisoners,     -    73 

CHAPTER  VH. 

Retreat  to  the  Delaware — Lee's  misconduct — Affairs  in  the  north — Colonel 

Meigs — Vermont — Starke, 89 


CONTENTS, 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


Plan  of  the  Campaign— Gates's  intrigues — Efforts  of  Schuyler — Ticonde- 
roga  taken — Affair  of  Miss  McCrea — Siege  of  Fort  Stanwix — Retreat  of 
St.  Leger — Affair  of  Bennington — Transactions  at  Saratoga — Daniel 
Morgan — Death  of  General  Frazer — Clinton's  expedition  up  the  Hudson 
Capture  of  Burgoyne — Gates's  arrogance- -Wilkinson, 105 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Intrigues  against  Washington — France  becomes  a  party  in  the  war — Alarm- 
ing situation  of  Washington — Noble  conduct  of  Colonel  WilUam  Duer — 
Conway — Lafayette — Falsehood  and  meanness  of  Gates, 131 

CHAPTER  X. 
Prisoners  and  Prison  Ships, 136 

CHAPTER  XL 

City  of  New  York  from  1776  to  1780— Battle  of  Monmouth — Indian  hostil- 
ities on  the  Mohawk — Massacre  at  Cherry  Valley, 143 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Sullivan's  Expedition --Van  Schaick's  Expedition  against  the  Onondagas — 
Capture  and  re-capture  of  Stony  Point --Exploit  of  Major  Lee — Other 
military  operations — Hot  summer — Second  great  fire  in  New  York — Ex- 
plosion in  the  Harbour — Severe  winter — Unsuccessful  attempt  on  Staten 
Island, 157 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Arnold  commands  at  Philadelphia — His  misconduct  and  trial — Commands 
at  West  Point — Intrigues  with  the  enemy,  and  treason — Capture  and  exe- 
cution of  Andre — Escape  of  Arnold, 167 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Champe's  Adventure — Indian  warfare — Fate  of  Huddy — Further  history  of 
Ethan  Allen — New  Hampshire  Grants — Controversies  with  Vermont — 
British  attempts  to  seduce  Vermont- -Independence  of  Vermont  recog- 
nized,     202 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Provisional  articles  of  peace — Attempts  to  create  revolt  in  the  army — Arm- 
strong's letters — Washington's  opposition — Peace  concluded — Evacua- 
tion of  New  York — Convention  to  form  Constitution — Washington,  first 
President  of  the  United  States  — Attempts  to  ridicule  him — His  reception 
in  New  York, 228 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Treaty  of  peace— Events  intermediate  between  the  peace  and  adoption  of 
Federal  Constitution — Settlement  of  boundaries  of  New  York — Popula- 
tion of  the  State— Shay's  rebellion  in  Massachusetts — Convention  to  form 
Constitution— Motives  for  it,  and  its  origin — Constitution  of  the  United 
States  and  its  constrnclion— Parties  for  and  against  it— Doctor's  mob- 
Convention  to  consider  adoption  of  Constitution—Proceedings  and  de- 
bates in  convenliou— Constitution  adopted— Conclusion,     237 


CONTENTS. 


APPENDIX 


TO  VOLUxME  I. 


APPENDIX.  PAGE. 

A, I 

B, II 

C, VI 

D, VII 

E, IX 

F, XII 

G, XVI 

H, ,  XVII 

I,  .......  XXIV 

J XXVI 

K, XXIX 

L, XXXIX 

M, XL 

N,       ......  .  XLII 

O, xi.iv 

P xrv 

a. 

R, 

S, XLVI 

T, XLVII 

U, LI 

V, LV 

W, LXIV 

Appendix  referred  to,        .         .         .  lvi 

Appendix  referred  to,  ...         lix 

Treaty  of  Peace  of  1763 — Indian  Hosti- 
lities after  the  Peace,     .         .         .  lxix 

Review  of  Vanderdonck's  account   of 

New  Netherlands,     ....     lxxii 

Indian  Circulating  Medium—First  Inter- 
course between  the  Dutch  and  New- 
England,  -         .         .         .  lxxxix 

First  Organization  of  Continental  Army 

—New  York  Regiments,        .         .  xcvi 

English  settlement  of  New  Jersey,    .  c 

MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER,  cxv 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


It  may  be  tliouglit  that  an  apology  is  due  to  the  reader 
for  the  errours  and  imperfections,  fewer  however  than 
under  all  circumstances  might  have  been  expected,  which 
he  will  meet  with  in  the  perusal  of  these  two  volumes. 

The  greater  part  of  the  first  volume  was  printed  after 
the  author  w  as  attacked  with  a  disease,  which  ultimately 
proved  fatal.  For  a  time  he  was  able  to  devote  some 
attention  to  the  correction  of  the  press ;  but  it  finally 
devolved  exclusively  upon  one,  who  had  not  by  previous 
studies  acquired  an  equal  intimacy  with  the  subject,  nor 
was  acquainted  with  the  work  itself,  except  as  it  came 
under  his  observation  piecemeal  while  passing  through 
the  hands  of  the  printer.  For  a  considerable  time  after- 
ward, the  author's  situation  was  such  that  no  application 
could  be  made  to  him  to  remove  doubts  or  elucidate  ob- 
scurities. The  second  volume  is  literally  a  posthumous 
production,  the  materials  of  which  have  been  selected 
and  arranged  according  to  the  expressed  design  of  the 
writer,  or  when  that  was  wanting,  pursuant  to  the  most 
probable  conjecture. 

Hence  have  arisen  in  some  few  instances,  an  apparent 
confusion  or  involution  of  facts  and  dates,  which  to  dis- 
entangle or  evolve,  requires  it  is  believed  merely  a  little 


8  ADVERTISEMENT. 

attention  : — and  also  in  two  or  three  instances,  the  repe- 
tition of  the  same  circumstances  or  ideas,  in  the  same, 
or  nearly  the  same  language.  These  are  indeed  blem- 
ishes, but  such  as,  it  is  conceived,  cannot  materially  detract 
from  the  gratification  and  instruction  to  be,  it  is  hoped, 
derived  from  the  perusal  of  the  work.  Literal  and  ver- 
bal errours  will  occur  to  the  reader ;  in  general,  however, 
not  of  a  nature  to  mislead  or  embarrass  him.  A  table 
of  errata  concludes  the  present  volume. 

The  editor  begs  leave  to  submit  the  work,  now  com- 
plete, to  the  kind  and  candid  consideration  of  the  publick. 

New  York,  February,  1840. 


HISTORY  OF  NEW  YORK. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Capture  of   Ticonderoga — Ethan  Allen — Arnold — Montgomery 
— His  letters. 

The  controversies  between  New  York  and  New  Hampshire 
have  been  noticed  in  preceding  pages,*  but  when  the  great  struggle 
between  the  colonies  and  Great  Britain  had  arrived  at  a  crisis 
which  superseded  in  the  minds  of  the  leading  men  of  New  York 
all  other  considerations,  Tryon  was  placed  in  the  position  of  an 
enemy  to  both  the  contending  parties.  The  contest  between 
England  and  America  had  another  effect  upon  this  quarrel  for 
acres  :  many  of  those  claiming  under  New  York  became  open 
enemies  to  the  general  cause  of  liberty,  and  of  course  their  in- 
fluence in  urging  the  claims  of  that  province  to  the  New  Hamp- 
shire grants  ceased. 
1775  As  soon  as  open  hostilities  had  commenced  at  Lexing- 
ton, certain  persons  at  Hartford  formed  a  design  upon  the 
fortress  of  Ticonderoga,  and  being  joined  by  Ethan  Allen  and 
others  of  Massachusetts,  they  turned  their  thoughts  and  steps  to 
Bennington,  where  they  knew  men  were  to  be  found  ready  to 
start  upon  a  dangerous  enterprize.  On  their  arrival,  a  council  was 
called,  and  Allen  assumed,  or  was  appointed,  the  leader.  He 
despatched  scouts  to  the  northward  to  cut  off  communicadon  be- 
tween Canada  and  the  object  at  which  they  aimed,  and  then 
marched  to  Casdelon,  where  they  arrived  on  the  evening  of  the 
7th  of  May,  1 775.  Here  they  decided  on  their  plan  of  operations. 
A  party  of  thirty  men  was  to  march  to  the  head  of  the  lake  and 
seize  Major  Skene,  the  son  of  the  proprietor,  who  was  then  in 
England,  and  from  whom  the  spot  now  called  Whitehall  was 


'  Vol.  I,  chap.  27,  29,  31. 

VOL.  n. 


10  CAPTURE  OF  TICONDEROGA. 

then  denominated  Skenesborough.  This  party  was  to  seize  all  the 
inliabitants  and  conduct  them  to  the  place  x\llen  had  fixed  on  for 
embarkation.  As  the  main  body  was  preparing  to  move  to  the 
lake,  Benedict  Arnold  arrived  with  a  commission  from  the  Mas- 
sachusetts committee  of  safety,  to  raise  men  and  proceed  to  the 
capture  of  Ticonderoga,  unconscious  of  the  previous  movements 
in  Connecticut  and  the  Green  Mountains.  Arnold  had  appointed 
officers  to  enlist  men  for  this  object,  but  hearing  of  the  previous 
movement,  hastened  on,  thinking  to  take  command  by  virtue  of 
his  commission  from  Massachusetts :  this  suited  the  disposition 
neither  of  Allen  or  his  followers  ;  and  Arnold,  finding  that  the 
men  refused  to  follow  any  other  than  the  leader  of  their  choice, 
agreed  to  join  as  a  volunteer. 

The  whole  force,  amounting  to  230,  pushed  for  the  shore  of 
the  lake  opposite  Ticonderoga,  and  were  fortunate  enough  to  find 
a  boy  for  a  guide,  the  son  of  a  farmer,  who  was  in  the  habit  of 
crossing  the  lake  in  his  father's  boat  to  play  with  the  lads  of  his 
own  age  belonging  to  the  garrison,  and  who  by  this  means  was 
familiar  with  every  path  leading  to  the  fortress.  Nathan  Beman, 
(this  was  the  boy's  name,)  was  permitted  by  his  father  to  undertake 
the  service;  and  Allen  proceeded  to  achieve  the  conquest  of  the  place 
which  had  repulsed  the  flower  of  the  British  soldiery  under  Abercrom- 
bie,  with  a  slaughter  often  times  the  whole  number  that  now  prepared 
to  capture  it.  1  will  let  Allen  tell  in  his  own  way,  the  result  of 
this  expedition. 

"  The  first  systematical  and  bloody  attempt  at  Lexington,  to 
enslave  America,  thoroughly  electrified  my  mind,  and  fully  de- 
termined me  to  take  a  part  with  my  country.  And  while  I  was 
wishing  for  an  opportunity  to  signalize  myself  in  its  behalf,  direc- 
tions were  privately  sent  to  me  from  the  then  colony,  «now  state  of 
Connecticut,  to  raise  the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  and,  if  possible, 
with  them  to  surprise  and  take  the  fortress  of  Ticonderoga.  This 
enterprize  I  cheerfully  undertook  ;  and  after  first  guarding  all  the 
several  passes  that  lead  thither,  to  cut  off  all  intelligence  between 
the  garrison  and  the  country,  made  a  forced  march  from  Ben- 
nington, and  arrived  at  the  lake  opposite  Ticonderoga,  on  the 
evening  of  the  9th  day  of  May,  1775,  with  230  vahant  Green 
Mountain  Boys ;  and  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  that  1  pro- 
cured boats  to  cross  the  lake.  However,  I  landed  eighty-three 
men  near  the  garrison,  and  sent  the  boats  back  for  the  rear  guard 
commanded  by  Colonel  Seth  Warner  ;  but  the  day  began  to  dawn, 
and  1  found  myself  necessitated  to  attack  the  fort  before  the  rear 
could  cross  the  lake ;  and  as  it  was  hazardous,  I  harrangued  the 
officers  and  soldiers  in  the  manner  following  :  "  Friends  and  fellow 
soldiers — You  have  for  a  number  of  years  past  been  a  scourge 
and  terror  to  arbitrary  powers.    Your  valour  has  been  famed  abroad, 


CAPTURE  OF  TICOXDEROGA.  11 

and  acknowledged,  as  appears  by  the  advice  and  orders  to  me 
from  the  general  assembly  of  Connectlciit,  to  surprise  and  take  the 
garrison  now  before  us.  I  now  propose  to  advance  before  you, 
and  In  person  conduct  you  through  the  wicket  gate  ;  for  we  must 
this  morning  either  quit  our  pretentions  to  valour,  or  possess  our- 
selves of  this  fortress  in  a  few^  minutes  ;  and  inasmuch  as  it  is  a 
desperate  attempt,  which  none  but  the  bravest  of  men  dare  under- 
take, I  do  not  urge  it  on  contrary  to  his  will.  Vou  that  will 
undertake  voluntarily,  poise  your  firelock." 

"  Themenbeingat  this  time  drawn  up  in  three  ranks,  each  poised 
his  firelock.  I  ordered  them  to  face  to  the  right ;  and  at  the  head 
of  the  centre  file  marched  them  immediately  to  the  wicket  gate 
aforesaid,  where  I  found  a  sentry  posted,  who  instantly  snapped 
his  fusee  at  me.  I  ran  iuunediately  towards  him,  and  he  retreated 
through  the  covered  way  into  the  parade  within  the  garrison,  gave 
a  halloo,  and  ran  under  a  bomb  proof.  My  party  who  followed 
me  into  the  fort,  I  formed  on  the  parade  in  such  a  manner,  as  to 
face  the  barracks  which  faced  each  other.  The  garrison  being 
asleep,  except  the  sentries,  we  gave  three  huzzas,  which  greatly 
surprised  them.  One  of  the  sentries  made  a  pass  at  one  of  my 
officers  with  a  charged  bayonet,  and  slightly  wounded  him.  My 
first  thought  was  to  kill  him  with  my  sword,  but  in  an  instant  1 
altered  tfie  design  nnd  fury  of  the  blow  to  a  slight  cut  on  the  side 
of  the  head  ;  upon  which  he  dropped  his  gun,  and  asked  quarters, 
which  I  readily  granted  him  ;  and  demanded  the  place  where  the 
commanding  officer  kept.  He  showed  me  a  pair  of  stairs  in  the 
front  of  the  garrison,  which  led  to  a  second  story  in  said  barracks, 
to  which  1  immediately  repaired,  and  ordered  the  commander, 
Captain  Delaplace,  to  come  forth  instantly,  or  I  would  sacrifice 
the  whole  garrison  :  at  which  time  the  captain  came  immediately 
to  the  door  with  his  breeches  in  his  hand,  when  I  ordered  him  to 
deliver  to  me  the  fort  instantly  ;  he  asked  me  by  what  authority  I 
demanded  it.  I  answered  him,  '  in  the  name  of  the  great  Jehovah, 
and  the  Continental  Congress.'  The  authority  of  congress  being 
very  little  known  at  that  time,  he  began  to  speak  again,  but  I  in- 
terrupted him,  and  with  my  drawn  sword  near  his  head  again 
demanded  an  immediate  surrender  of  the  garrison  ;  with  which  he 
then  complied,  and  ordered  his  men  to  be  forthwith  paraded 
without  arms,  as  he  had  given  up  the  garrison.  In  the  meantime 
some  of  my  officers  had  given  orders,  and  in  consequence  thereof, 
sundry  of  the  barrack  doors  were  beat  down,  and  about  one  third 
of  the  garrison  imprisoned,  which  consisted  of  said  commander,  a 
Lieutenant  Feltham,  a  conductor  of  artillery,  a  gunner,  two  ser- 
geants, and  forty-four  rank  and  file  ;  about  one  hundred  pieces  of 
cannon,  one  thirteen  inch  mortar,  and  a  number  of  swivels.     This 


12  ETHAN  ALLEN. 

surprise  was  carried  into  execution  in  the  grey  of  the  morning  of 
the  10th  of  May,  1775." 

The  prisoners  were  one  captain,  one  heutenant,  and  forty-eight 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  besides  non-combatants  ; 
they  were  sent  to  Hartford  for  safe  keeping.  One  hundred  and 
twenty  pieces  of  cannon,  with  mortars,  swivels,  small  arms  and 
stores,  were  made  prize  of. 

Seth  Warner,  who  led  the  second  division  of  Allen's  army,  was 
despatched  to  seize  Crown  Point,  which  he  effected,  the  place 
being  only  garrisoned  by  a  sergeant  and  eleven  men,  who  were 
taken  with  sixty  cannon,  and  of  course  some  small  arms  and 
stores. 

Arnold  again  attempted  to  take  command,  but  Allen  and  his 
men  resisted,  and  after  the  party  that  had  seized  Major  Skene  and 
the  vessels  at  Skenesborough  had  joined  the  main  force,  they  de- 
termined to  go  down  the  lake  and  make  an  attempt  upon  St. 
John's.  They  had  now  a  schooner  and  several  batteaux,  and 
Arnold,  who  was  accustomed  to  the  sea,  had  charge  of  the  larger 
vessel  ;  Allen  commanding  the  batteaux.  Arnold  arrived  first  at 
the  point  of  destination,  took  the  garrison  by  surprise,  (a  sergeant 
and  twelve  men,)  and  secured  them  with  a  sloop  of  seventy  tons, 
mounting  two  brass  six  pounders.  After  securing  the  stores 
and  destroying  such  things  as  he  could  not  bring  off,  the 
future  British  general  sailed  triumphantly  up  the  lake  and  met 
Allen  and  his  detachment,  who  could  only  join  in  triumph,  salutes 
and  congratulations.  Allen,  however,  was  determined  to  perse- 
vere, and  he  pushed  on  with  design  to  hold  possession  of  St. 
John's  :  with  this  intention,  he  landed  and  proceeded  about  a  mile, 
when  he  was  driven  back  to  his  boats  with  the  loss  of  three  of  his 
men  taken  prisoners. 

Allen  returned  to  Ticonderoga,  to  the  command  of  which  he 
was  commissioned  by  the  authorities  that  were  constituted  by  the 
people  of  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut.  Arnold  was  stationed 
at  Crown  Point  and  had  command  of  the  fleet. 

Allen  now  contemplated  the  conquest  of  Canada,  and  had  the 
merit  of  first  suggesting  what  was  soon  after  adopted  as  a  national 
measure.  Colonel  Hinman,  arriving  at  Ticonderoga  with  troops 
from  Connecticut,  the  command  of  the  place  was  yielded  to  him. 

General  Schuyler  made  use  of  Allen  as  a  missionary,  not  of 
religion,  but  policy,  among  the  Canadians  and  the  Indians  of  that 
country,  and  he  executed  his  mission  at  least  to  his  own  satisfac- 
tion, being  convinced  that  if  the  Americans  could  advance  in  force, 
the  people  of  the  country  would  join  them. 

When  General  Montgomery,  by  Schuyler's  illness,  was  obhged 
to  take  the  command  of  the  army  designed  for  Canada,  Allen  was 
sent  by  Schuyler  to  raise  a  force  of  Canadians,  and  succeeded  so 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  13 

far  as  to  have  250  men  under  arms  and  at  his  command  ;  with  these 
he  avowed  to  General  Montgomery  his  intention  of  joininp^  him  to 
assist  in  the  reduction  of  St.  Johns,  but  while  on  his  march  up  the 
St.  Lawrence,  having  arrived  opposite  Montreal,  he  was  induced 
either  by  the  persuasion  of  a  Major  Brown  who  met  him  there,  or 
by  his  own  vanitv  and  love  of  adventure,  to  undertake  the  capture 
of  Montreal  independently  of  Montgomery,  whose  orders  he  ought 
to  have  solicited  and  obeyed.  According  to  the  plan  digested  by 
Brown  and  Allen,  the  first  was  to  cross  above  and  the  second  be- 
low the  town  and  make  a  simultaneous  attack ;  Brown  had  200 
Americans  :  Allen  crossed  the  river  with  eighty  Canadians  and 
thirty  Americans,  in  canoes,  on  the  night  of  the  24th  of  Septem- 
ber, and  in  the  morning  looked  in  vain  for  Brown's  signal  for 
attack.  Finding  that  his  consort  had  failed,  Allen  would  willingly 
have  recrossed  the  St.  Lawrence,  but  it  was  too  late.  The  British 
in  the  town  had  notice  of  his  situation,  and  soon  poured  out  upon 
him  an  overwhelming  force  of  regular  troops,  Canadians  and  Li- 
dians  :  after  a  skirmish,  and  the  desertion  of  all  his  men  but 
thirty-eight,  Allen  agreed  to  surrender  upon  "  honourable  terms." 
They  were  marched  as  prisoners  into  the  town  they  had  captured 
in  anticipation,  and  Allen  was  received  by  General  Prescott,  the 
commanding  officer,  with  language  and  treatment  unworthy  of  any 
gentleman.  After  asking  Allen  if  he  was  the  man  who  took  Ti- 
conderoga,  and  being  answered  in  the  affirmative,  he  threatened 
his  prisoner  a  halter  at  Tyburn,  and  sent  him  in  irons  on  board  a 
vessel  of  war  to  be  transported  to  England. 

The  appointment  of  Benedict  Arnold  as  a  colonel  in  the  con- 
tmental  army,  and  the  choice  made  of  him  by  General  Washing- 
ton to  co-operate  in  the  attack  on  Quebec,  which  was  intended  to 
be  conducted  by  General  Schuyler,  makes  him  so  prominent  an 
object  that  we  must  look  back  upon  his  previous  history. 

He  was  the  son  of  Benedict  Arnold,  a  cooper  by  trade,  who 
emigrated  to  Norwich,  in  Connecticut,  from  Rhode  Island,  in  the 
year  1730,  and  having  accumulated  property,  engaged  in  the 
West  India  trade,  and  marrying,  became  in  process  of  time  the 
father  of  a  man  who  has  stamped  his  name  indelibly  on  the  pages 
of  our  history,  as  that  of  a  gallant  soldier  and  an  unprincipled 
traitor. 

Benedict  the  second,  was  born  at  Norwich,  on  the  3d  of  January, 
1740.  His  father,  then  in  successful  trade,  gave  him  as  good  an 
education  as  the  place  affi^rded  ;  and  his  father  dying  while  he 
was  yet  a  minor,  he  was  apprenticed  to  two  druggists.  Young 
Arnold  was  a  source  of  more  trouble  than  pleasure  or  profit.  He 
was  noted  for  acts  of  daring,  of  perfidy  and  cruelty,  as  far  as  such 
qualities  can  be  seen  in  boyhood.  Tired  of  exhibiting  his  propen- 
sities for  mischief  on  so  small  a  scale,  he,  at  the  age  of  sixteen 


14  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

years  of  age,  ran  away,  and  enlisted  for  a  soldier.  His  mother's 
distress  caused  an  application  for  his  discharge,  which  was  success- 
ful, but  charmed  with  companions  who  would  acknowledge  his 
superiority,  and  with  a  licence  suited  to  his  perverted  faculties,  he 
again  absconded  and  joined  the  troops  destined  for  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  wdiere  he  became  acquainted  with  the  scenes  of  his  future 
varied  adventures.  From  this  engagement  he  deserted,  and  fled 
back  to  Norwich — thus  his  first  act  of  treason  and  flight  from  the 
colours  he  had  engaged  to  fight  under,  was  against  George  II,  the 
grandfather  of  the  master  under  whose  standard  he  subsequently 
carried  fire  and  sword  into  his  native  country. 

He  was  received  and  protected  by  his  masters,  who  sheltered 
him  from  the  punishment  his  desertion  merited  ;  but  his  conduct 
was  a  continued  source  of  disgust  to  diein,  and  of  misery  to  his 
mother,  whose  days  were  probably  shortened,  as  well  as  embittered 
by  his  present  conduct  and  her  anticipations  of  the  future.  Happily 
she  could  not  imagine  the  amount  of  his  future  infamy. 

He,  however,  served  oui  his  time  and  commenced  business  as  a 
druggist  in  New  Haven.  The  slow  increase  of  property  could 
not  content  this  grasping  youth :  he  commenced  trading  to  the  West 
Indies,  and  from  a  port  long  noted  for  shipments  of  horses  and 
mules  to  that  market,  Arnold  carried  on  a  profitable  traffick,  oc- 
casionally visiting  Canada  in  the  way  of  trade,  and  occasionally 
making  voyages  to  the  West  India  Island  and  commanding  his 
own  vessels.  He  is  described  by  Mr,  Sparks,  as  "  turbulent, 
impetuous,  presuming,  and  unprincipled."  He  was  engaged  in 
quarrels  per])etually.  That  he  should  be  a  smuggler  followed  of 
course,  and  when  informed  against  by  a  sailor,  such  was  the  pub- 
lick  opinion  of  English  custom  house  regulations  and  acts  of  par- 
liament, taxing  the  colonial  trade,  that  Arnold  whh  impunity  in- 
flicted lashes  on  the  informer  at  the  publick  whipping  post,  and 
banished  him  f:om  New  Haven. 

Arnold's  bold,  not  to  say  audacious  character,  with  the  qualities 
which  maiked  him  as  a  leader  in  whatever  was  dangerous,  so  far 
outweighed  his  evil  qualities  and  bad  reputation  as  a  man  in  the 
eyes  of  the  military  portion  of  the  inhabitants  of  New  Haven,  that 
he  was  chosen  captain  of  one  of  the  independent  companies,  called 
the  Governour's  Guards  ;  and  when  the  stirring  news  of  the  battle 
of  Lexington  arrived.  Captain  xArnold  without  difliculty  called  out 
sixty  volunteers  from  the  guards  and  the  students  of  the  college, 
ready  to  march  for  the  scene  of  strife.  Arnold's  troops  had  fire 
arms  but  no  ammunidon,  and  a  refusal  was  returned  from  the  select 
men  to  his  demand  for  powder  and  ball.  Drawing  up  his  volun- 
teers in  battle  array,  the  captain  sent  word  that  if  the  keys  of  the 
magazine  were  not  delivered  to  him,  he  would  break  down  the 
doors  and  help  himself.     The  threat  produced  the  requisite  am- 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 


15 


munition,  and  Arnold  and  his  company  were  among  the   earliest 
of  the  gathering  at  Cambridge. 

Scarcely  had  he  arrived  before  Boston,  when  he  proposed  to 
the  Massachusetts  committee  of  safety,  an  expedition  for  the  sur- 
prise of  Ticonderoga,  a  place  well  known  to  him,  when  he,  as  a 
private  soldier  in  the  king's  service,  made  one  of  its  garrison.  His 
plan  was  seen  to  be  feasible,  and  he  was  on  the  3d  of  May,  com- 
missioned as  colonel  in  the  service  of  the  province  and  appointed 
to  command  400  men,  for  the  especial  purpose  proposed  by  him. 
Furnished  with  money,  ammunition,  and  authority  to  draw  on  the 
committee  for  the  costs  of  stores  and  provisions  for  his  troops, 
Colonel  Arnold  proceeded  to  Stockbridge  for  the  piu'pose  of  en- 
listing men,  when  to  his  great  chagrin  he  learned  that  men  from 
Connecticut,  had  already  gone  into  the  Hampshire  Grants  to  raise 
the  Green  Mountain  boys  for  the  same  point  of  attack.  Arnold 
appointed  officers  to  recruit  for  him,  but  with  his  usual  impetuosity 
pushed  on,  and  overtook  Ethan  Allen  and  his  organized  force  at 
Castleton  :  at  once  he  showed  his  commission  and  claimed  com- 
mand :  but  Ethan  was  a  match  for  Benedict  on  such  an  occasion, 
and  his  mountaineers  refused  to  follow  any  odier  than  tlieir  own 
chosen  leader.  Arnold  submitted  to  necessity  and  joined  the  ex- 
pedition as  a  volunteer.  I  have  already  given  the  result:  Arnold 
entered  the  fortress  side  by  side  with  the  conqueror :  but  the  post 
once  in  possession,  he  again  demanded  the  command.  Allen  was 
as  decided  in  denial  as  Arnold  could  be  in  requiring,  and  the 
Connecticut  committee  was  api)ealed  to,  who  immediately  appointed 
Colonel  Allen  commandant  of  the  conquered  post  and  its  de- 
pendencies. 

Arnold  again  with  an  ill-grace  submitted  ;  but  four  days  after 
the  surrender,  his  own  enlisted  followers  arrived  at  Ticonderoga 
by  the  way  of  Skenesborougli,  (now  Whitehall)  where  they  had 
captured  a  schooner  belonging  to  the  British  Major  Skene,  which 
brought  them  triumphantly  down  the  lake  :  with  this  schooner  and 
these  men,  Arnold  again  hud  a  command  and  on  an  element  fami- 
liar to  him  :  he  pushed  down  to  St.  John's,  surprised  the  garrison, 
a  sergeant  and  twelve  men,  captured  a  king's  sloop  and  four  bat- 
teaux,  which  loading  with  stores  from  the  fort,  he  carried  to  Ticon- 
deroga. In  this  he  anticipated  Allen,  whom  he  met  on  the  way 
to  St.  John's.  Crown  Point  had  fiillen  into  the  hands  of  Seth  War- 
ner, and  thus  Lake  Champlain  with  its  forts,  once  so  formidable 
and  fatal  to  well  appointed  British  armies,  fell  into  die  hands  of  a 
few  daring  undisci[)lined  Americans. 

The  English  took  possession  of  St.  John's  with  a  force  much 
greater  than  the  New  England  leaders  had  in  the  vicinity,  and  it  was 
rumoured  that  they  intended  to  come  up  the  lake.  Arnold,  who 
acted  independently  of  Allen,  and  considered  himself  as  the  naval 


16  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

commander,  prepared  his  flotilla  to  oppose  them.  Besides  a  nmn- 
ber  of  batteaux,  he  had  the  captured  schooner  and  sloop,  and  with  this 
force  he  took  post  at  Crown  Point.  With  part  of  the  artillery 
taken  in  the  forts  he  armed  his  vessels,  and  despatched  cannon  by 
the  way  of  Lake  George,  intended  for  the  army  at  Cambridge.* 

In  the  meantime,  doubts  respecting  Arnold's  conduct  in  mat- 
ters respecting  property,  very  naturally  arose  in  the  minds  of  those 
who  first  commissioned  him  as  a  colonel,  and  gave  a  command  of 
men  and  money,  and  moreover  his  former  reputation  might  well 
occasion  suspicions  as  to  his  prudence,  and  the  legislature  of  Mas- 
sachusetts sent  three  delegates  to  Lake  Champlain  to  inquire  into 
the  state  of  aiFairs.  They  were  instructed  to  inquire  into  his 
*'  spirit,  capacity,  and  conduct,"  and  authorized,  if  they  saw  fit,  to 
order  his  return  to  Massachusetts  to  give  an  account  of  the  money, 
ammunition,  and  stores,  intrusted  him.  Inquiries  of  this  nature 
troubled  Arnold  all  through  life  :  and  this  at  the  commencement 
of  his  heroick  carreer  greatly  irritated  him.  He  was  likewise 
superseded  in  command  ;  Colonel  Hinman  being  appointed  his 
superiour.  Truly  all  this  did  not  appear  a  suitable  return  for  the 
activity  and  ability  he  had  displayed,  and  Arnold  complained 
loudly  of  the  injustice  and  indignity  with  which  he  was  treated,  and 
in  conclusion  resigned  his  commission. 

Having  no  further  business  on  the  lake,  he  proceeded  to  Cam- 
bridge, loudly  complaining  of  the  treatment  he  had  received.  His 
accounts  were  allowed,  but  not  without  that  suspicion  which  seems 
lo  have  attended  him  in  every  period  of  his  life. 

The  mihtary  talents  Arnold  had  displayed,  his  intelligence,  spirit, 
activity,  and  perseverance,  recommended  him  to  General  Wash- 
ington as  a  leader  fit  for  the  arduous  enterprize  of  conducting  a 
force  through  the  eastern  wilderness  by  the  way  of  Kennebec  River 
to  Quebec,  a  task  justly  considered  to  be  of  a  most  arduous  nature, 
'and  requiring  a  man  of  tried  hardihood  and  undaunted  resolution. 
Such  a  man,  Washington  saw  in  Benedict  Arnold,  and  the  moral 
•deformities  of  his  character,  were  passed  over — he  was  a  tool  fitted 
for  the  work  to  be  done — and  the  commander-in-chief  commis- 
sioned him  as  a  colonel  in  the  army  of  the  continent,  furnished 
him  with  the  necessary  instructions,  and  put  under  his  command 
1,100  men,  and  several  officers,  who  subsequently  became  famous 
in  the  struggle  then  commencing.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Christo- 
pher Greene,  afterwards  the  hero  of  Red  Bank  ;  Lieutenant  Co- 
lonel Enos ;  Majors  Bigelow  and  Meigs  ;  Captain  Dearborn  and 
Oaptain  Daniel  Morgan  with  his  riflemen,  so  famously  conspicuous 


*  The  committee  at  Albany  forwarded  abundant  supplies  of  pork  and  flour  to 
4he  conquerors  of  the  lake. 


MONTGOMERY.  17 

in   every  action  from  Quebec  to  Monmouth,  and  at  a  later  period 
in  a  higher  command,  the  conqueror  of  Tarleton  at  the  Cowpens. 

These  troops  were  designed  to  co-operate  with  the  force  which 
invaded  Canada,  and  formed  a  junction  with  them  under  the  walls 
of  Quebec. 

In  surmounting  the  difficulties  of  the  arduous  march  through  the 
wilderness  to  Quebec,  and  in  every  action  attendant  upon  the  dis- 
astrous expedition  and  attack  upon  the  capital  of  Canada,  in  which 
Montgomery  fell,  Arnold  by  his  ardour  and  daring — by  his  cool 
intrepidity  and  endurance  of  hardship — by  his  resources  in  every 
difficult  emergency,  increased  his  military  reputation,  and  his  popu- 
larity with  all  the  friends  of  the  great  cause  he  so  conspicuously 
served.  I  leave  to  the  historian  of  the  United  States,  the  details 
of  the  Canada  expedition,  and  will  take  up  the  story  of  Benedict 
Arnold,  when  we  again  meet  him  on  the  territory  of  New  York. 

Richard  Montgomery  was  born  in  the  year  1736,  near  the  town 
of  Raphoe,  in  the  north  of  Ireland,  and  educated  at  the  college  of 
Dublin.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  entered  the  army,  and  was 
sent  to  Halifax  with  the  regiment  to  which  he  belonged  in  1757. 

In  1758,  he  served  under  Amherst  at  the  capture  of  Louisbourg, 
the  American  Gibraltar,  which  as  we  have  seen,  had  been  before 
taken  by  the  American  provincials  and  restored  to  France  by 
Great  Britain,  to  the  great  detriment  of  the  colonists. 

The  17th  regiment,  to  which  Montgomery  was  attached,  fol- 
lowed Amherst  to  Lake  Champlain,  and  introduced  him  to  the  fu- 
ture scenes  of  his  republican  military  service  under  his  friend 
Philip  Schuyler.  He  followed  the  triumphant  course  of  General 
Amherst  until  the  conquest  of  Canada  was  completed  in  1760.  In 
the  latter  year,  Montgomery  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain, 
and  as  such  followed  Monckton  from  Staten  Island  and  New  York 
to  Martinico,  the  surrender  of  which,  and  of  the  Havana,  was  soon 
followed  by  the  peace  of  February  10th,  1763. 

Returning  with  the  regiment  to  New  York,  he  remained  there, 
as  it  appears,  some  years,  and  then  went  to  England.  From  some 
disgust  to  the  service,  he  sold  his  commission  and  returned  to  New 
York  in  1773.  Having  purchased  an  estate  on  the  Hudson,  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  the  Livingston  family,  he  married  the  daugh- 
ter of  Robert  R.  Livingston,  and  thus  became  the  brother-in-law 
of  the  late  accomplished  chancellor. 

In  the  year  1775,  he  was  elected  by  the  county  of  Duchess,  to 
the  first  provincial  convention  held  in  New  York. 
1775  The  continental  congress,  probably  guided  by  the  ad- 

vice of  Washington,  as  in  the  choice  of  Charles  Lee  and 
Horatio  Gates,  appointed  Captain  Montgomery  one  of  the  first 
brigadier-generals  that  were  selected  for  their  army. 

Philip  Schuyler  who  at  the  same  time  was  selected  as  a  major- 

VOL.  II.  3 


18  MONTGOMERY. 

general,  was  appolnled  to  command  the  army  Intended  for  an  at- 
tempt upon  Canada,  by  the  way  of  Lake  Champlain,  while  ano- 
tiier  force  was  pushed  for  the  same  purpose  by  land  through 
the  wilderness  under  Arnold  ;  but  intended  for  Schuyler's  com- 
mand. 

Montgomery  repaired  to  Albany,  and  was  ordered  by  his  friend 
Schuyler,  to  Ticonderoga,  recently  seized  upon  by  Ethan  Allen. 

He  proceeded  with  a  small  body  of  troops  down  the  lake. 
Being  joined  by  his  friend  and  commander,  they  effected  a  landing 
near  St.  Johns,  and  proceeded  on  their  march  to  the  fort  on 
the  5th  of  September,  but  were  attacked  while  fording  a  creek, 
and  thrown  in  some  disorder  by  an  Indian  ambuscade.  The 
enemy  was  however  soon  dispersed  with  loss  to  themselves,  and 
principally  by  the  prompt  movement  of  the  command  immediately 
led  by  Montgomery. 

General  Schuyler  was  carried  back  to  Ticonderoga  in  a  state  of 
extreme. sickness  and  exhaustion,  yet  never  ceasing  to  forward 
the  men,  artillery  and  stores,  necessary  for  the  expedition.  On  re- 
ceiving a  reinforcement,  Montgomery  began  his  investment  of  St. 
Johns. 

After  establishing  an  entrenched  camp  of  300  men  in  a  position 
to  intercept  communication  between  St.  Johns,  Chamblee,  and  Mon- 
treal, he  opened  his  fire  of  artillery  upon  the  beseiged.  But  he 
experienced  all  the  difficulties  arising  from  incompetent  guns,  am- 
munition, and  artillerists — his  engineer  was  without  the  rudiments 
of  knowledge,  as  such — his  troops  were  undisciplined,  and  sunk 
under  the  effect  of  exposure  to  cold  and  wet,  fatigue  and  unwhol- 
some  water.  His  efforts  were  counteracted  by  the  insubordination 
of  his  officers  and  men.  The  conduct  of  Ethan  Allen  in  making 
an  attack  on  Montreal  without  orders  from  the  general,  and  with  a 
force  altogether  inadequate,  added  to  the  mortifications  of  Mont- 
gomery. 

The  capture  of  Allen  took  place  on  the  25th  of  September. 
Shortly  after,  Mr.  James  Livingston,  who  had  at  the  instance  of 
Montgomery,  succeeded  in  raising  a  corps  of  300  Canadians,  in 
conjunction  with  Major  Brown,  and  a  detachment  from  the  army, 
succeeded  in  capturing  Chamblee,  its  garrison  and  stores,  among 
which  was  the  very  acceptable  acquisition  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty-six  barrels  of  gunpowder. 

This  success  and  the  danger  of  the  post  of  St.  Johns,  rendered 
it  necessary  for  General  Carleton  the  English  commander  in  Ca- 
nada, to  quit  Montreal,  and  with  a  motley  army  of  Canadians, 
Scotch  emigrants,  Indians,  and  some  Enghsh  troops  of  the  regular 
force,  to  risk  a  field  movement  for  the  purpose  of  attacking  Mont- 
gomery. Me  Lean  of  the  British  army  was  encamped  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Sorel,  and  Carleton's  first  move  was  a  junction  with 


19 

liim.  This  Montgomery  foresaw,  and  gave  such  orders  to  Colonel 
Warner  as  placed  him  in  a  situation  at  Longuiel  to  oppose  the 
movement  of  Carleton,  who  crossing  the  St.  Lawrence,  was  received 
from  the  south  bank  by  a  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery,  which  had 
been  masked,  and  which  put  to  rout  the  whole  armament.  This 
success,  and  the  advance  of  a  further  American  force,  induced 
Mc  Lean  to  abandon  his  post  and  descend  the  St.  Lawrence. 

Carleton  giving  up  all  hope  of  saving  Montreal,  put  himself  on 
board  of  a  boat,  and  with  muffled  oars,  in  a  dark  night,  succeeded 
in  passing  the  American  posts  and  descended  the  river  in  safety. 

St.  Johns  surrendered  on  the  3d  of  November,  and  on  the 
13th  Montgomery  had  full  possession  of  Montreal,  eleven  sail  of 
English  vessels.  General  Prescott,  and  120  regular  troops  of  the 
seventh  and  twenty-sixth  regiments. 

On  the  4th  of  December,  Montgomery  effected  a  junction  with 
Arnold,  and  immediately  proceeded  to  Quebec.  In  this  fortress, 
under  the  command  of  a  veteran  soldier,  the  force  consisted  of  450 
seamen  and  marines  ;  50  privates  of  the  7th  regiment ;  150  of  Mc 
Lean's  corps,  and  250  Canadian  militia.  To  invest  the  place  with 
his  miserable  shadow  of  an  army,  less  in  number  than  the  garrison, 
w^as  out  of  the  question  with  the  commander  of  the  Americans, 
and  the  inclemency  of  winter  in  Canada  equally  forbade  it.  Es- 
calade w^as  determined  on.  After  the  ceremony  of  surrender  and 
some  preparation,  the  attempt  was  made  as  detailed  in  many  of 
our  histories,  and  the  gallant  IMontgomery  fell.  The  Lieutenant 
Governour  Cramahe,  requested  that  the  body  of  the  fallen  general 
might  be  buried  within  the  walls,  and  Carleton  granted  the  request. 
It  was  subsequently  removed  to  the  city  of  New  York,  and  depo- 
sited many  years  after  his  death,  with  all  military  honours,  under 
the  monument  voted  by  congress  and  erected  to  his  memory  in 
St.  Paul's  chapel.* 

The  following  extractst  from  unpublished  letters  of  Montgomery, 
written  during  the  last  and  most  eventful  period  of  his  life,  to  his 
friend  Schuyler,  whom  he  constantly  addresses  in  the  most  respect- 
ful and  affectionate  terms,  cannot  but  be  read  with  interest. 

Tico?iJeroga,  August  18,  J 775.  —  "The  troops  destined  for 
the  generous  effort  to  relieve  our  brethren  of  Canada,  will  in  all 
probability  be  at  St.  Johns  in  fourteen  days." 

Ticojideroga,  Avgust  25. — "  I  hope  you  will  join  us  with  all 
expedition.  Let  me  intreat  you  (if  you  can  possibly)  to  follow  in 
a  whale  boat,  leaving  somebody  to  bring  forward  the  troops  and 


*  As  to  the  lives  of  Allen  and  Montgomery,  see  Sparks's  American  Bioeraphv 
Vol.  I.— of  Arnold— Sparks,  Vol.  3.  &    i    /' 

t  For  these  I  am  indebted  to  my  highly  esteemed  friend,  Ex-chancellor  Kent. 


20  Montgomery's  letters. 

artillery.  It  will  give  the  men  great  confidence  in  your  spirit  and 
activity.  Be  assured  I  have  your  honour  and  reputation  highly  at 
heart,  as  of  the  greatest  consequence  to  the  pubhc  service  ;  that 
all  my  ambition  is  to  do  my  duty  in  a  subordinate  capacity,  without 
the  least  ungenerous  intention  of  lessehing  the  merit  so  justly  your 
due,  which  I  omit  no  opportunity  of  setting  in  its  fullest  light." 

Camp,  near  Su  Johns,  Sept.  19,  1775. — "  We  arrived  here  on 
the  17th,  in  the  evening.  I  have  great  dependence  on  your  pres- 
ence to  administer  to  our  many  wants.  Major  Brown  was  driven 
off  yesterday  morning  by  a  party  of  British  when  he  landed  on  the 
left  side  of  the  lake." 

Camp,  south  side  St.  Johns,  Sept.  24. — '*  I  can  say  nothing 
pleasing  as  to  my  troops.  The  other  night  Captain  Mott  basely 
deserted  the  mortar  battery  without  being  attacked,  though  he 
made  me  a  report  that  the  enemy  had  rushed  on  him.  I  expect  to 
set  our  mortars  to  work  to  night.  If  successful  I  shall  endeavour 
to  have  deputies  sent  from  Canada  to  the  congress,  giving  them 
assurances  that  before  an  accommodation  takes  place,  Canada  must 
have  a  free  government,  and  that  the  congress  will  as  soon  give  up 
the  Massachusetts  government  to  the  resentment  of  the  ministry 
as  relinquish  this  point. 

I  should  like  to  have  three  enlightened  members  of  congress  as 
a  council,  immediately,  lest  I  should  make  ^fatix  pas. 

Should  Arnold  come  in  my  neighbourhood,  has  he  orders  to 
put  himself  under  my  command  ?  You  know  his  ambition,  and  I 
need  not  point  out  the  bad  consequences  of  a  separate  command." 

Camp,  near  St.  Johns,  Sept.  25. — "  Colonel  Allen  passed  the  St. 
Lawrence  below  St.  Johns  with  twenty  of  ours  and  fifty  Canadians. 
He  was  attacked  from  the  garrison  and  taken  prisoner,  and  two  or 
three  of  his  men  killed.  I  lament  that  his  imprudence  and  ambi- 
tion urged  him  to  this  affair  singlehanded." 

Same  date. — "  We  have  opened  a  battery  of  two  twelve  pounders 
upon  the  ship  yards  and  schooner.  I  want  men  and  ammunition  ; 
the  weather  is  bad,  and  the  ground  encamped  on,  swampy.  We 
are  scanty  in  pork  and  flour.  I  have  sent  back  ten  boats  with  the 
naked  and  lazy." 

Camp,  south  side  St.  Johns,  Oct.  6. — "  Your  diligence  and  fore- 
sight have  saved  us  from  the  difficulties  that  threatened  us,  and  we 
are  no  longer  afraid  of  starving.  I  am  waiting  with  impatience  for 
the  arrival  of  troops. 

We  have  a  post  at  La  Prairie,  and  a  conference  by  Major  Brown, 
and  some  of  our  officers,  with  the  principal  inhabitants  of  Mon- 
treal, at  La  Prairie  to-morrow.  I  am  too  feeble  in  men.  The 
weather  has  been  miserable.  If  I  could  send  500  men  to  Montreal 
it  would  declare  for  us. 

Our  army  shows  a  great  want  of  military  spirit.     They  petition 


LETTERS.  21 

for  the  release  of  the  base  coward  Captain  Mott.  Oui  sensible 
officers  swallow  every  old  woman's  story  that  is  dropped  into  their 
mouths.     General  Carleton  is  still  at  Montreal." 

Camf,  south  side  St.Mms,  Oct.  9th. — "  There  has  been  shock- 
ing embezzlement  of  the  public  stores  and  monies.  Pray  send 
me  Yorkers,  they  dont  melt  away  half  so  fast  as  their  Eastern 
neighbours.  We  want  iron,  steel,  ammunition,  a  ten  inch  mortar. 
Your  residence  at  Ticonderoga  has  probably  enabled  us  to  keep 
our  ground.  How  much  do  the  public  owe  you  for  your  attention 
and  activity  .^" 

Camp,  near  St.  Johns,  Oct.  ISth. — '*  A  general  dissatisfaction 
prevails  in  the  army,  and  that  unless  something  is  done  in  a  few 
days,  I  am  told  there  will  be  a  mutiny.  It  seems  I  am  at  the  head 
of  troops  w^ho  carry  the  spirit  of  freedom  into  the  field  and  think 
for  themselves.  Owing  to  the  w^ant  of  subordination  and  discipline, 
I  thought  it  expedient  to  call  a  council  of  the  field  officers.  The 
result  has  deprived  me  of  all  hopes  of  success.  The  troops  at 
the  post  of  La  Prairie  have  show^n  great  intimidation,  and  I  have 
had  great  difficulty  in  keeping  them  there.  The  friendly  Canadians 
grow  exceedingly  uneasy  at  their  situation  should  w^e  not  succeed. 

You  will  see  the  propriety  of  putting  Ticonderoga  in  a  state  of 
defence  against  a  winter  coup-de-main,  by  a  stockade,  and  by 
having  a  post  at  Crown  Point.  The  vessels  to  be  placed  in 
stockade  also :  preparations  for  a  naval  armament  in  the  spring." 

Camp,  near  St.  Johns,  Oct.  20th. — "  Chamblee  surrendered  to 
Major  Brown  and  Mr.  Livingston.  The  latter  headed  300  Cana- 
dians. He  had  not  above  500  of  our  troops.  It  was  a  plan  of 
the  Canadians,  who  carried  down  the  artillery  past  the  fort  of  St. 
Johns  in  batteaux.  We  have  got  six  tons  of  powder,  which  with 
the  blessing  of  God,  will  finish  our  business  here.  I  have  found 
Major  Brown  on  all  occasions  active  and  intelligent.  We  have 
sunk  the  enemy's  schooner ;  our  troops  are   now  in  high  spirits. 

The  quantity  of  w^oraen  and  baggage  taken  at  Chamblee  is  aston- 
ishing. The  officers  of  the  7th  regiment  taken  at  Chamblee  are 
genteel  men.  I  have  had  great  pleasure  in  showing  them  all  the 
attention  in  my  power.     I  have  not  in  my  camp  above  750  men." 

Camp,  near  St.  Johns,  Oct.  26th. — "  In  a  few  days  I  hope  to  have 
a  battery  to  the  north  side,  of  three  twelve,  and  one  nine  pounders, 
upon  a  dry  piece  of  ground  to  the  north  w^est." 

St.  Johi's,  October  31. — "  I  must  earnestly  request  to  be  suf- 
fered to  retire  should  matters  stand  on  such  a  footing  this  winter 
as  to  permit  me  to  go  off  with  honour.  I  have  not  talents  nor 
temper  for  such  a  command.  1  am  under  the  disagreeable  neces- 
sity of  acting  eternally  out  of  character — to  wheedle,  flatter  and 
lie.     I  stand  in  a  constrained  attitude.     I  will  bear  with  it  for  a 


22 

short  time,  but  I  cannot  bear  it  long.  Mr.  Wooster  has  behaved 
hitherto  much  to  my  satisfaction." 

Camp,  near  St.  Johri'Si  November  3^.— "  The  garrison  surrender- 
ed last  night,  and  this  morning  we  take  possession.  We  played 
on  the  fort  from  our  battery  of  four  twelve  pounders  on  the  north 
west,  and  of  two  twelve  pounders  on  the  east  side.  Major  Preston 
commanded.  Governour  Carleton  made  an  attempt  to  land  with 
thirty-four  boats  full  of  men  at  Longuiel,  and  was  repulsed  with 
Warner's  detachment :  send  all  the  troops  you  can." 

Montreal^  November  VSth. — "  This  morning  this  ci^y  capitulated, 
and  Carleton  with  his  garrison  has  gone  down  to  Quebec."  [He 
talks  of  finishing  the  business  at  once  by  a  vigorous  attack  on 
Quebec]  "  If  your  health  will  not  permit  you  to  engage  in  this 
affair,  Lee  ought  by  all  means  to  have  the  command  here.  The 
troops  are  exceedingly  turbulent,  and  indeed  mutinous.  My  vex- 
ation and  distress  can  only  be  alleviated  by  reflecting  on  the  great 
public  adv^antages  which  must  arise  from  my  unparalleled  good 
fortune.  I  shall  call  a  convention  in  Canada  when  my  intended 
expedition  is  finished.  Will  not  your  health  permit  you  to  reside 
at  Montreal  this  winter  ^  I  must  go  home  this  winter — I  am  weary 
of  power,  and  totally  want  that  patience  and  temper  so  requisite 
for  such  a  command.  I  wish  some  method  could  be  fallen  upon 
of  engaging  gentlemen  to  serve  :  a  point  of  honour  and  more  know- 
ledge of  .the  world  to  be  found  m  that  class  of  men,  would  greatly 
reform  discipline  and  render  the  troops  much  more  tractable.  The 
officers  of  the  1st  regiment  of  Yorkers  were  very  near  a  mutiny 
the  other  day,  because  I  would  not  stop  the  clothing  of  the  garrison 
of  St.  Johns.  I  would  not  have  sullied  my  own  reputation,  nor 
disgraced  the  continental  army,  by  such  a  breach  of  capitulation, 
for  the  universe.  There  w^as  no  driving  it  into  their  noddles  that 
the  clothing  was  really  the  property  of  the  soldier,  that  he  had  paid 
for  it." 

Montreal,  November  11th, — **  Colonel  Easton  has  six  guns 
mounted  at  the  Sorrel,  and  disturbs  Carleton's  eleven  sail  in  the 
river.  I  am  making  preparations  to  attack  him  on  my  side  with 
artillery.  I  hope  to  give  a  final  blow  to  ministerial  politics  in  this 
province.  I  cannot  retire  with  honour  until  the  campaign  is  fin- 
ished, but  that  instant  it  is  over  I  must  retire." 

Montreal,  November  l^th. — "  I  have  an  express  from  General 
Arnold — he  has  crossed  the  river  to  the  Quebec  side — he  had 
been  near  surprising  the  town.  Carleton  is  fifteen  miles  this  side 
Sorrel.  I  presume  he  is  wdth  that  fleet.  Arnold  has  no  artillery, 
and  is  in  w^ant  of  warm  clothing.  I  have  set  a  regiment  on  foot  of 
Canadians — James  Livingston,  colonel.  I  have  declared  to  the 
inhabitants  that  I  should  call  a  convention  upon  my  return  from 
Quebec.    The  Popish  priests  have  hitherto  done  us  all  the  mischief 


Montgomery's  letters.  23 

in  their  power.  The  inhabitants  are  our  friends  on  both  sides  of 
the  river  down  to  Quebec.  They  permit  our  expresses  to  pass 
unmolested." 

MoiilrcaU  November  20th. — "  Captain  Lamb  of  the  artillery  is 
active,  spirited  and  industrious.  The  rascally  Green  Mountain 
Boys  have  left  me  in  the  lurch,  after  promisiniij  to  go  down  to 
Quebec.  I  am  obliged  to  speak  to  you  of  Colonel  Easton  in  the 
warmest  terms  of  acknowledgment." 

MontreaU  November  24,th. — "  I  am  ashamed  of  staying  here  so 
long  and  not  getting  to  Arnold's  assistance.  To-morrow  I  shall 
sail  with  two  or  three  hundred  men,  some  mortars  and  other  ar- 
tillery. Lieutenant  Halsey,  whom  I  left  as  assistant  engineer  at 
St.  Johns,  has  run  away  and  taken  the  artificers  1  had  left  to  carry 
on  the  works  ;  he  deserves  the  severest  punishment.  Poor  Allen 
is  sent  to  England  in  irons.  I  wish  Lee  could  set  off  immediately 
for  the  command  here.  Our  commissaries  have  made  great  havoc 
with  the  public  stores.  There  are  great  abuses  to  be  rectified. 
Several  commissaries  and  other  officers  have  flown  without  settling 
their  accounts.  I  wish  exceedingly  for  a  respectable  committee  of 
congress.  I  really  have  not  weight  enough  to  carry  on  business 
by  myself.  I  have  not  above  800  effectives  here  ;  but  I  can  have 
as  many  Canadians  as  I  know  how  to  maintain. 

An  affair  hapened  yesterday  which  had  very  near  sent  me  home. 
A  number  of  officers  presumed  to  remonstrate  against  the  indul- 
gence I  had  given  some  of  the  officers  of  the  king's  troops.  Such 
an  insult  I  could  not  bear  and  immediately  resigned.  To-day 
they  qualified  it  by  such  an  apology  as  puts  it  in  my  power  to  re- 
sume the  command.  Captain  Lamb  is  a  restless  genius,  and  of  a 
bad  temper,  and  at  the  head  of  it :  he  is  brave,  active  and  intelli- 
gent, but  very  turbulent  and  troublesome." 

Holland  House,  near  the  Heights  of  Abraham,  Dec.  5t?i. — "  I 
have  joined  Colonel  Arnold  at  Point  aux  Trembles,  where  I  ar- 
rived with  the  vessels.  They  carried  300  troops  equipped  for  a 
winter  campaign.  Colonel  Livingston  is  on  the  way  with  a  part 
of  his  regiment  of  Canadians.  Mr.  Carleton  is  shut  up  in  the 
town  with  a  shew  of  defence.  I  mean  to  assault  his  works  towards 
the  lower  town,  which  is  the  weakest  part.  I  shall  be  very  sorry 
to  be  reduced  to  this  mode  of  attack,  because  I  know  the  melan- 
choly consequences. 

Colonel  Arnold's  corps  is  an  exceeding  fine  one,  and  have  a 
superiour  style  of  discipline.  I  am  not  intoxicated  with  the  favour 
I  have  received  at  the  hands  of  fortune,  but  I  do  think  there  is  a 
fair  prospect  of  success.  I  have  been  under  the  necessity  of 
clothing  the  troops.  As  a  stimulant  to  the  troops  to  go  forward, 
I  was  obliged  to  offer  as  a  reward  all  public  stores  taken  in  the 
vessels,  to  the  troops,  except  ammunition  and  provisions.     I  gave 


24 

them  the  year's  clothing  of  the  seventh  and  twenty-sixth  regiments. 
I  would  not  wish  to  see  less  than  10,000  men  ordered  here  in  the 
spring  to  protect  the  province,  with  artillery,  row-galHes,  etc. 
The  Canadians  will  be  our  friends  so  long  as  we  are  able  to  main- 
tain our  ground.  I  am  much  obliged  vto  you  for  communicating  to 
congress  my  desire  of  retiring.  I  wish  like  a  New  England  man 
for  the  moment  of  my  release.  Mc  Pherson  is  a  young  man  (Cap- 
tain) of  good  sense  and  a  great  deal  of  spirit,  and  most  amiable." 

Head  Quarters,  before  Quebec,  Dec.  16th. — "  Yesterday  we 
opened  a  battery  of  five  guns ;  very  little  effect :  the  gcvernour  would 
not  receive  any  letter  or  summons.  The  enemy  have  very  heavy 
metal.  I  never  expected  any  advantage  from  our  artillery  than  to 
amuse  the  enemy  and  blind  them  to  my  real  intention.  I  propose 
the  first  strong  north  wester  to  make  two  attacks  by  night — one  with 
about  one-third  of  the  troops  on  the  lower  town — the  other  upon 
Cape  Diamond  bastion  by  escalade.  I  am  fully  convinced  of  the 
practicability  ;  but  if  the  men  should  appear  not  to  relish  this  mode 
of  proceeding,  I  shall  not  press  it.  The  enemy  are  weak  in  pro- 
portion to  the  extent  of  their  works.  We  have  not  much  above 
800  men  fit  for  duty,  exclusive  of  a  few  raggamuffin  Canadians. 
We  want  cash,  and  shirts  and  artillery  stores.  The  Canadians 
will  not  relish  a  union  with  the  colonies  till  they  see  the  whole 
country  in  our  hands.  Were  it  not  for  this  I  should  have  been 
inclined  to  a  blockade  till  towards  the  first  of  April." 

Head  Quarters,  before  Quebec,  Dec.  26th. — "  I  have  discovered 
that  three  companies  of  Colonel  Arnold's  detachment  are  very 
averse  to  a  coup-de-main.  Captain  Hanchel,  who  has  incurred 
Colonel  Arnold's  displeasure,  is  at  the  bottom  of  it :  a  field  officer 
is  concerned  in  it.  This  dangerous  party  threatens  the  ruin  of  our 
affairs.  I  shall  at  any  rate  be  obliged  to  change  my  plan  of  attack. 
I  am  afraid  my  friend  INIajor  Brown  is  deeply  concerned  in  this 
affair  :  he  wishes  to  have,  and  they  wish  him  to  have,  the  separate 
command  of  those  companies.  The  officers  have  offered  to  stay, 
provided  they  may  join  some  other  corps.  This  is  resentment 
against  Arnold. 

Send  a  large  corps  of  troops  down  as  soon  as  the  lake  is  passa- 
ble. I  am  distressed  for  money.  Paper  will  not  pass  in  Canada. 
Mr.  Price,  of  Montreal,  has  been  a  most  faithful  and  valuable 
friend  to  our  cause.  I  have  had  .£5000  York  currency  cash  from 
him.  I  take  it  for  granted  measures  are  taken  to  supply  my  place, 
as  I  am  determined  to  return  home.  If  this  business  should  ter- 
minate in  a  blockade,  I  shall  think  myself  at  liberty  to  return  ; 
however,  if  j)ossible,  I  shall  first  make  an  effort  for  the  reduction  oj 
the  town.^^ 


THE  JOHNSONS. 


25 


CHAPTER  11. 

The  Johisons^^Brant  ^—  Schuyler'' s  Expedition  to  Johnstown—^ 
The  state  of  the  valley  of  the  MohawJc, 

1774  Sir  William  Johnson  had  filled  offices  and  performed 
actions  in  the  province  of  New  York  of  too  much  import- 
ance to  permit  the  historian  to  pass  over  his  death  unnoticed.  He 
had  made  a  voyage  to  England,  in  1773,  and  returned  prepared 
to  take  part  in  the  struggle  which  was  anticipated  between  the 
ruling  country  and  her  provinces.  He  had  assembled  his  Indian 
friends,  and  prepared  the  Iroquois  to  raise  the  tomahawk  against 
the  colonists  :  but,  on  the  24th  of  June,  he  died  of  apoplexy,  at 
his  house  near  Johnstown.  His  son  John  succeeded  to  his  estate 
and  tide.  His  efforts  against  the  American  cause  will  be  found  in 
the  sequel.  The  friend  of  Brant,  without  some  of  his  good  quali- 
ties, they  were  both  scourges  and  dealers  in  mischief  to  the  western 
and  northern  part  of  this  state,  even  before  she  took  that  proud 
tide.  Guy  Johnson,  the  son-in-law  of  Sir  William,  succeeded  him 
as  English  agent  for  Indian  affairs  :  Brant  was  advanced  to  the 
office  of  secretary  ;  these  with  Miss  Molly — Brant's  sister,  and  the 
baronet  Sir  WiUiam's  concubine- — added  to  the  hereditary  noble, 
Sir  John,  moved  every  engine,  and  exerted  all  their  power  to  op- 
pose the  spirit  of  liberty  which  Was  aroused  in  the  east  and  spread 
Its  benign  influence  even  to  the  valley  of  the  Mohawk.  Hendrick 
and  John  Frey,  Christopher  P.  Yates  and  Isaac  Ferris,  names  un- 
known to  the  officials  of  Britain,  fanned  the  flame  of  freedom  ; 
and,  in  the  face  of  the  Johnsons  and  Miss  Molly,  published  a  de* 
claration  of  rights  and  echoed  the  voice  of  the  patriots  of  the  city 
of  New  York. 

The  Butlers,  John   and  his  son  Walter  N.,  (famous  for  their 
murders  subsequently,  in  connection  with  Brant  and  his  Indians,) 
Were  early  coadjutors  with  the  Johnsons,  in  opposition  to  the  colo- 
nists.    They  were  all  bound  to  England  by  offices,  and  by  the 
belief  that  she  was  the  stronger  party  in  the  contest. 

1775  The  tories  of  Tryon  county  assembled  at  Johnstown,  at 
the  time  of  holding  court,  and  procured  the  signatures  of 

many  to  an  address,  in  opposition  to  that  of  the  congress.  The 
county  named  after  Tryon,  embraced  all  the  settlements  west  and 
and  south  west  of  Schenectady.     This  efibrt  of  the  tories  aroused 

VOL.  II.  4 


20  GUY  JOHNSON. 

the  friends  of  reform  ;  and  meetings  were  called,  and  committees 
appointed  in  every  district.  At  Caughnawaga  they  proceeded  to 
the  erection  of  a  liberty  pole ;  but  the  Johnsons,  with  other  offi- 
cials, attended  by  their  associates,  tenants,  and  followers,  armed, 
made  their  appearance,  to  oppose  this^  demonstration.  Guy  har- 
rangued  the  multitude,  and  told  them  of  the  irresistible  power  of 
Britain,  her  justice,  and  the  insolence  of  her  opponents.  The 
whigs  interrupted  his  oratory,  and  a  scuffle  and  bloodshed  by 
bruises  ensued,  principally  endured  by  the  liberty  boys.  In  Cherry 
Valley  the  whigs  held  their  meeting  at  the  church,  in  the  month  of 
May,  and,  with  enthusiasm,  signed  an  address,  approving  the  pro- 
ceedings of  Congress.  But  in  the  Palatine  district  the  Johnsons 
overawed  the  people  by  show  of  force,  and  prevented  their  assem- 
bling. Sir  John  fortified  his  house,  armed  the  Highlanders  of 
Johnstown,  and  with  his  family  and  the  Butlers,  prepared  the  In- 
dians to  act  against  the  colonies.  Brant  was  secretary  to  Colonel 
Guy,  and  an  influential  agent  with  the  Mohawks.  The  Oneidas, 
influenced  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kirkland,  espoused  the  American  part, 
and  Brant  was  active  in  opposition  to  him.  Guy,  in  the  name  of 
the  British  government,  ordered  away  the  missionary. 

In  June,  Gen.  Washington  wrote  to  Schuyler  to  keep  a  watch- 
ful eye  upon  Guy  Johnson,  which  that  patriot  was  already  disposed 
to  do  ;  and  Colonel  Guy  was  in  an  uneasy  position,  which  he  en- 
deavoured to  mitigate  by  addressing  a  letter  to  the  people  of  Cana- 
joharie  and  others,  professing  his  desire  to  keep  the  Indians  quiet, 
hinting  dangers  to  himself  from  the  New  England  people,  and  the 
vengeance  of  the  Iroquois  upon  those  who  injured  their  agent — 
himself. 

The  committee,  however,  denounced  Johnson,  as  taking  upon 
himself  unauthorised  powers,  arming  those  around  hini,  stirring  up 
the  Indians  of  the  upper  country,  and  cutting  off  communication 
between  the  districts  favourable  to  Congress  with  the  city  of  Albany. 
The  Albany  committee  advised  the  people  thus  oppressed  by 
Johnson,  to  procure  arms  and  ammunition,  act  on  the  defensive, 
and  counteract  Johnson's  intrigues  with  the  Indians.  These  fron- 
tier whigs  showed  a  determined  spirit ;  at  the  same  time  they  acted 
with  praiseworthy  caution. 

Guy  Johnson  likewise  addressed  the  people  of  Albany  and 
Schenectady  by  letter,  of  a  tenor  similar  to  that  sent  to  the  people 
of  the  Mohawk  valley.  The  leaders  at  Albany  replied,  that  the 
report  of  danger  threatened  to  the  colonel,  was  an  artful  rumour 
raised  to  enlist  the  feeling  of  the  Indians  on  his  part,  and  against 
the  colonists.  They  assured  them,  however,  of  their  wish  to 
preserve  peace  and  friendship  with  them,  and  the  tribes  in  his 
charge. 

The  seat  of  Colonel  Johnson,  was  called  Guy  Park,  and  the 


INTRIGUES  AND  NEGOTIATIONS  WITH  THE  INDIANS.      27 

Stone  house  on  the  bank  of  the  Mohawk,  yet  indicates  the  sub- 
stantial splendour  of  the  agent  who  guided  the  Iroquois  for  the  bene- 
fit of  Britain.  At  this  place  Johnson  held  a  council  of  Mohawks, 
for  the  purpose  of  making  know^n  the  intention  of  supporthig  and 
protecting  Johnstown.  He  had  invited  the  other  tribes,  but  they 
did  not  appear.  He  called  a  second  council  to  remedy  this 
deficiency,  and  appeared  with  his  followers  at  the  German  Flats. 

On  the  2d  of  June,  a  full  meeting  of  the  Tryon  county  com- 
mittee met,  in  despite  of  the  efforts  of  the  Johnsons  and  Butlers. 
They  echoed  the  sentiments  of  the  people  of  the  colonies  gene- 
rally, who  pledged  themseves  to  defend  the  liberty  of  their  coun- 
try. They  addressed  the  Indian  agent  ;  rebutted  the  charges 
brought  against  them  ;  they  called  upon  him  to  keep  the  Indians 
from  interfering  in  the  quarrel  between  the  colonies  and  England ; 
they  asserted  their  right  to  meet,  and  reprobate  his  interference.  The 
colonel  answ^ered  their  address.  He  treated  their  fears  of  the  In- 
dians as  only  propagated  for  bad  purposes  :  his  pohtical  opinion 
he  avows,  and  his  belief  that  the  king  of  England  w^ould  rectify  all 
just  complaints  :  he  considers  his  frequent  meetings  with  the  In- 
dians beneficial  to  the  country ;  and  charges  the  whigs  with  inter- 
cepting the  gifts  to  the  Indians. — He  acknowledges  that  he  had 
fortified  his  house,  and  considers  the  reports  as  true,  which  induced 
him  so  to  do,  he  being  threatened  with  captivity,  which  if  accom- 
plished, would  have  raised  the  ire  of  the  Iroquois,  and  of  course 
their  vengeance.  He  assures  the  people,  that  they  have  nothing 
to  fear  from  him  ;  but  that  he  washes  to  promote  their  true 
interest. 

At  the  German  Flats  no  council  of  Indians  took  place,  and  John- 
son with  his  companions  proceeded  to  Fort  Stanwix,  w^hich  still  fur- 
ther excited  the  apprehensions  of  the  colonists,  who  saw^  him 
moving  up  the  Indian  country  attended  by  his  family,  his  depen- 
dants, and  a  body  of  the  Mohawks.  These  apprehensions  were 
entertained  by  the  provincial  congress  of  Massachusetts,  who  laid 
them  before  the  provincial "  congress  of  New  York,  and  the  conti- 
nental congress.  It  was  believed  that  the  Indian  agent  persuaded 
the  Iroquois  that  the  colonists  intended  to  extirpate  them,  and  by 
that  means  attached  them  to  England  as  a  protectress. 

The  friends  of  liberty  and  the  people,  made  eftbrts  on  their  part 
to  counteract  the  schemes  of  the  Johnsons  :  and  the  Oneidas,  and 
Tuscaroras,  met  deputies  from  Tryon  county  and  Albany,  on  the 
28th  of  June,  at  the  German  Flats,  and  a  pledge  of  neutrality  w^as 
obtained  from  those  tribes. 

In  the  meantime,  Guy  Johnson  proceeded  from  Fort  Stanwix  to 
Ontario,  not  without  experiencing  some  tokens  of  the  jealousy  of 
the  whig  inhabitants  of  the  valley  of  the  Mohawk,  who  seized  some 
supplies  on  their  way  to  his  troops.     From  Ontario  he  informed 


28        INTRIGUES  AND  NEGOTIATIONS  WITH  THE  INDIANS. 

the  committee  at  Albany,  that  he  was  finishing  his  business  with 
the  Indians,  having  1,340  warriours*  with  him.  That  he  disclaimed 
the  orders  of  congresses  and  committees,  as  not  consistant  with  his 
loyalty — again  threatens  the  vengeance  of  the  Indians  if  he  is  injured ; 
and  professes  too  much  humanity  to  promote  the  destruction  of  the 
colonists. 

Guy  Johnson  was  accompanied  into  Canada  by  the  two  Butlers 
and  Brant.  The  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras  remained  at  home  :  as  did 
Sir  John  Johnson,  who  had  as  stated,  fortified  his  house  at  Johnstown, 
and  was  a  brigadier-general  under  the  king,  and  had  at  his  com- 
mand a  great  number  of  armed  followers.  Colonel  Herkimer 
wrote  to  Albany  for  succours,  as  he  expected  Guy  and  his  Indians 
would  return  and  carry  desolation  through  the  valley,  aided  by  Sir 
John.  Guy  held  another  council  with  the  Indians  at  Oswego,  and 
still  further  set  them  against  the  colonists.  He  thence  joined  Carle- 
ton  and  Haldimand  in  Canada.  Carleton,  the  comnr.anding  officer, 
proposed  to  the  Indians  to  enter  the  king's  service.  At  Montreal, 
Haldimand  addressed  the  confederated  Indians,  and  engaged  them 
to  serve  against  the  Americans. 

In  1775,  congress  appointed  commissioners  with  instructions  to 
endeavour  to  keep  the  Iroquois  and  their  allies,  in  a  state  of  neutrality  : 
Philip  Schuyler  was  one  of  these.  In  August,  two  of  the  commis- 
sioners assembled  as  many  as  they  could,  at  the  German  Flats  for 
this  purpose,  and  proposed  a  more  full  council  at  Albany.  The 
chiefs  of  the  Iroquois  present,  agreed  to  meet  at  Albany,  but  de- 
chned  sending  to  their  allies  or  to  the  Caughnawagas  :  among  the 
the  latter  they  said,  Guy  Johnson  was  present,  and  carried  them 
in  an  opposite  course.  The  Iroquois  hkewise  required  assurance 
of  safety  in  coming  to  Albany,  which  was  given  them  ;  and  on 
the  23d  of  August,  the  chiefs  assembled  at  Albany,  and  the  magis- 
trates joined  with  the  commissioners  in  a  formal  visit  to  them  at 
their  quarters,  in  which  visit  the  Albanians  called  themselves  the 
descendants  of  Quidder,  or  Peter  Schuyler,  by  way  of  claiming 
friendship  with  the  Iroquois. 

Previous  to  a  council  with  the  commissioners,  the  Indians  wished 
to  have  a  talk  v/ith  the  magistrates,  and  head  men  of  Albany,  and 
accordingly  a  committee  consisting  of  Walter  Livingston,  Jeremiah 
Van  Rensselaer,  and  Samuel  Stringer,  was  appointed  to  make 
arrangements,  and  the  meeting  took  place  in  the  evening.  The 
Oneidas  professed  their  pacifick  disposition,  and  said,  Guy  John- 


*  According  to  Mr.  Stone,  the  historian  of  Brant,  Sir  William  Johnson  made  the 
number  of  Mohawk  warriours  160:  Oneidas  250:  Tuscaroras  140:  Onondagas 
150:  Cayugas200;  Senecas  1,050.  Total  1950.  And  during  the  American  re- 
volution, the  English  had  in  their  service  300  Mohawks,  150  Oneidas,  200  Tusca- 
roras, 300  Onondagas,  230  Cayugas,  and  400  Senecas. 


HOSTILITY  OF  THE  IROQUOIS.  29 

son  had  endeavoured  to  engage  them  against  the  colonists,  and 
had  done  so  by  request  of  General  Gage.  On  the  25th  of  August, 
the  grand  council  with  the  commissioners  took  place.  It  was  not 
until  the  last  day  of  August,  that  the  Mohawk  chief,  Little  Ahra- 
liam,  gave  the  determination  of  the  Iroquois,  which  was,  for  a  neu- 
trality, but  is  supposed  to  have  given  a  false  gloss  to  the  conduct 
of  Carleton  and  Guy  Johnson  on  the  subject.  The  next  day  the 
commissioners  made  their  reply  in  conformity  with  the  intention  of 
congress. 

Messrs.  Philip  Schuyler  and  Volkirt  P.  Douw,  were  appointed 
to  keep  up  the  amicable  convention  with  the  Iroquois,  and  hold 
councils  with  them  at  Albany  ;  but  this  was  the  last  :  the  hostility 
of  the  Indians,  and  their  attachment  to  England,  and  the  Johnsons 
were  soon  after  avowed. 

From  this  council  the  Iroquois  returned  home,  satisfied  with  good 
treatment  and  abundant  presents,  but  soon  after  an  epidemick  broke 
out  among  them,  and  swept  off  great  numbers.  The  Mohawks  of 
Schoharie  were  almost  exterminated.  The  agents  of  England 
easily  made  the  Indians  believe,  that  disease  and  death  were  a  proof 
of  God's  anger  against  them  for  not  joining  the  king  and  the  John- 
sons. In  this  belief  they  took  up  the  hatchet  against  the  colonists  ; 
and  the  tribes  that  had  most  suffered,  were  the  most  cruel  enemies 
of  the  people  of  the  valley  of  the  Mohawk,  and  said  to  be  pre-emi- 
nent in  atrocity.  It  will  likewise  be  recollected  that  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  Oneidas,  and  the  tribe  of  Mohawks  nearest  to  Sche- 
nectady, the  other  Iroquois  were  already  led  away  by  Brant  and 
his  employer,  Guy  Johnson. 

To  prove  that  Brant  was  right  in  preferring  the  party  of  Eng- 
land, to  that  of  America,  his  eulogist  tells  us,  that  the  Indian  being 
solicited  by  Doctor  Wheelock,  his  former  instructor,  to  join  the 
cause  of  the  colonists,  or  to  remain  at  peace  as  neutral,  replied, 
that  he  only  followed  the  Doctor's  maxims,  in  attaching  himself  to 
Great  Britain,  as  his  preceptor  had  taught  him  to  "  fear  God,  and 
honour  the  king." 

If  this  justified  Brant,  how  vile  must  appear  the  Washingtons, 
Adamses,  JefTersons,  Franklins,  Schuylers,  and  the  thousands  of 
provincial  patriots,  who  set  themselves  in  opposition  to  the  king 
and  his  officers.  The  writer  well  remembers  that  he  was  taught, 
(and  such  was  the  teaching  of  Americans  generally,  until  1775,) 
not  only  *'  to  fear  God  and  honour  the  king,"  but  to  honour  all 
those  placed  in  authority  under  his  most  sacred  majesty.  But  those 
to  whom  we  owe  our  liberties,  and  the  world  a  bright  example, 
honoured  justice  more  than  the  king,  and  despised  those  put  in 
authority  under  him,  when  they  proved  to  be  bhnd  or  selfish  tools 
of  the  master  who  paid  them.  In  childhood  I  was  taught  to  "  fear 
God  and  honour  the  king,  and  all  those  put  in  authority  under 


30  PROCEEDINGS  ON  THE  MOHAWK. 

him  ;"  but  three  score  and  ten  years,  with  a  study  of  the  scriptures, 
their  commentators  and  the  philosophy  of  history  has  taught  me  to 
*'  love  God,  and  to  honour  most  highly,  such  of  his  creatures  as 
appear  to  do  bis  will."  If  this  is  a  digression,  I  will  pursne  it  no 
further  than  to  remark,  that  the  Bracts,  the  Johnsons,  of  Johns- 
town and  Tryon  county,  and  the  hundreds  of  governours  and  other 
place-men,  who  honoured  the  king,  and  joined  his  standard,  in 
opposition  to  the  colonists,  were  servants  of  the  king  and  of  his 
servants,  and  were  interested  to  support  the  power  that  paid  them. 
The  Iroquois  were  no  longer  the  independent  repubhcans  of  the 
seventeenth  century,  they  were  led  by  Brant  and  Johnson  to  lift 
the  hatchet  on  the  part  of  those,  who  were  most  likely  to  supply 
them  most  plentifully  with  guns,  powder,  and  blankets. 

In  speaking  of  the  Iroquois  generally  as  inimical  to  America,  I 
do  not  speak  of  the  year  1775,  for  at  the  time  of  the  last  council 
at  Albany  such  was  not  the  case,  and  the  friendly  meeting  of  Au- 
gust restored  for  a  time  tranquility  to  the  dwellers  on  our  frontiers. 

A  liberty  pole  had  been  erected  in  the  Mohawk  Valley,  at  the 
German  Flats.  The  Dutch  inhabitants,  (high  and  low)  were 
generally  patriots.  The  Scotch,  and  other  tenants  of  the  John- 
sons, were  tories.  The  king's  sheriff,  Alexander  White,  was  a 
leader  in  cutting  down  the  detestable  emblem  of  rebelling  against 
all  those  put  in  authority  under  majesty.  The  people  by  their 
committee  removed  Mr.  White  from  office  and  appointed  Colonel 
John  Frey,  one  of  the  people. 

White  had  rendered  himself  unpopular  by  other  violent  acts, 
and  had  been  engaged  in  a  riot  which  produced  the  first  discharge 
of  fire  arms  with  intent  to  kill,  in  this  part  of  New  York  ;  and 
which  was  turned  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  whigs  by  a  signal 
from  Johnson  Hall,  which  was  known  to  be  for  calling  out  the 
knight's  tenants  in  martial  array. 

Dismissed  by  the  people.  White  was  re-commissioned  by  Tryon ; 
but  finding  the  committee  more  powerful  than  the  governour,  he 
fled  to  Canada.  The  whig  committees  governed  the  country  with 
vigour  and  prudence.  Still  Sir  John  and  his  armed  tenantry  were 
at  hand,  and  to  be  carefully  watched.  The  partisans  were  neigh- 
bours, but  little  of  neighbourly  love  dwelt  among  them.  Of  the 
whig  committeemen  Christopher  P.  Yates  and  Nicholas  Herkimer, 
are  names  subsequently  distinguished  in  our  annals. 

The  agents  of  England  felt  themselves  strong  enough  to  require 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Schoharie  Valley  to  arm  in  opposition  to  the 
cause  of  liberty,  which  was  spreading  in  every  direction,  and  the 
people  were  summoned  to  meet  at  the  house  of  Captain  Mann, 
and  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  king.  Mann  was  strenuous 
in  his  exertions,  and  many  took  the  oath  required,  some  willingly, 
others  overawed  by  armed  tories  and  Indians.     Some  bolder  than 


PROCEEDINGS  ON  THE  MOHAWK,  31 

the  rest  refused,  and  retired  to  their  homes  prepared  for  defence  or 
suffering.  Mann  paraded  his  forces  with  red  cockades  and  caps, 
indicative  of  loyahy,  day  after  day,  and  was  perfecting  them  to  the 
amount  of  one  himdred  before  his  door,  when  a  troop  of  horse 
under  Captain  Woodlake,  arrived  from  Albany,  for  the  purpose 
of  putting  down  the  tories  of  Schoharie.  At  the  sight  of  this 
troop,  Mann  fled,  and  his  soldiers  threw  away  their  red  badges. 
Pursuit  was  ordered  for  the  purpose  of  securing  Mann  ;  but  it 
failed,  and  he  escaped.  The  horsemen  however  fell  in  with  a 
Mohawk  chief  called  Neckus,  one  of  Johnsons  warm  partisans, 
who  had  attended  Mann's  parade,  and  with  tomahawk  in  hand 
threatened  those  who  refused  the  oath  and  badge  of  loyalty. 
Neckus  was  killed  with  wanton  cruelty,  as  is  stated,  and  may  easily 
be  credited,  and  his  death  may  have  caused  some  of  the  subsequent 
cruelties  exercised  by  the  Iroquois  in  this  devoted  district. 

While  Tryon  was  on  board  the  Duchess  of  Gordon,  in  the 
harbour  of  New  York,  he  on  the  3d  cf  January  1776,  wrote  to 
the  British  government  that  he  was  informed  by  the  person  bearing 
his  letter,  that  Sir  John  Johnson  could  muster  500  Indians  to  sup- 
port the  English  government,  and  these  with  some  regulars  might 
retake  the  forts.  The  letter  of  Sir  John  enclosed  was  to  Gover- 
nour  Tryon,  informing  him,  that  having  consulted  with  all  his 
friends  in  that  quarter  of  the  country,  among  whom  were  many  old 
and  good  officers,  he  had  resolved  to  form  a  battalion,  had  named 
the  officers  and  engaged  many  of  the  men.  That  he  waits  till 
support  and  supplies  are  at  hand,  before  openly  avowing  this  plan. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  General  Schuyler's  expedition  was  not 
too  early  or  too  rigorously  executed. 

At  length  the  committee  in  September,  informed  the  provincial 
congress  of  those  proceedings  on  the  part  of  Sir  John  Johnson, 
which  produced  the  movement  of  General  Schuyler  in  arms  upon 
Johnstown,  and  resulted  in  Sir  John  Johnson's  flight. 

Sir  John  had  fortified  his  house,  armed  his  Scotch  tenants,  and 
carried  on  a  correspondence  with  Guy,  by  means  of  Indian  run- 
ners, who  secreted  letters  in  the  heads  of  their  tomahawks,  and 
passed  to  and  fro  with  impunity. 

On  the  26th  of  October,  the  Tryon  county  committee  sent  a 
deputation  and  letter  to  Johnson,  requiring  to  know  from  him 
whether  he  would  allow  the  inhabitants  of  Johnstown  and  Kins^sbo- 
rough  to  form  themselves  into  companies  as  directed  by  congress, 
for  the  defence  of  the  country  ;  whether  he  would  assist  in  the 
same  ;  and  whether  he  would  resist  the  committee  in  any  use  they 
should  make  of  the  court  house  or  jail  f 

The  deputies  reported  in  answer,  that  he  considers  the  buildings 
in  question  as  his  property  until  he  shall  be  paid  ^700,  paid  by 
him  in  building  them.     That  he  has  not  forbidden  his  tenants 


ZZ  PROCEEDINGS  ON  THE  MOHAWK. 

forming  themselves  into  companies  as  directed  by  congress,  hut 
he  knew  that  they  would  not.  As  to  himself,  he  would  lose  his 
head  before  he  would  lift  his  hand  against  his  king.  That  if  any 
unlawful  use  is  made  of  the  jail,  he  would  oppose  it.  That  two- 
thirds  of  the  Canajoharie  and  German  Flats  people,  were  coerced 
into  the  measures  of  the  committee  ;  and  that  he  considered  the 
Bostonians  as  in  open  rebellion. 

Sir  John  would  not  permit  the  committee  to  place  prisoners  in 
the  jail ;  and  they  w^ere  obliged  to  dispose  of  them  elsewhere. 
They  informed  the  provincial  congress  of  the  state  of  affairs  :  to 
their  communication  it  was  replied  by  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  presi- 
dent, that  they  should  not  carry  matters  to  extremes  with  Johnson ; 
but  appeal  to  the  governour  of  the  colony. 

In  the  meantime,  General  Schuyler  having  been  obliged  to  leave 
the  army  against  Canada  to  Montgomery,  and  return  in  ill  health  to 
Albany,  his  attention  was  particularly  called  to  the  Indians  by  an 
act  of  hostility,  the  first  committed  by  them  in  this  contest,  which 
had  been  perpetrated  by  the  Mohawks  near  St.  Johns.  Some  of 
the  Indians  engaged  in  this  affair  returned  to  the  town  of  Canajo- 
harie, the  Mohawks  castle,  and  boasted  of  killing  Americans,  parti- 
cularly one  called  Wilham  Johnson,  (probably  the  son  of  Sir 
William,  who  defined  a  gendeman  to  be  one  who  drank  Madeira 
wine  and  kept  race  horses,  as  Sir  William  did,)  who  had  fought 
against  Montgomery.  In  consequence  of  this  the  committee  ad- 
dressed the  Mohawks  of  Canajoharie,  remonstrating  against  this 
breach  of  the  late  treaty  at  Albany.  The  Indians  rephed,  that 
they  had  not  forgotten  their  agreements ;  but  said  some  of  their 
young  men  had  been  seduced  to  Canada,  and  if  they  are  killed 
they  care  not — some  have  come  back — and  the  sachems  hope  the 
whites  will  take  no  further  notice  of  it.  Shortly  after^they  applied 
for  the  discharge  of  two  Indians  from  prison,  which  it  appears  they 
were  gratified  in,  in  order  to  keep  them  quiet. 

However,  in  December,  congress  made  known  to  General 
Schuyler  the  information  they  had  received  respecting  Sir  John 
Johnson's  preparations  for  annoyance,  and  required  him  to  disarm 
the  tories,  secure  their  leaders,  and  secure  the  tranquility  of  the 
frontier.  Congress  appropriated ybr^?/  hard  dollars  for  this  service, 
and  ordered  this  treasure  to  be  sent  to  the  general  under  a  guard. 

General  Schuyler  having  no  troops  wherewith  to  execute  the 
orders  of  congress,  and  knowing  that  secrecy  and  despatch  were 
necessary  to  his  success,  communicated  his  plan  to  a  sub-committee 
of  Albany  county,  administering  an  oath  of  secrecy  ;  but  advices 
arrived  from  Tryon  county  respecting  the  hostile  preparations  of 
Johnson,  his  Scotch  tenants  and  adherents,  as  well  as  the  Mohawks, 
that  made  secrecy  unnecessary,  and  seven  hundred  of  the  militia 
were  called  out  with  the  avowed  purpose  of  disarming  this  internal 


Schuyler's  expedition  to  johnstown,  S3 

enemy.  With  this  force  the  general  marched,  bnt  before  he 
reached  Caughnawaga,  his  army  liad  increased  to  three  thousand. 
At  Schenectady  a  deputation  from  the  Mohawks  met  him.  Schuy- 
ler had  sent  them  a  messaire  informins^  tliem  of  his  intention  to 
march  into  their  country,  but  with  no  design  of  hostility  to  them. 
At  their  meeting  the  usual  form  of  making  speeches  took  place. 
They  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  his  message,  and  his  informa- 
tion that  a  number  of  men  were  embodied  about  Johnstown  and 
Sir  Johns,  and  intended  to  commit  hostilities  down  the  river  ;  and 
that  he  was  coming  to  inquire  into  the  matter.  They  acknowledged 
that  he  had  assured  them  no  harm  was  intended  to  them  ;  as  they 
had  the  last  summer  publickly  engaged  to  take  no  part  against  hiin 
in  the  dispute  with  the  great  king  over  the  water.  They  proposed 
to  Schuyler,  that  instead  of  marching  his  troops  to  Johnstown,  he 
should  send  up  six  men  to  inquire  into  the  truth  of  what  he  had 
heard,  and  send  his  soldiers  home.  They  said  that  the  council  of 
their  nation  had  sent  them  to  meet  him,  and  warn  him  to  take  care 
what  he  was  about.  They  remind  him  again  of  their  agreement  to 
keep  peace,  and  that  he  had  said  "  if  any  person  was  found  in  their 
neighbourhood  inimical  to  peace,  he  should  consider  such  person 
as  an  enemy  ;"  and  the  Six  Nations  thought  he  meant  the  son  of 
Sir  William,  and  they  particularly  desire  that  he  should  not  be 
injured.  They  repeatedly  warn  the  genei-al  not  to  spill  blood,  and 
say  that  they  intend  to  observe  the  treaty  made  with  him,  and  re- 
main at  peace.  They  say  their  chiefs  had  begged  Sir  John  not  to 
be  the  aggressor :  that  he  had  promised  he  would  not.  That  he 
had  but  a  handful  of  men,  and  could  not  be  the  aggressor  ;  there- 
fore, if  Schuyler  and  his  men  should  come  up  and  any  evil  happen, 
they  should  look  upon  him  as  the  aggressor,  or  as  shutting  up  the 
path  of  peace.  They  denied  that  Sir  John  was  making  military 
preparations  or  fortifying  his  house,  and  asserted  that  every  thing 
remained  as  in  the  time  of  Sir  William.  They  profess  a  sincere 
desire  for  peace,  but  acknowledge  that  some  among  them  are  dis- 
posed to  hostilities.  They  insinuate  that  if  this  hostile  array  pro- 
ceed, they  may  not  be  able  to  restrain  their  warriours,  who  are 
determined,  if  Schuyler  persists  in  going  to  Johnson-Hall,  to 
be  present  at  his  meeting  with  Sir  John,  and  the  counsellors 
and  chiefs  could  not  be  answerable  for  what  might  happen. 
The  orator  concludes,  by  saying,  that  he  had  persuaded  the  war- 
riours to  sit  still,  and  await  his  return  with  the  answer  Schuyler 
might  give  him. 

Schuyler  answered  them  in  their  own  fashion.  The  substance 
was,  that  he  had  hoped  a  previous  message  sent  by  him  to  the  Six 
Nations  had  convinced  them  no  hostile  intentions  were  entertained 
towards  them  ;  and  is  sorry  the  Mohawks  had  not  sent  that  mes- 
sage.    That  he  had  full  proof  that  many  people  in  Johnstown  and 

veil.  ^.  5 


34  Schuyler's  expedition  to  johnstown. 

the  neighbourhood  had  been  making  preparations  to  carry  into 
execution  the  wicked  designs  of  the  king's  evil  counsellors.  That 
the  force  he  commands  is  not  brought  for  war  with  the  Six  Nations, 
but  to  prevent  it,  by  seeing  that  the  people  of  Johnstown  do  not 
interrupt  the  harmony  of  the  colonies  with  the  Indians.  That  he 
will  not  injure  the  people  of  Johnstown,  if  they  agree  to  such 
terms  as  shall  give  assurance  of  security  to  their  neighbours.  That 
he  will  not  permit  any  of  his  followers  to  set  foot  on  the  Mohawk 
lands  ;  all  he  requires  of  them  being  that  they  do  not  interfere  in 
the  family  quarrel  of  the  whites.  He  reminds  them  that  notwith- 
standing their  treaty  of  peace,  some  of  their  warriours  had  attack- 
ed the  Americans  at  St.  Johns,  and  had  been  killed  there  ;  which, 
he  says,  you  did  not  complain  of,  as  you  knew  it  was  right  to  kill 
them  in  self-defence.  He  says,  in  a  little  time,  I  and  my  friends 
may  be  called  to  fight  our  enemies  to  the  eastward,  and  will  it  be 
prudent  to  leave  our  wives  and  children  exposed  to  enemies  here 
at  hand  ?  We  shall  send  a  letter  to  Sir  John  inviting  him  to  meet 
us  on  the  road,  and  if  every  thing  is  not  settled  he  shall  return  safe 
to  his  own  house.  He  wished  the  Indians  to  be  present  at  the  in- 
terview ;  but  added,  that  if  he  is  obliged  to  resort  to  force,  and 
they  join  his  enemies,  they  must  take  the  consequence.     He  begs 

them  to  repeat  all  this  to  their  council. 
1776  The  IGth  of  January  the  general  despatched  a  letter  to 

.  Johnson,  saying  that  information  having  been  received  of 
designs  dangerous  to  the  liberties  of  his  majesty's  subjects  in  the 
county  of  Tryon,  he  had  been  ordered  to  march  thither  to  contravene 
them,  and  wishing  that  no  blood  might  be  shed,  he  requests  Sir  John 
to  meet  him  the  next  day  on  his  way  to  Johnstown,  pledging  his  ho- 
nour for  his  safe  conduct  back  and  forth  ;  concludins^  with  a  rtiessajje 
tending  to  quiet  any  apprehensions  in  the  mind  of  L^dy  Johnson. 
Accordingly,  the  next  day  Johnson  met  the  general  on  his  march, 
and  received  terms  requiring  the  delivery  of  all  the  cannon  and 
military  stores  under  his  control,  except  his  personal  arms  and 
ammunition  therefor.  That  he  should  remain  on  parole  in  Tryon 
county.  That  the  Scotch  inhabitants  immediately  deliver  up  their 
arms  and  give  hostages.  That  all  presents  intended  by  England 
for  the  Indians  be  delivered  to  a  commissary  appointed  to  receive 
them.  If  these  terms  be  agreed  to,  Schuyler  pledges  himself  for 
the  protection  of  Sir  John  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  county. 

At  first  he  blustered  a  little,  and  said  the  Indians  would  support 
him,  and  that  some  were  already  at  Johnston-Hall  for  the  purpose. 
To  this  the  answer  was,  force  will  be  op])osed  to  force,  and  blood 
must  follow  ;  on  which  Sir  John  asked  time  to  consider  until  next 
evening,  which  was  granted.  Another  Mohawk  chief  waited  on 
Schuyler,  and  assured  him  that  the  Indians  would  not  interfere 
except  as  mediators.     The  general  then  marched  forward  and 


35 

halted  within  four  miles  of  Johnstown,  where  he  received  propo- 
sitions from  Johnson  for  himself  and  the  people  of  Kingsborough, 
which  were,  that  all  arms  belongi  g  to  Sir  John  and  the  other  gen- 
tlemen should  remain  with  them,  all  others  to  be  given  up.  Of 
military  stores  belonging  to  the  crown  he  says  he  has  none.  He 
expects  to  go  where  he  pleases.  The  Scotch  inhabitants  will  de- 
liver up  their  arms,  and  })romise  not  to  take  any  without  permission 
from  the  continental  congress  ;  but  they  cannot  command  hostages. 
This  is  signed,  J.  Johnson,  Allan  Mc  Dougall ;  and  dated,  John- 
son-Hall, 18th  January,  177G.  Schuyler  answers,  that  this  pro- 
position cannot  be  accepted,  and  he  must  obey  his  orders.  He 
at  the  same  time  sends  a  passport  to  Lady  Johnson,  with  a  request 
that  she  would  retire.  Time  is  allowed  until  midnight  for  another 
answer,  and  gentlemen  sent  to  receive  it.  Soon  after,  the  sachems 
of  the  Mohawks  wait  upon  Schuyler  and  ask  more  time  for  Sir 
John's  answer.  This  is  granted  for  their  sakes,  and  within  the 
period  fixed  the  knight  agrees  for  himself  and  the  inhabitants  of 
Kingsborough  to  give  up  their  arms,  and  that  he  would  not  go 
westward  of  German  Flats  and  Kinsland  district ;  likewise,  that 
six  Scotch  inhabitants  may  be  taken  as  hostages.  Sir  John  and 
the  Scotch  gentlemen  pledge  themselves,  as  far  as  their  influence 
goes,  for  the  delivery  of  the  arms  of  the  inhabitants,  and  Johnson 
gives  assurance  that  he  has  no  stores  in  his  po:?session  as  presents 
to  the  Indians.  Upon  receiving  the  last  answer,  Schuyler  told 
the  Indians  that  all  would  be  settled,  and  they  might  go  home.  On 
the  19th  the  general  marched  into  Johnstown  and  drew  up  his 
men  in  a  line  ;  the  Highlanders  were  drawn  up  facing  them,  and 
grounded  their  arms.  The  military  stores  were  surrendered  ;  and 
this  service  being  performed,  Schuyler  and  his  militia  returned. 
It  was  found  afterward  that  the  Highlanders  had  not  delivered  up 
their  broadswords  or  their  ammunition. 

It  was  found  tliat  Connell  who  had  informed  congress  that  arms 
were  buried  near  Johnston-Hall  was  an  imposter.  Schuyler  re- 
turned with  his  motley  army  to  Caughnawaga,  and  the  days  imme- 
diately following  a  number  of  tories  were  secured.  Colonel 
Herkimer  was  left  by  Schuyler  to  complete  the  disarming  of  the 
hostile  inhabitants,  and  the  General  marched  back  to  iVlbany. 
Congress  returned  thanks  to  the  general,  and  to  die  miliua  who 
accompanied  him,  but  hoped  they  would  not  demand  pay  while 
suppressing  a  mischief  which  concerned  themselves  so  nearly. 

Notwithstanding  his  word  of  honour,  the  baronet  continued  his 
hostile  intrigues  with  die  Indians,  and  otherwise  forfeited  his  pro- 
mise. It  was  found  necessary  to  secure  Johnson,  and  in  ^lay 
1776,  Colonel  Dayton  was  sent  by  Schuyler  on  this  duty.  The 
tories  of  Albany  gave  notice  to  Sir  John  of  Dayton's  march  with 


S6  Schuyler's  expedition  to  johnstown. 

this  regiment,  and  the  knight  with  his  followers  fled  to  the  woods 
and  escaped  to  Canada  ;  arriving  at  Montreal  after  nineteen  days 
suffering  and  starvation.  It  seems  strange  that  he  should  have 
supposed  the  Americans  would  permit  him  to  remain  plotting  and 
executing  mischief  against  his  count;ry  without  interruption  ;  yet 
such  appears  to  have  been  Johnson's  expectation,  for  he  made  no 
preparation  for  flight.  An  iron  chest  with  the  family  bible  and 
papers  was  buried  in  the  garden.*  On  arriving  in  Canada,  the 
baronet  was  commissioned  a  British  colonel  ;  raised  a  regiment  of 
tories,  and  did  all  the  mischief  he  could  during  the  war  to  the 
state  of  New  York.  By  taking  part  with  Great  Britain  he  forfeited 
an  immense  estate,  but  no  part  of  his  conduct  leads  us  to  believe, 
that  in  his  choice  he  was  governed  by  any  motive  that  was  not 
selfish  ;  by  breaking  his  parole  he  forfeited  claim  to  the  character 
of  a  gentlemen  ;  and  his  subsequent  conduct  through  life  was  in 
unison  with  the  last  forfeiture. 

Brant  went  to  England  in  1775,  and  Guy  Johnson  was  sup- 
posed to  have  gone  with  him,  but  the  Mohawks  returned  in  time 
to  take  part  in  the  affair  of  the  Cedars,  not  strictly  within  any  pro- 
vince, but  mentioned  in  connection  with  Arnold.  This  affair,  dis- 
graceful to  the  American  arms,  and  to  English  good  faith,  had  the 
effect  of  rendering  exchange  of  prisoners,  which  is  one  chief  soften- 
ing feature  in  grim  visaged  war,  more  difficult,  and  in  causing  con- 
gress to  resolve  upon  the  employment  of  Indians  on  their  part. 

The  situation  of  the  army  of  Canada  when  driven  thence,  and 
met  by  Gates  on  Lake  Champlain,  is  fully  and  truly  given  by 
Stone, t  and  the  conduct  of  Mr.  John  Trumbull,  the  acting  adjutant 
general  to  Gates,  was  wise. 

The  preparations  for  defence  made  by  the  inhabitants  of  the 
Mohawk  valley,  were  in  proportion  to  their  exposed,  situation  as 
far  as  their  limited  means  permitted.  Cherry  Valley,  the  principal 
settlement  south  of  the  river,  and  between  the  Mohawk  casdes  and 
the  Indian  post  of  Oghnwaga,  was  much  exposed.  Here  a  com- 
pany of  rangers  was  organized,  but  being  marched  elsewhere,  the 
destitute  inhabitants  earnestly  remonstrated,  and  at  length  obtained 
Captain  Wirm's  company  of  rangers  for  their  defence.  Their 
committee  were  men  of  energy  ;  and  the  names  of  Moore,  Clyde, 
Campbell,  Dunlop,  Scott,  Wells,  and  Ritchy,  deserve  a  place  in 
New   York    history.     They    had  intimation   of  the   preparations 


*  Mr.  Stone,  in  his  history  of  Brant,  tells  us  in  a  note,  that  Mr.  Taylor,  after- 
ward Lieutenant  Governour  of  the  state,  purchased  at  auction  this  Bible,  among 
other  coniir^cated  property,  and  with  proper  feeling  let  Sir  John  Johnson  know 
that  the  book  was  at  his  service  :  the  £nglish  baronet  sent  a  person  for  it  with 
money  to  pay  fur  the  purchase,  with  no  other  direction,  but  "  pay  for  the  boek 
and  take  it." 

t  Vol.  J,  p.  164. 


CONFEDERACY  OF    THE  IROQUOIS  DISSOLVED.  37 

making  by  Johnson  and  Butler  for  their  destruction,  and  even 
those  who  from  a2:e  or  infirmity  were  exempted  from  military  ser- 
vice, organized  and  armed  themselves  for  self-defence. 

Fort  Stanwix  was  the  care  of  Schuyler.  Situated  in  the  pre- 
sent village  of  Rome,  at  the  head  waters  of  the  Mohawk,  and  of 
Wood  Creek,  it  had  been  chosen  in  the  former  French  war,  as  a 
post  for  the  command  of  the  carrying  place  beuveen  the  river  and 
the  creek  leading  to  Lake  Ontario,  through  the  Oneida  Lake  and 
Oswego  River.  Colonel  Dayton,  who  had  been  stationed  with  his 
regiment  at  Johnstown,  was  ordered  to  repair  and  finish  the  works 
at  Fort  Stanwix,  and  the  Tryon  county  militia,  w^ere  called  out  to 
assist  him.  Colonel  Van  Schaick  with  his  regiment  was  quartered 
at  German  Flats. 

Fort  Stanwix  had  been  erected  by  the  general  of  that  name,  in 
175S,  at  an  enormous  expense  for  tho>e  days,  upwards  of  one 
hundred  thousand  pounds.  It  was  at  this  time  in  a  ruinous  state, 
but  was  put  in  a  state  to  sustain  the  siege  which  I  shall  have  to 
record. 

The  narrow  piece  of  land  between  the  waters  flowing  to  the 
Hudson  and  those  runnins:  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  was  likewise  for- 
tified, by  the  redoubts  of  f^ori  Ball  and  Fort  Newport,  named  from 
officers  of  1755,  but  Fort  Stanwix  was  a  great  guardian  of  this 

important  pass  from  Canada  to  the  valley  of  the  Mohawk. 
1777  I  have  previously  mentioned  that  the  grent  council  of 
the  Iroquois  was  held  at  Onondnga.  Here  ttie  cniefs  of 
the  confederated  nations  met  at  stated  times,  to  consult  and  deter- 
mine on  peace  or  war,  alliances  with  the  English  or  French  colo- 
nists, and  all  the  affairs  that  concerned  the  union.  In  the  figurative 
language  of  the  Indians,  here  the  great  council-fire  was  kept  ever 
burning  ;  but  it  appears  by  a  speech  of  the  Oneida  chiefs  to  Colo- 
nel Emore,  delivered  at  Fort  Stanwix,  in  January,  1777,  that  the 
council-fire  was  now  extinguished,  which  as  I  understand  it,  is,  that 
the  confederacy  was  dissolved.  Never  after  did  the  chiefs  meet 
in  council  at  Onondaga.  The  OneiJas  adhered  in  part  to  the 
American  cause,  the  other  tribes,  under  the  name  of  Mohawks  ge- 
rally,  were  the  followers  of  Brant,  Butler,  and  Johnson. 

Mr.  Stone  tells  us,  that  this  dissolution  of  the  confederacy  was 
announced  by  the  Oneidas,  with  their  desire  that  it  should  be  com- 
municated to  General  Schuyler,  and  to  such  of  the  Mohawks  as 
remained  in  the  lower  casde.  How  this  dissolution  took  place  we 
are  not  informed,  but  it  would  appear  that  many  of  the  Onondaga 
tribe  dien  suffered  death,  either  by  violence  or  disease. 

In  the  month  of  February,  the  inhabitants  south  of  the  Mohawk 
were  alarmed  by  the  gathering  of  die  Indians  at  Oghkwoga,  and 
Colonel  John  Harper,  of  Harpersfield,  was  directed  by  the  pro- 
vincial congress  of  New  York,  to  ascertain  their  intentions.     This 


38  ATROCITIES  OF  BRANT. 

gentlemen  was  one  of  four  brothers,  who  with  a  (ew  companions 
settled  hi  1768,  in  this  tract  of  country.  He  visited  the  Indians 
as  directed,  and  they  professed  the  most  friendly  intentions,  by 
which  he  was  deceived. 

The  Indians  left  the  Susquehanna,^  and  joined  Johnson  and  But- 
ler, who  were  collecting  their  forces  at  Oswego.  Here  by  the 
onders  of  the  British  commander  in  Canada,  a  great  council  of  the 
Iroquois  was  convened,  and  such  of  them  as  had  engaged  with 
Schuyler  at  the  German  Flats  and  Albany,  to  hold  the  chain  of  friend- 
ship inviolate  with  the  colonists,  were  induced  by  the  presents,  the 
representations  of  the  English  agents,  formally  to  enter  the  service 
of  Britain,  for  the  purpose  of  inflicting  misery  and  murder  upon 
the  Americans.  Each  Indian  received  a  kettle,  a  gun,  a  tomahawk, 
a  scalping  knife,  plenty  of  ammunition,  money  in  advance,  and  a 
promise  of  more  for  every  scalp  brought  in. 

Soon  after  this  engagement,  Brant  led  his  warriours  upon  the 
settlements  of  the  valley,  breathing  death  and  destruction  ;  but  as 
he  lurked  in  a  wood  watching  his  destined  prey,  he  saw  a  com- 
pany of  boys  with  wooden  guns,  parade  in  imitation  of  their  fathers, 
and  deceived  by  distance,  mistook  the  children  for  soldiers  ready 
to  receive  him.  He  drew  ofThis  redoubted  Mohawks,  and  linger- 
ing in  ambush  between  Cherry  Valley  and  the  Mohawk,  perform- 
ing no  other  exploit  or  mischief,  but  way- laying  and  murder- 
ing by  a  volley  from  the  covert  of  bushes,  a  young  man  who  had 
been  sent  to  assure  the  people  that  succours  were  at  hand,  and  a 
regiment  ready  to  garrison  the  place  next  day.  This  youth  and 
an  attendant,  were  shot  down  by  die  warriours  unseen,  and  Brant 
carried  off  the  young  man's  scalp  in  triumph.  This  young  officer 
was  well  known  to  the  chief,  and  had  been  a  neighbour.'  They 
were  not  only  acquaintances,  says  Mr.  Stone,  but  friends  :  and  he 
further  tells  us  emphatically,  that  this  gallant  officer  was  scalped 
by  Brant's  own  hand,  he  had  fallen  from  his  horse  wounded.  The 
attendant  messenger  escaped. 

On  the  17th  of  July,  General  Herkimer  seeing  that  the  enemy 
were  about  to  invest  Fort  Stanwix,  issued  a  proclamation  calling 
upon  all  the  inhabitants  to  arm  and  repair  to  the  field  :  except 
those  above  sixty,  and  they  were  ordered  to  take  arms  for  the  de- 
fence of  homes,  women,  and  children.  Those  refusing  or  disaf- 
fected, were  to  be  disarmed  and  secured.  Committee  men  and 
other  exempts,  were  called  upon  to  repair  to  the  rendezvous.  This 
call,  and  immediate  approach  of  danger,  from  which  there  was  no 
escape,  produced  their  effects,  and  the  mihtia  turned  out  with  some 
show  of  spirit. 


HORATIO  GATES.  39 


CHAPTER  III. 

Gates,  o,  British  officer — An  American  officer — At  Cambridge — 
At  New  York — Disputes  the  command  with  Schuyler — Hancoclts 
letter. 

Horatio  Gates  was  born  In  England,  and  was  the  son  of  Cap- 
tain Robert  Gates,  of  the  British  army  ;  so  that  both  Lee 
and  Gates  were  not  only  Englishmen,  and  in  the  British  army,  but 
sons  of  his  majesty's  officers.  Gates  received  his  first  name  from 
his  godfather,  the  celebrated  Horatio  or  Horace  Walpole  ;  who 
rreitions  him  as  his  godson,  on  an  occasion  hereafter  to  be  no- 
ticed. What  farther  connexion  Gates  had  with  the  family  of  the 
Earl  of  Orford,  1  do  not  know  ;  certainly  he  was  in  early  life  pro- 
tected by  high  aristocralick  influence,  and  had  hopes  from  that 
class,  of  promotion  of  no  ordinary  character,  until  1773.  That  he 
received  a  liberal  education  is  evident  from  his  letters.  As  early 
as  1749,  he  served  as  a  volunteer  under  General  Edward  Corn- 
wallis,  who  commanded  in  iXova  Scotia  as  governour  of  Halifax. 
By  him  Horatio  was  appointed  a  captain-lieutenant  in  Warburton's 
regiment,  and  Cornwallis  espoused  his  interest  very  warmly,  offer- 
ing by  letters  to  his  father,  an  advance  of  money  for  the  purchase 
of  a  company  for  the  young  man.  In  this  letter,  directed  to  Cap- 
tain Gates,  Southampton  street,  London,  he  further  says,  that  he 
has  given  his  son  an  employment  that  will  bring  him  in  two  hun- 
dred pounds  a  year.  Four  years  after  this,  young  Gates  was  in 
England,  busily  engaged  in  purchasing  promotion  in  the  army, 
and  on  the  13th  of  September,  1754,  is  dated  his  commission  as 
captain  of  an  independent  company,  at  New  York,  late  Clarke's. 
This  is  signed  "  Holderness,"  by  order  of  George  II.  In  1755, 
Captain  Horatio  Gates  had  returned  to  America,  and  shared  with 
Braddock  in  the  disasters  of  Mononfi^ahela.  Here  the  British  of- 
ficer  was  wounded  in  the  shoulder,  and  conveyed  to  Mount  Ver- 
non to  be  nursed  and  cured,  as  his  friend  Lee  had  been  to  the 
mansion  of  Schuyler. 

Previous  to  leaving  England,  the  young  captain  had  married 
Miss  Phillips,  the  daughter  of  an  English  officer.  In  the  years 
1756,  '7  and  '8,  Gates  was  on  service  in  the  western  part  of  the 
province  of  New  York,  and  in  the  last  of  these  years  received  the 


40  HORATIO  GATES. 

appointment  of  brigade-major  from  General  Stanwix.  During 
the>e  years  Major  Gates  held  the  independent  company  stationed 
at  New  York,  which  he  purchased  of  Captain  Clarke. 

James  Abercrombie  writes  to  him,  giving  some  incidents  of  the 
war,  and  saying  that  tlie  provincials  through  ignorance  missed  an  op- 
portunity of  defeating  the  French  foVce  near  Fort  Edward.  He 
says,  they  are  averse  to  "  a  junction  with  the  king's  troops." 
**  Since  they  are  unwilling  to  take  our  assistance,  I  would  e'en  let 
them  try  it  themselves,  but  have  regulars  to  secure  the  fools  in  case 
they  should  be  repulsed." 

In  1760,  General  Robert  ^lonckton  was  commander-in-chief  of 
the  troops  at  ISew  York,  and  he  appointed  Major  Gates  one  of  his 
aids.  The  rnajor  being  in  Philadelphia  in  October  of  this  year, 
Governour  Boone  of  New  Jersey  wrote  to  him. 

"  October  I3th,  1760.  Poor  Delancey  !  have  I  written  to  you 
since  his  death  .'*  General  Monckton  is  talked  of  for  the  govern- 
ment, (of  New  York,)  and  desired.  Pownal  is  expected  and 
dreaded.  General  Gage  is  said  likewise  to  have  applied.  Speak- 
ing of  the  colonists,  he  says,  their  politicks  are  confounded,  and 
their  society  is  worse,  by  the  loss  of  the  best  companion  in  it. 
Oliver  is  in  the  council,  and  Jemmy  Delancey,  no  longer  a  sol- 
dier, is  a  candidate  for  the  city." 

The  troops  destined  to  attack  Martinique  were  encamped  on 
Staten  Island,  under  Monckton's  command  :  and  GeneraL\mherst 
came  on  fiom  the  north  to  succeed  Monckton  as  commander-in- 
chief.  Strange  as  it  may  appear,  on  Staten  Island,  Amherst  was 
invested  with  the  insignia  and  title  of  a  knight  of  the  Bath,  by 
Monckton  ;  due  authority  having  been  received  from  government. 
Monckton  and  Gates  dej)arted  for  the  West  Indies,  and  Sir 
JefFery  remained  commander  of  the  troops  in  the  province. 
Monckton  took  Martinique,  and  despatched  Gates 'with  the  tri- 
umphant news  to  London,  which  of  course  gained  him  promotion; 
and  on  the  26th  of  April,  1762,  Mr.  Townsend  informs  him  that 
he  is  appointed  to  be  major  to  the  forty-fifth  regiment  of  foot.  It 
was  on  this  occasion  that  Horace  Walpole,  by  way  of  badinage, 
claimed  credit  for  the  capture  of  Martinique,  as  his  godson  and 
namesake  brought  the  news.  The  connexion  of  Gates  and  Lord 
Orford  appears  mysterious.  Major  Gates  remained  several  months 
in  London,  much  dissatisfied  with  the  promotion  he  had  attained, 
and  assiduously  endeavouring,  by  petition  and  the  influence  of 
friends  among  the  nobility,  to  obtain  something  more  lucrative ; 
but  his  success  was  not  equal  to  the  efforts  made,  and  he  returned 
to  America  as  major  of  the  forty-fifth.  He  had  been  successful  in 
disposing  of  his  company  of  independents  ;  for  in  August,  1763, 
these  companies  had  been  disbanded,  and  Gates  is  congratulated 
as  being  "  out  of  the  scrape." 


HORATIO  GATES.  41. 

He  made  frequent  applications  to  the  war  office,  and  in  August, 
1763,  gained  Amherst's  very  reluctant  leave  of  absence  to  go  to  Lon- 
don. He  does  not  appear  to  have  been  a  favourite  with  Sir  Jeffery, 
who  fairly  tells  him  that  his  desire  to  leave  his  station  appears  to  be  only 
"  dictated  by  his  own  interest."  His  hopes  were  w^hh  Monckton, 
and  he  was  assured  by  one  of  his  correspondents  that  the  general 
had  undertaken  his  affair.  The  leave  of  absence  was  communi- 
cated in  these  ungracious  words  :  "If  you  are  determined  to  go, 
you  have  his  leave  to  settle  accordingly."  And,  accordingly,  the 
major  was  in  England  before  November  22d,  1763.  At  which 
time  the  historian  of  New  York,  writes  to  his  friend  Gates  : 

*'  Such  a  retreat  as  that  in  which,  he  says,  '  with  the  aid  of  Bac- 
chus, and  in  the  pride  of  philosophy,  we  laughed  at  the  anxieties 
of  the  great.'  He  says,  we  in  America  w^ant  aid,  '  not  to  maintain 
the  dependency  of  the  colonies,  for  you  know,  saucy  as  we  are, 
there  is  nothing  to  fear  on  that  account.'  '  Sir  William  Johnson 
is  continually  terrifying  us  with  the  defection  of  the  Six  Nations  : 
but,  thank  heaven,  those  barbarians  love  themselves  too  well  to 
throw  off  the  mask  of  friendship.  Amherst  has  left  New  York.'  He 
praises  Boone,  and  reprobates  the  cowardly  expedient  of  the  Eng- 
lish ministry  in  removing  governours  because  the  people  disliked 
them.  He  says,  Golden,  for  want  of  purse,  and  more  for  want  of 
spirit  to  imitate  Monckton,  has  retired  to  Flushing.  The  litde  star 
does  not  yet  appear,  the  twilight  of  his  predecessor  is  still  too  strong 
to  permit  such  a  twinkling  luminary  to  ghtter.  In  another  letter  to 
the  same,  he  continues  in  the  like  strain.  Mentioning  Morris's 
death,  on  the  27th  of  January,  1764,  he  says,  *  Gay  in  the  morning 
— dead  in  the  evening.  He  came  out  to  a  rural  dance,  he  took 
out  the  parson's  wife,  danced  down  six  couple,  and  fell  dead  on  the 
floor,  v/ithoutaw^ord,agroan,  or  a  sigh.'  He  then  goes  on  to  mention 
the  prominent  men  of  the  time  in  New  Jersey,  where  this  happened. 
*  Franklin  has  put  Charles  Reade  in  his  (Morris's)  place  on  the 
bench,  and  filled  up  Reade's  with  John  Berrian,  a  babbling  coun- 
try surveyor.  Frankhn  after  Boone — after  Morris,  Reade  !'  He 
afterwards  says,  'the  first  errour  is  on  your  side  of  the  water,'  (Eng- 
land.) That  is,  as  he  says,  in  recaUing  Boone  because  of  his  con- 
test with  a  proud,  licentious  assembly.  We  are  a  great  garden- — 
constant  cultivation  will  keep  down  the  weeds  ;  remember  they 
were  planted  by  liberty  and  religion  near  a  hundred  years  ago  ; 
there  are  strong  roots  that  will  soon  despise  the  gardener's  utmost 
strength.  When  Great  Britain  loses  the  power  to  regulate  these 
dependencies,  I  think  'tis  clear  she  will  have  no  other  left.  He 
concludes  by  calhng  for  governours  and  judges  of  spirit  and 
abilities." 

In  November,  1764,  he  was  appointed  to  a  majority  in  the 
Royal  Americans,  as  a  special  mark  of  his  majesty's  favour,  as  i^ 

VOL.  11.  6 


42  HORATIO  GATES. 

announced  to  him  from  the  war  office  ;  and  in  December  he 
received  permission  to  remain  four  months  in  England.  Soon 
after,  through  his  agent,  he  received  proposals  from  a  captain  of 
dragoons,  offering  .£3,000  for  his  majority  ;  and  not  long  after,  in 
a  letter  written  by  a  relative,  it  is  mentioned  that  he  had  sold  out 
on  halfpay.  He  still  remained  in  England,  evidently  expecting 
promotion  through  the  interest  of  General  Monckton,  and  his  bro- 
ther, Lord  Galloway,  and  probably,  by  the  influence  of  his  god^ 
father.  His  friends  in  New  York  point  out  offices  for  him  to  ap- 
ply for,  particularly  that  of  paymaster-general,  as,  says  one,  "Abra- 
ham Mortier  goes  to  England  next  spring,  with  his  fat  lady  ;  my 
friend,  could  you  not  contrive  to  get  his  place — he  has  made  a 
fortune." 

Mortier  built  a  house  which  once  was  the  head-quarters  of  Wash- 
ington, called  Richmond  Hill,  at  that  time  surrounded  by  a  park, 
and  situated  on  an  eminence,  now  the  corner  of  Varick  and  Charlton 
streets,  on  a  level  with  its  neighbours,  surrounded  by  houses,  and 
called  the  Richmond  Hill  theatre.  This  place  was  then,  and  until 
a  few  years,  far  out  of  the  city. 

In  1766,  the  major's  father  died  ;  and  by  the  letters  of  General 
Monckton,  it  appears,  that  the  hopes  of  the  general  are  deferred, 
and  of  course  those  of  Gates;  who  now  looking  for  an  appointment 
under  his  friend,  resided  with  his  family  in  retirement. 

In- 1768,  Major  Gates  was  in  London,  and  waning  the  result  of 
Monckton's  expectations  ;  and  Gates  about  this  time  sold  his  half- 
pay  and  commission  to  Monckton's  younger  brother  :  and  was  in 
expectation  of  accompaning  the  general  to  the  East  Indies  ;  but 
delays  occurred,  and  the  years  1769  and  '70,  we  find  the  Major  still 
living  in  retirement,  and  expectations  of  a  post  under  Monckton, 
who  being  disappointed  in  his  East  India  scheme,  receives  the  of- 
fice of  a  reviewing-general,  and  endeavours,  in  the  latter  part  of 
1770,  to  obtain  the  post  of  town-major  for  Gates,  and  this  failing, 
Monckton  (having  his  hopes  revived  as  to  the  East)  renewed  his 
promises  to  his  expectant  protegee  ;  as  late  as  July,  1771,  he 
writes  thus,  in  answer  to  Gates :  "You  know  it  has  not  been  in 
the  least  in  my  power  to  serve  myself,  and  therefore  could  not  do 
what  I  wished  by  you.  What  you  have  heard  about  the  East 
Indies  is  partly  true  ;  but  whether  or  not  I  shall  succeed  is  very 
uncertain.  I  can  only  assure  you,  that  should  it  succeed,  you  are 
the  only  one  I  have  as  yet  thought  of."  And  in  December,  "  I 
am  sorry  to  inform  you  the  East  India  matters  do  not  go  on  so  well 
as  I  could  wish.  You  need  not  hurry  yourself  to  come  up  till  you 
hear  from  me  again."  In  1772,  Major  Gates  having  given  up  all 
hopes  of  a  place  under  the  king's  government,  and  his  former  com- 
missions having  been  sold,  resolved  to  emigrate  to  Virginia;  where, 
in  Blakely  county,  he  purchased  and  resided  in  1773  ;  and  until. 


HORATIO  GATES.  43 

as  we  have  seen,  he  and  his  friend  Charles  Lee,  likewise  a  pur- 
chaser in  the  same  county,  visited  General  Washington  at  Mount 
Vernon. 

We  have  seen  that  General  Lee  was  sent  on  to  prepare  New 
York  for  defence,  and  while  he  was  thus  employed,  the  comman- 
der-in-chief thought  of  him  as  a  fit  person  to  supply  the  loss  of  the 
brave  and  generous  Montgomery,  in  Canada.  About  this  time 
General  Gates  wrote  to  Lee  from  Cambridge.  Some  extracts 
from  the  letter  will  be  of  service  to  us.  It  is  dated  from  Head- 
Quarters,  February  26th,  1776.  Speaking  of  Fort  George,  at  New 
York,  he  says,  "  I  like  your  intention  of  making  the  fort  an  open 
redoubt ;  I  think  some  heavy  guns  upon  the  south  and  west  sides, 
with  good  sod  merlons,  will  make  the  men-of-war  keep  aloof.  It  is  a 
pretty  high  situation,  and  battering  it  at  a  distance,  over  the  lower 
batteries,  would  have  but  little  effect.  Clinton,  I  am  satisfied,  went 
to  see  how  affairs  were  circumstanced  at  New  York,  to  consult 
with  Tryon,  and  to  prepare  the  way  for  Howe's  reception.  We 
shall  march  with  the  utmost  expedition  to  support  you.  Little 
Eustace  is  well,  but  nothing  is  done  for  him  as  yet.  You  know 
the  more  than  Scotch  partiality  of  these  folks.  I  have  had  much 
to  do  to  support  the  lad  you  put  into  Colonel  Whitcomb's  regi- 
ment. They  have  no  complaint  in  nature  against  him,  but  that  he 
is  too  good  an  officer."  By  this  is  seen  what  Gates's  feelings 
were  towards  the  New  England  men,  yet  he  had  the  art  to  conci- 
liate their  favour  and  use  it  to  supplant  others.  Shortly  after  this, 
General  Lee  was  ordered  to  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  to  op- 
pose Clinton  ;  so  that  he  being  imployed  in  the  south,  and  Schuy- 
ler at  the  north,  Putnam,  as  the  only  remaining  major-general,  had 
command  in  the  city  of  New  York.  He  made  his  head-quarters 
in  a  house  left  vacant  by  the  owner,  Captain  Kennedy,  of  the  Bri- 
tish navy,  being  the  first  house  in-  Broadway,  since  enlarged,  and 
known  as  No.  1.  But  General  Washington  soon  arrived,  and 
fixed  his  head-quarters  in  the  house  built  by  Mortier,  the  English 
paymaster-general,  who,  as  we  have  seen,  had  made  his  fortune 
and  gone  to  England. 

Gates  had  conceived  his  plan  of  overthrowing  the  commander- 
in-chief,  and  supplying  his  place,  while  at  Cambridge,  and  ad- 
jutant-general. Immediately  on  receiving  that  appointment  he 
accompanied  General  Washington  to  New  York,  with  the  two 
major-generals,  Lee  and  Schuyler,  and  the  latter  having  been 
charged  with  the  northern  department.  Gates  proceeded  with  Lee 
and  Washington  to  Cambridge. 

The  blockade  of  Boston  continued  until  the  spring  of  1776,* 
during  which,  Mrs.  Gates  who  was  no  beauty,  but  a  woman  whose 


Communicated  verbally,  by  Governour  Morgan  Lewis,  who  was  present. 


44  HORATIO  GATES. 

ambition  was  as  great,  and  her  talent  for  intrigue  greater  than  her 
husband's,  saw  the  court  paid  to  the  commander's  lady  and  others, 
with  an  evil  eye  ;  and  though  glad  in  England  to  see  Gates  a  fort- 
major,  now  saw  even  Israel  Putnam,  take  rank  of  him.  Gates 
applied  to  congress  for  the  rank  of  fnajor-general,  and  supposed 
himself  not  supported  by  General  Washington  :  Mifflin  was  likewise 
disappointed,  and  both  vowed  revenge,  and  joined  in  enmity  to  the 
commander-in-chief. 

Gates  had  been  about  one  year  in  the  service,  when  congress 
appointed  him  a  major-general,  and  directed  that  he  should  take 
command  in  Canada  to  replace  Montgomery. 

These  troops  had  been  forwarded  by  Schuyler  with  the  intent 
of  commanding  them  himself  in  that  expedition,  but  sickness  pre- 
venting, they  had  been  intrusted  to  the  gallant  Montgomery. 
They  were  now  (under  the  command  of  General  Sullivan) 
ordered  by  the  commander  of  the  department  (Schuyler)  to 
Crown  Point  ;  where,  in  the  condition  of  a  sick,  dispirited, 
and  defeated  army.  Gates  found  them  ;  he  not  only  super- 
seded Sullivan  in  the  command  of  this  force,  but  affected  to  con- 
sider himself  independent  of,  if  not  superiour  to,  Schuyler.  Gates 
had  assumed  the  style  and  mode  befitting  the  chief  officer  of  a 
great  department.  In  one  of  his  letters  to  Washington,  he  says, 
**  I  must  take  the  liberty  to  animadvert  a  little  upon  the  unpre- 
cedented behaviour  of  the  members  of  your  council  to  their  com- 
peers of  this  department." 

He  had,  during  the  blockade  of  Boston  by  the  eastern  troops, 
used  those  arts  which  Montgomery  said  were  so  averse  to  his  cha- 
racter. Gates  could  *'  wheedle  and  flatter."  His  manners  were 
specious,  as  were  his  talents,  and  he  w^as  indefatigable,  by  WTidng 
and  otherwise,  in  his  efforts  to  attach  to  himself  the  eastern  mem- 
bers of  congress,  and  other  men  of  influence.  He  was  the  boon 
companion  of  the  gentlemen,  and  the  *'  hail-fellow,  w^ell-met,"  of 
the  vulgar.  He  saw  from  the  first  that  Schuyler  w^as  unpopular 
in  New  England,  who  was  like  his  friends  Montgomery  and  Wash- 
ington, unfitted  for  wheedling,  flattering,  and  lying  ;  and  besides 
had,  in  the  preceding  disputes  between  the  province  of  New  York 
and  New  England,  maintained  the  rights  of  the  people  who  had 
sent  him  to  the  legislature.  Gates  knew  at  this  time  that  seve- 
ral members  of  congress  wished  him  to  supersede  Schuyler. 
Elbridge  Gerry  had,  by  letter,  declared  that  he  wished  him  to  be 
generalissimo  at  the  north.  Messrs.  Lovel,  Samuel  Adams,  and 
others,  w^ere  his  adherents.  He  kept  up  a  correspondence  of  a 
friendly  nature  wdth  John  Adams,  but  there  is  no  evidence  of  that 
great  man  having  appreciated  him  to  the  disadvantage  of  Schuyler. 
He  had  sounded  Adams  as  to  the  character  of  Robert  Morris,  and 


HORATIO  GATES.  45 

received  a  high  eulogium  in  answer.  Shortly  after,  Robert  Morris 
wrote  to  Gates,  and  speaking  of  the  disasters  in  the  north,  he  says, 
"  I  find  some  people  attributing  this  to  a  source  I  should  never 
have  suspected  :  is  it  possible  that  a  man  who  writes  so  well  and 
expresses  so  much  anxiety  for  the  cause  of  his  country  as  General 

S r  does — I  say,  is  it  possible  that  he  can  be  sacrificing  the 

interest  of  that  country  to  his  ambition  or  avarice  ?  I  sincerely 
hope  it  is  not  so,  but  such  intimations  are  dropped." 

Gates  gained,  and  attempted  to  gain,  men  of  influence  as  agents 
in  his  plans  of  ambition.  Connecticut  was  then  a  most  efficient 
member  of  the  union,  and  Governour  Trumbull,  as  steady  a  pa- 
triot as  any  on  the  continent,  was  the  friend  of  Washington  and  of 
his  country,  but  placing  great  reliance  on  Gates.  He  had  three 
sons  at  this  time  in  the  service  ^  if  more,  I  know  not.  One  of 
these  young  men  was  appointed  a  paymaster-general,  another  a 
commissary-general,  and  the  youngest  was  appointed  by  Gates, 
soon  after  he  received  his  commission  of  major-general,  (which 
was  the  24ih  of  June,  1776,)  and  was  empowered  to  make  such 
an  appointment  for  the  army  in  Canada,  his  deputy  adjutant-gene- 
ral ;  and  this  young  gentleman  he  took  on  with  him  and  retained, 
although  there  was  no  longer  an  army  in  Canada,  appointed  the 
youngest  son  of  the  governour  of  Connecticut,  his  deputy-adjutant- 
general,  and  Morgan  Lewis,  whose  father  was  a  member  of  congress, 
his  quarter-master-general.  Mr.  Joseph  Trumbull,  the  commissa- 
ry-general, was  appointed  by  the  same  authority  to  furnish  supplies 
for  the  northern  department,  of  which,  as  has  been  seen,  Schuyler 
was  the  commander  ;  and  notwithstanding  that  that  general  had 
a  commissary-general,  Mr.  Livingston,  of  his  own  choice.  Gates 
had  influence  enough  to  force  Mr.  Joseph  Trumbull  upon  him.  All 
this  secured  to  him  the  attachment  of  a  powerful  family,  and  of  the 
state  of  Connecticut,  where  the  good  old  governour  w^as  justly  es- 
teemed for  talents  and  patriotism. 

Schuyler  issued  his  orders  for  the  relief  and  safety  of  the  army 
in  Canada,  now  driven  back  to  his  immediate  department  and  com- 
mand. Gates,  on  his  arrival,  refused  to  submit  to  the  authority 
of  Schuyler,  who  met  his  unauthorized  disobedience  in  the  most 
courteous  manner,  and  although  the  commission  of  Gates  was  in 
such  plain  terms  that  none  but  the  wilfully  blind  could  fail  to  un- 
derstand it,  Schuyler  offered  to  refer  the  matter  in  dispute  to  con- 
gress. I  have  had  an  opportunity  of  transcribing  part  of  a  letter 
written  by  Commissary-general  Trumbull,  to  his  patron,  which 
throws  light  on  the  subject,  and  on  the  characters  of  the  parties 
concerned.     The  letter  is  addressed  to  Major-general  Gates. 

He  mentions  letters  received  on  the  subject  of  his  department, 
and  says,  '  by  which  I  find  you  are  in  a  cursed  situation,  your  au- 


46 

thorlty  at  an  end,  and  commanded  by  a  person  who  will  be  willing 
to  have  you  knocked  in  the  head,  as  General  Montgomery  was,  if 
he  can  have  the  money-chest  in  his  power.  I  expect  soon  to  see 
you  and  your  suite,  back  here  again.'  He  adds,  that  he  has  shown 
these  letters  from  his  deputy-comntissaries  to  General  Wash- 
ington, and  told  him  that  he  would  order  his  agents  back  again  ; 
as  a  deputy,  who  could  have  no  money  from  anybody  but  Gene- 
ral Schuyler,  could  be  of  no  use  in  that  part  of  the  world  :  further, 
he  says,  he  told  the  general  he  would  *  not  be  answerable  for  the 
consequences  where  his  authority  and  the  chief  command  were  both 
disputed.' 

iSuch  were  some  of  the  difficulties  which  Schuyler  and 
Washington  had  to  contend  against.  The  reader  will  remem- 
ber the  extracts  from  the  letters  of  Montgomery,  and  can  judge 
how  differently  that  gallant  officer  and  good  man  thought  of 
Schuyler,  who  is  here  charged  with  avarice  and  peculation,  if  not 
directly,  certainly  by  implication^  Yet  we  know  that  this  high- 
souled  gentleman  advanced  his  own  money  for  the  publick  service 
when  the  envied  chest  was  empty ;  and  saw  his  houses,  mills,  and 
plantations  at  Saratoga,  committed  to  the  flames  by  the  enemy, 
without  regreting  any  sacrifice  for  his  country's  service.  One 
would  suppose,  that  mean  suspicion  could  not  add  to  this,  yet  I 
find  the  charge  against  Philip  Schuyler  of  intercepting  the  letters 
forwarded  by  congress  to  the  friends  of  Gates  !  It  was  thus  that 
Schuyler  and  Washington  had  to  contend  against  internal  as  well 
as  external  enemies.  As  early  as  January,  1776,  this  persecuted 
patriot  wrote  to  his  friend  and  commander,  '*  I  could  point  out 
particular  persons  of  rank  in  the  army,  who  have  frequently  declared, 
that  the  officer  commanding  in  this  quarter,  ought  to  be  of  the  co- 
lony from  whence  the  majority  of  the  troops  came."  '  He  says,  he 
has  come  to  the  conclusion  "  that  troops  from  the  colony  of  Con- 
necticut will  not  bear  with  a  general  from  another  colony."  He 
laments  the  *'  unbecoming  jealousy  in  a  people  of  so  much  publick 
virtue."  Writing  to  the  same,  in  May,  1776,  he  alludes  to  the 
clamour  raised  against  him,  which  had  been  attributed  to  artful 
practices  of  the  tories,  and  says,  "  I  trust  it  will  appear  that  it  was 
more  a  scheme  calculated  to  ruin  me,  than  to  disunite  and  create 
jealousies  in  the  friends  of  America.  Your  excellency  will  please 
to  order  a  court  of  inquiry  the  soonest  possible."  He  had  before 
said  that  he  had  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  tories  were  not  the  only 
ones  who  propagated  evil  reports  respecting  him.  He  afterward 
knew  full  well  who  were  leagued  against  him. 

Schuyler  had  ever  been  a  champion  for  the  rights  of  New  York  : 
and  much  of  what  he  terms  a  general  aversion  to  men  of  other  pro- 
vinces, was  personal  enmity  to  him.  This  was  fostered  and  in- 
creased by  the  arts  of  a  foreign  officer,  to  whom  these  Americans 
looked  up  as  almost  the  only  leader  whose  knowledge  could  save 


ENMITY  TO  SCHUYLER.  47 

them.  It  will  be  recollected  that  this  was  early  in  the  struggle. 
People  had  no  confidence  in  their  own  military  skill,  and  saw  in 
Charles  Lee  and  Horatio  Gates,  men  possessing  that  knowledge 
which  raised  them  above  any  provincial.  We  must  recollect  that 
Americans  had  heard  for  years  of  their  own  inferiority,  and  of  the 
immense  advant;iges  possessed  by  the  British  officers.  Therefore, 
it  was  not  unnatural  that  men  who  felt  their  own  deficiency  in  mili- 
tary tacticks  (anil  had  almost  been  made  to  believe  that  they  were 
an  inferiour  ra(  e,  compared  to  Europeans)  should  look  up  to  those 
who  had  seen  some  service. 

John  Hancock  wrote  to  him,  that  congress  having  considered 
Schuyler's  letter  to  Washington,  laid  before  them  by  the  mutual 
agreement  of  the  parties  disputing,  had  resolved  that  his  com- 
mand was  totally  independent  of  General  Schuyler's,  while  the 
army  was  in  Canada.  "  Your  letter  of  the  29th  was  dehvered  to 
me  within  this  half  hour.  I  experience  the  finest  feelings,  from  your 
friendly  declaration.  You  will  never,  my  dear  sir,  out-do  me  in  acts  of 
friendship."  In  the  mean  time  the  expectations  of  General  Gates 
were  more  than  kept  alive  by  his  eastern  and  other  friends ;  El- 
bridge  Gerry  wrote  to  him  from  Hartford,  "  we  want  very  much 
to  see  you  with  the  sole  command  in  the  northern  department,  but 
hope  that  you  will  not  relinquish  your  exertions  until  a  favourable 
opportunity  shall  effect  it."  He  had  previously  offered  to  give 
him  information  of  the  measures  of  congress,  their  causes  and 
moving  principles.  Samuel  Chase  writes  from  congress,  "I  wish 
you  would  inform  me  of  your  suspicions,  and  disclose  the  secret 
springs  which  you  suppose  have  influenced  men  and  measures  in 
your  department."  Schuyler,  meantime,  was  sensible  of  the  pre- 
judices against  him,  and  of  the  jealousies  kept  alive  by  machination. 
Sincerely  willing  to  retire,  he  kept  his  post  and  encountered  all  the 
difficulties  of  this  unfortunate  northern  campaign. 


48  ENMITY  TO  SCHUYLEU. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Gerieral    Gates  at    Ticondei'oga  —  Arnold  —  His  efforts  against 
Carleton. 

On  the  8d  of  August,  1776,  Schuyler  writes  to  Gates  as  to  a  friend, 
lamenting  that  he  should  be  the  object  of  envy,  when  his  wish  is  to 
be  in  a  private  station.  He  says,  that  "  the  conclusion  of  the  last 
campaign  I  begged  leave  of  congress  to  retire,  and  in  confidence 
communicated  to  General  Washington  my  more  immediate  rea- 
sons.for  it."     He  laments  that  he  was  persuaded   to   continue. 

Surrounded  by  difficulties,  which  were  rejoiced  in  and  increased 
by  the  man  to  whom  he  communicated  them,  General  Schuyler 
wrote  to  Gates  that  he  had  notified  cons^ress  and  General  Wash- 
ington,  of  his  determination  to  resign  his  commission,  and  insist 
on  a  hearing.  He  says,  "  My  countrymen  will  be  astonished  to 
find  that  I  shall  not  only  clearly  exculpate  myself  of  all  infamous 
charges  laid  to  me,  but  point  out  that  it  ought  to  be  bestowed  else- 
where." At  this  time  Joseph  Trumbull  writes  to  Gates  :  "  I  find 
that  General  Schuyler  is  about  to  resign  ;  I  congratulate  you  and 
myself  thereon." 

While  forwarding  the  service  of  his  country  on  Lake  Champlain, 
he  was  engaged,  as  he  says  in  a  letter  to  W  ashington,  '*'  on  business 
the  most  disagreeable,  to  a  man  accustomed  to  civil  society,  that  can 
be  possibly  conceived."  A  whole  month,  at  the  German  Flats,  was 
he  endeavouring  to  secure  the  neutrality  of  the  Indians  by  speeches 
and  presents.  He  says,  he  "  believes  the  Six  Nations  wall  not  fall 
on  the  frontiers  :"  but  he  was,  at  the  same  time,  preparing  for  de- 
fence. To  congress  he  complains,  that  his  character  had  been 
barbarously  traduced  :  he  asks  for  a  committee  to  inquire  how  far 
the  miscarriages  in  Canada,  if  at  all,  are  to  be  imputed  to  him. 
He  says,  "conscious  of  the  mediocrity  of  my  talents,  and  that  I 
am  vastly  inadequate  to  the  command  I  am  honoured  with,  yet,  on 
this  occasion,  I  may  be  allowed  to  say,  that  I  do  not  believe  that  I 
shall  even  be  convicted  of  an  errour  of  judgment.  Confidence  of 
the  army,  in  me,  I  know,  is,  in  a  great  measure  destroyed,  by  in- 
sidious insinuations,  industriously  propagated  by  a  set  of  miscre- 
ants." September  14th,  he  tenders  his  resignation  to  congress  : 
**  I  am  still  willing  to  meet  any  inquiry.    Oppressed  as  I  have  been 


ARXOLD  AT  MONTREAL.  49 

by  calumnies,  I  shall  be  always  ready  to  do  the  duties  of  a  good 
citizen,  and  to  give  my  successor  all  the  information  and  assistance 
in  my  power." 

Congress  would  not  accept  his  resignation.  Still,  their  conduct 
towards  him  was  so  unsatisfactory,  that  but  for  events  on  Lake 
Champlain,  that  called  upon  his  patriotism,  he  would  have  retired 
in  disgust. 

Arnold  when  last  mentioned,  was  before  Quebec  with  the  unfor- 
tunate gallant  Montgomery.  As  soon  as  the  news  of  the  attempt 
upon  the  capital  of  Canada  reached  congress,  they  promoted 
Arnold  to  the  rank  of  brigadier  general.  Ever  worthy  of  praise 
by  his  courage  and  enterprize,  he  was  at  the  same  time  obnoxious 
to  censure  for  turbulence  and  rapacity. 

Major  Brown  had  been  one  of  those  who  opposed  the  preten- 
sions of  Arnold,  at  the  time  of  the  capture  of  Ticonderoga  by 
Ethan  Allen.  By  the  death  of  Montgomery,  Brown,  who  had 
accompanied  that  amiable  man  to  Quebec,  was  placed  under  the 
command  of  Arnold,  little  prone  to  forgiveness,  or  scrupulous  in 
the  means  of  inflicting  Injury.  He  wrote  letters  to  certain  mem- 
bers of  congress,  charging  Brown  with  having  plundered  the 
baggage  and  property  of  prisoners  taken  in  Canada.  This  being 
made  known  to  Brown,  he  applied  successively  to  Generals  Woos- 
ter,  Thomas  and  Gates,  for  a  court  of  inquiry  :  but  x\rnold  had 
influence  enough  to  prevent  this  mode  of  wiping  off  the  stigma 
he  had  inflicted,  and  even  to  induce  Gates  to  evade  the  orders  of 
congress,  which  Brown,  now  a  colonel,  had  obtained  for  his  redress. 
Baffled  in  all  his  attempts  to  obtain  justice,  the  injured  man  pub- 
lished a  narrative. of  the  affair,  after  having  demanded  the  arrest  of 
Arnold  on  a  series  of  chare^es,  including^  "  numerous  misdemean- 
ours  and  criminal  acts  during  the  course  of  his  command."  Arnold, 
who  always  had  the  words  honour  and  innocence  at  command, 
even  to  the  last  of  his  life,  never,  during  the  course  of  these  charges 
by  Brown,  demanded  a  court  of  inquiry  upon  his  own  conduct, 
although  that  was  the  obvious  mode  of  proving  both  his  innocence 
and  honour. 

Arnold  having  been  superseded  in  command  before  Quebec,  by 
the  arrival  of  General  Wooster  in  April  1776,  pleaded  his  wounds, 
and  was  removed  to  Montreal,  where  be  again  had  the  command. 
The  enemy  were  soon  approaching  In  force.  The  "  affair  of  the 
Cedars,"  where  to  use  the  words  of  Mr.  Sparks,  "  nearly  400  men 
surrendered,  and  a  hundred  more  were  killed  or  taken  in  a  brave 
encounter,"  called  forth  the  spirit  and  activity  of  General  Arnold. 
On  the  26th  of  May  he  arrived  at  St.  Anne's  with  800  men.  He 
had  sent  a  message  by  some  friendly  Indians,  to  the  hostile  savages 
6n  the  other  side  of  the  river,  demanding  a  surrender  of  the  Ame- 
rican prisoners,   and  threatening  if  any  murders  were  committed 

VOL.  II.  7 


50  ARKOLD  AT  MONTREAL. 

that  he  would  put  to  death  every  Indian  he  took.  His  messengers 
returned  with  a  threat  in  answer,  that  if  Arnold  attempted  to  cross 
to  the  rescue  of  the  prisoners  they  held,  every  one  of  them,  500 
in  number  should  be  sacrificed. 

Arnold  was  not  a  man  to  be  deterred  by  a  threat.  He  manned 
his  boats  and  pushed  for  the  Island  where  the  prisoners  had  been 
confined.  On  landing  he  found  five  American  soldiers,  naked  and 
almost  famished  ;  the  other  prisoners  had  been  removed  to  Qvinze 
Chieiis^  five  miles  lower  on  the  river,  except  two,  who  being  sick, 
had  been  butchered.  Advancing  with  his  boats  to  Quinze  Chiens, 
he  found  the  enemy  prepared  to  receive  him  and  prevent  his  land- 
ing. Major  Foster  was  then  commander,  who  with  two  field  pieces, 
forty  British  troops,  one  hundred  Canadians,  and  four  hundred 
Indians,  repulsed  the  Americans,  v  ho  retired  to  St.  Anne  for  the 
night,  it  being  determined  to  attack  the  enemy  as  soon  as  the  light 
of  morning  permitted.  But  at  midnight  arrived  an  officer  with  a 
flag,  bearing  articles  which  had  been  entered  into  between  Major 
Sherburne,  the  superiour  officer  among  the  prisoners,  and  Major 
Foster  ;  who  had  prevailed  on  Sherburne  (by  assurances  that  he 
could  not  controul  the  Indians,  and  that  every  prisoner  woulc^  be 
massacred  the  moment  their  friends  approached  to  rescue  them) 
to  sign  articles  by  which  it  was  stipulated  that  the  prisoners  should 
be  released  on  parole  in  exchange  for  British  prisoners  in  the  hands 
of  the  Americans  :  the  Americans  were  not  again  to  take  up 
arms,  and  should  pledge  themselves  not  to  give  any  information 
by  words,  writing  or  signs  which  should  be  prejudicial  to  his  ma- 
jesty's service.  This  clause  Arnold  rejected,  but  in  consideration 
of  the  barbarous  threat  which  had  induced  Sherburne  to  sign  this 
agreement,  he  consented  to  the  other  articles,  by  which  six  days 
were  allowed  for  sending  the  prisoners  to  St  Johns  :'  four  Ameri- 
can captains  were  to  go  to  Quebec  and  remain  as  hostages,  till  the 
exchange  could  be  effected,  and  reparation  was  to  be  made  for  all 
property  that  had  been  destroyed  by  the  continental  troops.  Such 
were  the  articles  imposed  upon  prisoners  in  his  power  by  a  British 
officer,  as  the  only  means  to  prevent  indiscriminate  slaughter  by 
his  followers. 

Arnold  returned  to  Montreal,  and  held  that  post  until  the  Amer- 
can  commander  in  Canada  had  made  a  precipitate  retreat  to  Crown 
Point.  Having  sent  off  his  troops  he  reserved  a  boat  for  himself, 
and  mounting  his  horse,  he  rode  with  his  aid,  Wilkinson,  two 
miles  to  view  the  approaching  army  under  Burgoyne :  they,  after 
reconnoitering,  dismounted,  stript  and  shot  their  horses,  and  em- 
barked in  the  boat  that  attended  them.  Arnold — that  he  might  be 
the  last  man  to  retreat  from  the  hostile  shore — pushed  off  the  boat 
himself,  before  springing  into  it.  It  was  night  before  he  overtook 
the  army  at  Isle-aux-iioix, 


ARNOLD  AT  MONTREAL.  51 

Although  Benedict  escaped  with  Hfe  from  Montreal,  charges 
were  brought  against  him  for  conduct  which  accorded  with  his 
former  character  for  dishonesty  and  rapacity,  and  which  would  have 
consigned  him  to  merited  ignominy,  but  that  his  military  and  naval 
skill,  his  courage  and  activity,  were  wanted  to  place  as  a  barrier 
against  the  advancing  enemy  ;  and  Gates,  to  whom  the  defence  of 
the  lake  had  fallen,  felt  himself  unequal  to  the  task  widiout  Arnold's 
assistance. 

When  Arnold  saw  that  Canada  must  be  given  up,  he  seems  to 
have  determined  to  make  the  most  of  his  command  at  Montreal. 
Under  pretence  that  the  ojoods  of  the  inhabitants  were  wanted  for 
public  service,  he  seized  them — the  owners  names  were  inscribed 
on  the  parcels  with  the  promises  of  payment  by  congress,  and  thus 
were  hurried  off  to  Chamblce,  where  Colonel  Hazen  commanded, 
with  orders  to  forward  them  to  St.  Johns,  and  thence  by  water  to 
Ticonderoga.  Hazen,  as  is  said,  refused  to  meddle  with  these 
goods  thus  forced  from  the  owners,  and  when  he  did  take  them  in 
his  charge,  left  them  exposed  to  injury  and  plunder.  The  owners 
followed  with  invoices  of  what  had  been  taken.  General  Arnold 
was  censured  for  seizing  the  merchandize,  and  he  accused  Hazen 
of  disobedience  of  orders  in  not  preserving  them  from  injury.  A 
court  martial  on  Hazen  was  the  consequence,  which  refused  to  re- 
ceive the  testimony  of  Arnold's  agent,  who  had  received  the  goods, 
he  being  as  they  alledged  a  party  concerned.  The  general  wrote 
an  insolent  letter  to  the  court.  They  demanded  an  apology,  which 
was  insultingly  refused,  in  a  kind  of  challenge  to  the  individuals  ; 
the  court  appealed  to  Gates,  then  in  command,  but  he  abetted 
Arnold,  dissolved  the  court,  and  appointed  him  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  flotilla  that  was  to  oppose  the  invasion  of  Carleton. 
The  court  before  separating,  acquitted  Hazen  with  honour,  thus 
informally  censuring  Arnold  for  the  seizure  of  the  merchandize  at 
Montreal.  This  was  probably  all  the  satisfaction  that  the  owners 
obtained. 

If  Arnold's  previous  character  had  been  that  of  a  conscientious 
and  honest  man  it  is  probable  that  he  would  not  have  been  judged 
so  hardly  in  this  affair  :  for  letters  are  extant,  which  prove  that  *'  he 
was  not  practising"  as  Mr.  Sparks  observes,  "  any  secret  manoeuvre 
in  the  removal  of  the  goods,  or  for  retaining  them  in  his  own  pos- 
session :"  yet  on  the  other  hand,  he  well  knew,  that  by  the  articles 
of  capituladon  agreed  to  by  General  Montgomery,  the  citizens  of 
Montreal  were  to  be  secured  in  all  their  effects  ;  and  as  to  the  plea 
of  these  goods  being  for  publick  service,  it  was  publickly  known 
that  silks  and  other  articles  were  seized  litde  needed  for  the 
wants  of  any  army. 

Gates  had  by  order  of  congress  taken  command  of  the  northern 


52  ARNOLD  ON   LAKE  CHAMPLAIN. 

army,  as  mentioned.*  Schuyler  gave  his  effectual  aid  in  preparing 
the  necessary  defence  of  the  country,  although  sensible  of  the  in- 
justice done  him.  Arnold  repaired  to  Albany  for  the  purpose  of 
giving  the  commander  in  the  northern  department  information 
of  the  state  of  affairs  after  the  retreat  of  the  American  army; 
and  he  had  scarcely  time  to  tell  his  tale  to  General  Schuyler,  as  the 
officer  entitled  to  hear  it,  before  Gates  arrived,  as  appointed  head 
of  affairs,  and  the  tale  had  to  be  retold  to  him.  Schuyler  accom- 
panied his  successful  rival  to  Crown  Point,  to  give  him  the  instruc- 
tion and  information  the  service  required.  Arnold  went  with 
them. 

It  was  after  General  Schuyler's  departure  to  prepare  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  western  frontier  of  the  state,  that  the  decision  of  the 
court  martial  threw  censure  upon  Arnold,  and  the  dictatorial  or- 
ders of  Gates  silenced  that  censure,  and  placed  him  as  admiral  of 
the  flotilla,  which  was  prepared  and  preparing,  to  prevent  die  pro- 
gress of  General  Carlelon. 

By  the  exertions  and  influence  of  Schuyler,  (although  necessa- 
rily absent  from  the  lake)  and  the  indefatigable  activity  of  Arnold, 
this  extraordinary  man,  before  the  middle  of  August,  saw  himself 
a  second  time  commander  of  a  flotilla,  upon  the  inland  sea,  which 
for  so  many  years  was  the  high  road  for  hostile  armaments  to  and 
from  Canada.  He  now  had  absolute  control  over  three  armed 
schooners  carrying  28  guns,  a  sloop  mounting  12,  and  five  gondo- 
las with  three  guns  each. 

Gates  had  ordered  the  commodore  general  to  take  his  station  at 
the  Isle  aux  teies.  The  order  stated,  "  that  as  the  present  opera- 
tions were  designed  to  be  wholly  on  the  defensive,  the  business  of 
tlie  fleet  was  to  prevent  or  repel  a  hostile  incursion  ;  but  not  to  run 
any  wanton  risks,  or  seek  an  encounter  within  the  enemy's  terri- 
tory." Arnold  was  prohibited,  in  positive  terms,  not  to  advance 
beyond  the  station  above  named — where  there  was  a  narrow  pass 
in  the  lake  supposed  to  be  defensible.  But  Carleton  not  only  cre- 
ated a  stronger  naval  force  than  that  of  Arnold,  bit  had  anticipated 
him,  by  seizing  this  pass,  and  occupying  the  island  and  both  shores 
of  the  lake  with  his  land  forces. 

This  disposition  of  the  enemy  was  seen,  on  the  arrival  of  the 
American  fleet  at  Windmill  Point ;  and  there  Arnold  took  his  sta- 
tion, mooring  his  vessels  in  a  line  across  the  lake.t  Thus  finding 
that  he  was  exposed  to  annoyance  from  the  main  land — his  advert 


*  In  a  letter  from  John  Adams  to  Gates,  from  Congress,  dated  June  the  ISth, 
he  says,  "  We  have  made  you  Dictator  in  Canada,  for  six  months,  or,  at  least,  to 
the  first  of  October." 

t  I  find  a  manusciipt  letter  from  Arnold  to  Gates,  dated  Windmill  Point,  Sep- 
ember  17th,  in  which  ne  says,  that   his  fleet  has  sLx  days  provisions,  and  that  he 


ENGAGEMENT  ON  LAKE  CHAMPLAIN.  53 

sary  having  the  command  of  the  shores,  with  a  superioiir  force — he 
retired  up  the  lake  eight  miles,  choosing  a  post  at  Isle-la-Motte, 
more  favourable  for  opposition  to  his  adveisary's  fleet,  and  out  of 
reach  from  the  land  forces.  The  men  of  whom  he  had  the  com- 
mand, were  not  such  as  he  could  confide  in.  He  wrote  to  Gates, 
September  21st,  a  letter,  which  I  find  in  the  Gates'  papers,  saying, 
"the  drafts  from  the  regiments  at  Ticonderoga  are  a  miserable  set. 
Indeed,  the  men  on  board  the  fleet  are  not  equal  to  half  their  num- 
ber of  £:ood  men."  His  force  had  been  increased  siiice  leavinof 
Crown  Point,  and  before  the  action  of  the  11th  of  October,  con- 
sisted of  three  schooners,  two  sloops,  three  galleys,  and  eight  gon- 
dolas. On  the  morning  of  that  day,  his  guard  boats  gave  notice 
that  the  enemy's  fleet  was  in  siglit,  off'  Cumberland  head,  moving 
up  the  lake.  A  ship  of  three  masts,  two  schooners,  a  radeau,  one 
gondola,  twenty  gun-boats,  four  long  boats,  and  forty-four  boats 
with  troops  and  provisions,  soon  made  their  appearance  in  formi- 
dable array.  The  armed  vessels  were  manned  by  chosen  seamen 
from  the  English  fleet,  wliich  had  arrived  in  the  St.  Lawrence  with 
powerful  reinforcements.  To  this  overwhelmirg  force,  Arnold  had 
to  oppose  men  who  were  inspired  with  courage  rather  derived  from 
their  opinion  of  him,  than  their  own  strength. 

Before  the  action  became  general,  the  Americans  lost  one  of 
their  schooners,  which  groimded,  and  was  destroyed  by  her  crew, 
who  saved  themselves.  The  largest  English  vessels  were  prevent- 
ed from  coming  into  the  fight  at  first;  but  one  schooner  and  all 
their  gun-boats  kept  up  a  cannonade  with  grape  and  round  shot, 
within  musket  fire  of  the  American  line,  from  half  past  twelve  to 
five  o'clock,  when  they  v^ere  forced  to  retire.  During  this  en- 
gagement, Arnold,  in  the  Congress  galley,  was  exposed  to  the  se- 
verest fire  of  the  enemy.  Deficient  in  gunners,  he  pointed  the 
guns  of  his  vessel  himself,  and  by  his  example  encoura«i;ed  his  men 
lo  persist  to  the  last,  although  his  galley  was  cut  to  pieces  by  the 
shot  of  the  enemy,  and  many  of  his  men  killed  and  wounded. 
The  Washington  galley  was  likewise  disabled  ;  one  of  the  gondo- 
las had  her  lieutenant  killed — her  captain  and  master  wounded  ; 
another  lost  all  her  officers.*     During  the  fight,  the  English  had 


expects  the  enemy.  To  strengthen  his  vessels,  which  were  too  low  to  repel  boards 
ers,  he  landed  men  to  cut  fascine j  ;  but  they  were  attacked  and  beaten  oft"  the 
shore  with  loss. 

*  I  derive  from  General  MorjOfan  Lewis  the  name  of  Abraham  Nimham,  of 
Stockbridge,  who,  as  a  gallant  sailor  and  soldier  wa5  distinguished  on  this  occa- 
sion. This  man,  and  an  InUjan  of  the  Montauk  tribe,  joined  Arnold  in  his  peril- 
ous Canada  expedition.  Nimham  was  a  siib  officer  at  the  time  of  this  naval  fight, 
and  was  on  board  the  boat,  all  of  whose  officers  were  killed.  He  took  the  com- 
mand, managed  her  with,  skill,  and  fought  her  manfully.  At  the  tipie  of  abandon- 
ing the  boats,  he  was  the  last  to  run  aground;  but  laid  his  boat  so  as  to  protect 


54  ENGAGEMENT  ON  LAKE  CHAMPLAIN. 

landed  a  body  of  their  Indians,  who  kept  up  a  fire  of  musketry 
upon  the  American  vessels.  Sixty  men  were  killed  or  wounded  ; 
but  the  enemy  had  been  rej)ulsed. 

It  was  evident,  however,  that  the  fleet  could  not  withstand  the 
force  Carleton  could  bring  against  it ;  ^nd  in  a  consultation  of  offi- 
cers, it  was  deleiniined  \o  retire  to  Crown  Point,  and,  if  possible, 
not  risk  a  second  encounter.  Tlie  British  conunander,  knowing 
his  advantage,  brought  up  his  larger  vessels,  before  night,  within  a 
few  hundred  yards  of  tl  e  Americans,  stretching  his  line  in  such  a 
direction  as  he  thought  would  prevent  his  enemy  from  retiring  up 
the  lake  and  avoiding  his  attack  the  next  day.  But  the  night 
proved  uncommonly  dark  ;  and  Arnold,  by  a  skilful  movement, 
avoided  the  danger,  and  before  light,  had  removed  his  little  tieet 
at  least  ten  miles  from  the  enemy,  bringing  up  the  rear  himself,  in 
his  crippled  galley.  At  Schuyler's  Island,  the  fleet  was  anchored 
to  repair  sails  and  stop  leaks.  Two  gondolas  were  abandoned  and 
sunk.  In  the  afternoon  they  hoisted  sail,  the  enemy  pursuing ; 
but  both  fleets  were  nearly  becalmed.  Next  day,  Arnold  found  that 
Carleton  was  coming  up  with  his  gallies  and  four  of  his  gondolas, 
all  too  much  injured  to  sail  freely,  while  the  largest  vessels  of  the 
enemy  were  uninjured,  and  carried  a  press  of  sail.  The  Washing- 
ton galley  was  overhauled,  and  after  a  few  broadsides,  struck  her 
flag.  A  ship  of  14  guns,  and  a  schooner  of  14,  bore  up  and 
poured  their  fire  upon  the  Congress ;  but  Arnold,  for  four  hours, 
maintained  the  unequal  contest,  until  surrounded  by  seven  of  the 
enemy's  vessels,  he,  as  a  last  resource,  ran  his  galley  and  four  gon- 
dolas into  a  small  creek  on  the  east  side  of  the  lake,  ten  miles  from 
Crown  Point,  and,  as  soon  as  they  were  aground,  ordered  his  ma- 
riners to  wade  to  the  shore  with  their  muskets,  and  keep  off"  the 
enemy's  small  boats.  He,  ever  the  last  man  in  a  retre'at,  remained 
in  his  galley  until  the  flames  had  made  such  progress  that  they 
could  not  be  extinguished  ;  then,  on  the  shore  he  maintained  his 
attitude  of  defence  until  his  vessels  were  consumed  with  their  flags 
flying.  This  accomplished,  he  led  his  little  band  through  the 
woods  to  Crown  Point. 

With  defeat,  the  reputation  of  Arnold  was  increased  ;  every  de- 
fect of  his  character  was  lost  sight  of,  owing  to  the  brilliancy  which 
was  shed  around  him  by  his  daring  and  his  military  conduct.  Men 
estimate  that  courage  which  protects  them  from  harm,  (even  though 
it  should   proceed  from  insensibihty  to  danger)   at  a  higher  value 


others  and  annoy  the  enemy.  When  necessary,  he  swam  ashore,  and  joined  in 
every  peril  and  every  exertion.  This  gallant  man  was  subsequently  killed  near 
White  Plains.  He  had  with  a  party  been  sent  to  hover  near  the  British  lines, 
when  they  were  set  upon  by  a  large  party  of  Buskirk's  and  Delancey's  men,  and 
cut  to  pieces. 


55 

than  honesty,  scrupulous  attention  to  truth,  deference  to  the  rigjhts 
of  others,  or  any  of  the  virtues  on  which  the  happiness  of  society 
depends.  The  moral  courage  of  the  wise  and  good  never  dazzles 
— it  is  appreciated  by  the  few,  and  is  unnoticed  by  the  mass  of 
mankind. 

Arnold  had  lost  the  naval  protection  of  the  lake — he  had  sacri- 
ficed near  a  hundred  Americans,  who  were  either  killed  or  wound- 
ed. The  enemy  owned  a  loss  of  about  half  the  number.  The 
gain  was  altogether  with  Carleton,  who  now  commanded  this  high 
road  into  the  heart  of  the  country.  But  Arnold  gained  rather  than 
lost  reputation,  by  the  event ;  and,  as  a  military  leader,  he  deserved 
the  admiration  his  actions  produced,  while  he  appeared  to  exert 
his  powers  for  the  defence  of  his  country  from  motives  that  were 
worthy  of  all  praise. 

This  destruction  of  the  naval  armament  of  Lake  Champlain,  and 
the  threatened  attack  upon  Ticonderoga,  again  called  forth  all  the 
energies  of  Schuyler,  who  forwarded  reinforcements,  and  endea- 
voured to  guard  the  country  by  its  mihtla  ;  but  this  last  species  of 
force  was  such  to  him  as  the  commander-in-chief  had  found  it,  "a 
broken  reed,"  refractory,  insubordinate  in  all  thins^s  ;  they  would 
neither  march  nor  work,  w4ien  ordered.  But  a  sufficient  show  of 
opposition  was  made,  to  induce  the  British  general  to  defer  his  at- 
tack on  Ticonderoga  ;  and,  as  the  winier  was  approaching,  (to 
avoid  being  frozen  in  the  lake,  where  he  would  be  certain  of  de- 
struction from  surrounding  enemies,)  he  prudently  returned  to 
Canada,  and  relieved  the  good  people  of  New  York  from  their  fears 
for  the  present.  But  the  exertions  of  Schuyler  and  Arnold  pre- 
vented the  co-operation  of  Carleton  with  Howe. 


56  GERMAN  AUXILIARIES. 


CHAPTER  V. 

England  bmjs  foreign  troops  to  helji  to  si/hdue  Ameilca — Her  army 
repairs  from  Boston  to  Hal  fax — Afer  being  re-enforced^  the 
army  lands  on  Staten  Island — The  troops  of  Washington — Bat- 
tle of  Brooklyn^  and.  rctrtat  from  Long  Island. 

1776         While  Schuyler  and  x\rnold  were  contending  with  the 
powers  of  Great  Britain  in  the  north  and  west,  Washington 
was  engaged  at  New  York  with  that  mighty  nation,  and  her  pur- 
chased foieign  hordes,  from  Germany. 

A  little  book  published  by  Ithiel  Town,  Esq.,  of  New  Haven, 
written  by  an  English  naval  captain,  who  made  one  in  the  fleet  which 
brought  General  De  Heister  and  his  army  of  Germans  to  this  coun- 
try, gives  the  only  account  of  the  fleets.  The  fleet  and  army  of 
England  awaited  at  Halifax  a  reinforcement ;  while  Sir  H.  Clin- 
ton finding  New  York  too  strong,  and  Lee  already  there,  sailed  to 
Charleston,  South  Carolina,  where  he  again  found  Lee ;  and  after 
being  beaten  off  by  Moultrie,  was  in  time  to  join  Sir  William 
Howe  and  his  army  at  Staten  Island.  There  he  refreshed  his 
troops  and  made  preparation  for  attacking  New  York,  awaiting  the 
fleet  of  Lord  Howe.* 


*  On  the  14th  of  April,  General  Washington  had  arrived  at  New  York,  from 
Boston,  after  driving  the  British  from  that  town.  The  army  were  on  their  march 
for  New  York.  General  Washington  left  that  place  by  order  of  Congress  to  con- 
sult them  in  Philadelphia;  and  Putnam,  a^  being  the  oldest  major-general,  was, 
during  his  absence,  left  in  command.  Before  going,  he  required  the  committee  of 
safety  to  prohibit  all  persons  from  communicating  with  the  king's  ships  in  the  har- 
hour,  as  being  injurious  to  the  American  interest,  and  as  the  city  was  placed  in  a 
state  of  defence,  not  required  by  any  prudential  considerations.  The  committee 
accordingly  issued  their  decree  of  prohibition,  under  penalty  of  being  considered 
and  treated  as  enemies  to  the  country.  Among  the  troops  at  this  time  in  New 
York,  was  Captain  Alexander  Hamilton's  company  of  artillery.  The  whole  army 
at  New  York,  in  April,  wa«  but  10,*2;55  men. 

In  June,  some  of  the  continental  soldiers,  by  their  riotous  behaviour,  drew  forth 
a  reprimand  from  the  general.  The  king's  ships  were  removed  from  the  harbour 
to  Sandy  Hook,  about  the  last  of  April.  The  17th  of  May  was  observed,  by  order 
of  Congress,  as  a  day  of  fasting,  humiliation,  and  prayer.  On  the  16th  of  May, 
Gates  was  promoted  to  be  a  major-general;  and  on  the  l9lh,  by  direction  of  Wash- 
ington, went  on  to  Congress,  with  high  recommendations  from  him  to  their  "notice 
and  favours."  But  Congress,  wishing  the  presence  of  the  commander-in-chief,  he 
left  New  York  on  the  21st,  under  the  command  of  Putnam,  with  directions  for  him 
to  consult  Gen.  Greene — showing  that  Washington  duly  appreciated  both  men. 


STATE  OF  AMERICAN  ARMY.  57 

Gen.  Howe  had  been  joined  by  Governour  Tryon,  and  many 
gentlemen  from  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  who  encouraged  him 
with  the  hope  that  great  numbers  would  gather  in  arms  round  his 
standard.  He  appointed  Mr.  Delancey,  of  New  York,  and  Mr. 
Cortland  Skinner,  of  Perth  Amboy,  generals  of  brigade ;  and  ex- 
pected from  their  influence  a  great  accession  of  tories  to  his  Eng- 
lish army.  In  the  mean  time.  Gen.  Washington  made  every  dis- 
position in  his  power  with  his  motley,  undisciplined,  and  refractory 
troops,  to  meet  this  great  and  well  appointed  army.  Gen.  Mercer, 
with  what  was  called  the  flying  camp,  was  stationed  at  Perth  Am- 
boy, divided  by  a  narrow  channel  from  the  enemy,  whose  sentinels 
were  full  in  view. 

The  first  troops  that  came  to  defend  New  York,  were  eas- 
tern— of  whom  Graydon*  gives  this  description  : 

"  The  materials  of  which  the  eastern  battalions  were  com- 
posed, were  apparently  the  same  as  those  of  which  I  had  seen  so 
unpromising  a  specimen  at  Lake  George. t  I  speak  particularly  of 
the  officers,  who  were  in  no  single  respect  distinguishable  from 
their  men,  other  than  in  the  coloured  cockades,  which,  for  this  very 
purpose,  had  been  prescribed  in  general  orders — -a  different  colour 
being  assigned  to  the  officers  of  each  grade.  So  far  from  aiming 
at  a  deportment  which  might  raise  them  above  their  privates,  and 
thence  prompt  them  to  due  respect  and  obedience  to  their  com- 
mands, the  object  was,  by  humility,  to  preserve  the  existing  bless- 
ing of  equality — an  illustrious  instance  of  which  was  given  by  Co- 
lonel Putnam,  the  chief-engineer  of  the  army,  and  no  less  a  per- 
sonage than  the  nephew  of  the   major-general   of  that  name.-— 

*  What,'  says  a  person  meeting  him  one  day  with  a  piece  of  meat 
in    his   hand,    '  carrying    home   your   rations    yourself,   colonel  !' 

*  Yes,'  says  he,  '  and  I  do  it  to  set  the  officers  a  good  example.' 
But  if  any  aristocratick  tendencies  had  been  really  discovered  by 
the  colonel  among  his  countrymen,  requiring  this  wholesome  ex- 
ample, they  must  have  been  of  recent  origin,  and  the  effect  of 
southern  contamination,  since  I  have  been  credibly  informed,  that 
it  was  no  unusual  thing  in  the  army  before  Boston,  for  a  colonel  to 
make  drummers  and  fifers  of  his  sons — thereby,  not  only  being  en- 


Putnam  had  directions  in  case  of  the  appearance  of  the  enemy  to  forward  express- 
es with  all  speed  to  Philadelphia.  On  the  :W  of  June,  he  direc';ed  Putnam  to  in- 
quire for  carpenters  and  materials  for  gondolas  and  fire  rafts  for  the  defence  of 
New  York.  On  the  7th  of  June,  the  commander-in-chief  was  again  in  New  York, 
Gen.  Schuyler  was  directed  to  engage  2,000  Indians  for  the  service,  but  found 
his  utmost  endeavours  necessary  to  prevent  them  from  joining  the  English.  He 
contrived  to  get  them  to  a  council,  to  nieet  him  at  German  Flats,  and  make  treaty 
with  him.     All  the  measures  of  Schuyler  were  counteracted  by  Sir  John  Johnson. 

*  "Memoirs  of  a  Life,  chiefly  passed  in  Pennsylvania." — p.  130. 

\  Vol.  I  p.  480.     Graydon,  p.  127. 

VOL.  II.  8 


58  NEW  ENGLAND  TKOOPS. 

abled  to  form  a  very  snug,  economical  mess,  but  to  aid  also  con- 
siderably the  revenue  of  the  family  chest.  In  short,  it  appeared 
that  the  sordid  spirit  of  gain,  was  the  vital  principle  of  the  greater 
part  of  the  army.  The  only  exception  I  recollect  to  have  seen,  to 
these  miserably  constituted  bands  from  New  England,  was  the  re- 
giment of  Glover,  from  Marblehead.  There  was  an  appearance 
of  discipline  in  this  corps  ;  the  officers  seemed  to  have  mixed  with 
the  world,  and  to  understand  what  belonged  to  their  stations. 
Though  deficient,  perhaps,  in  polish,  it  possessed  an  apparent  ap- 
titude for  the  purpose  of  its  institution,  and  gave  a  confidence  that 
myriads  of  its  meek  and  lowly  brethren  were  unable  to  inspire. 
But  even  in  this  regiment  there  were  a  number  of  negroes,  which, 
to  persons  unaccustomed  to  such  associations,  had  a  disagreeable, 
degrading  effect  ....  Taking  the  army  in  the  aggregate,  with  its 
equipments  along  with  it,  he  must  have  been  a  novice  or  a  sanguine 
calculator,  who  could  suppose  it  capable  of  sustaining  the  lofty 
tone  and  verbal  energy  of  congress.  In  point  of  numbers  merely, 
it  was  deficient ;  though  a  fact  then  little  known  or  suspected. 
Newspapers  and  common  report,  indeed,  made  it  immensely  nu- 
merous ;  and  it  was  represented  that  General  Washington  had  so 
many  men,  that  he  wanted  no  more,  and  had  actually  sent  many 
home,  as  superfluous.  It  is  true,  there  were  men  enough  coming 
and  going  ;  yet  his  letters  of  that  day,  demonstrate  how  truly  weak 
he  was,  in  steady,  permanent  soldiers." 

General  Washington,  in  a  letter  of  10th  July,  1776,  to  the  pre- 
sident of  congress,  says,  that  the  battalions  of  the  Connecticut  mili- 
tia will  be  very  incomplete,  and  that  tliat  government  had  ordered 
three  regiments  of  their  lighthorse  to  his  assistance  ;  but  not  having 
the  means  to  support  cavalry,  he  informed  the  gentlemen  that  he 
could  not  consent  to  keep  their  horses,  but  wished  '''themselves" 
to  remain.  It  appears  that  while  the  generality  of  the  troops  were 
employed  with  the  spade  and  pickaxe,  and  the  fine  regiments  from 
Pennsylvania  were  daily  at  work  fortifying  the  banks  of  Haerlem  and 
Hudson  rivers,  these  highminded  "  Connecticut  lighthorse,"  as 
the  commander-in-chief  says,  "  notwithstanding  their  promise"  to 
continue  for  the  defence  of  New  York,  were  discharged,  "  having 
peremptorily  refused  all  kind  of  fatigue  duty,  or  even  to  mount 
guard,  claiming  an  exemption  as  troopers."  Of  these  cavaliers, 
Graydon  says* — "Among  the  military  phenomena  of  this  campaign, 
the  Connecticut  lighthorse  ought  not  to  be  forgotten.  These  con- 
sisted of  a  considerable  number  of  old-fashioned  men,  probably 
farmers  and  heads  of  families,  as  they  were  generally  middle-aged, 
and  many  of  them  apparently  beyond  the  meridian  of  life.     They 


*  Page  136. 


GENERAL  MIFFLIN.  59 

were  truly  irregulars ;  and  whether  their  clothing,  their  equipments, 
or  caparisons  were  regarded,  it  would  have  been  difficult  to  have 
discovered  any  circumstance  of  uniformity  ;  though  in  the  features 
derived  from  *  local  habitation,'  they  were  one  and  the  same.  In- 
stead of  carbines  and  sabres,  they  generally  carried  fowling-pieces 
— some  of  them  very  long,  and  such  as  in  Pennsylvania  are  used 
for  shooting  ducks.  Here  and  there,  one  appeared  in  a  dingy 
regimental  of  scarlet,  with  a  triangular,  tarnished,  laced  hat. 
In  short,  so  little  were  they  like  modern  soldiers,  in  air  or 
costume,  that,  dropping  the  necessary  number  of  years,  they 
might  have  been  supposed  the  identical  men  who  had  in  part 
composed  Pepperil's  army,  at  the  taking  of  Louisbourg.  Their 
order  of  march  corresponded  with  their  other  irregularities.  It 
*  spindled  into  longitude  immense,'  presenting  so  extended  and 
ill-compacted  a  flank,  as  though  they  had  disdained  the  adventi- 
tious prowess  derived  from  concentration.  These  singular  dra- 
goons were  volunteers,  who  came  to  make  a  tender  of  their  services 
to  the  commander-in-chief.  But  they  staid  not  long  at  New  York. 
As  such  a  body  of  cavalry  had  not  been  counted  upon,  there  was 
in  all  probability  a  want  of  forage  for  their  jades,  which,  in  the  spirit 
of  ancient  knighthood,  they  absolutely  refused  to  descend  from  ; 
and  as  the  general  had  no  use  for  cavaliers  in  his  insular  operations, 
they  were  forthwith  dismissed  with  suitable  acknowledgments  for 
their  truly  chivalrous  ardour.  These  gallant  troopers  performed 
one  exploit  in  the  city.  They  paraded  at  the  corner  of  Wall  and 
Queen  streets,  where  Rivington's  printing-office  and  dwelling-house 
stood,  and  entering  the  house,  demolished  the  presses,  and  threw 
the  type  out  of  the  windows,  to  be  distributed  by  the  mob  who 
gathered  in  the  streets." 

Mifflin,  who  had  passed  on  with  Washington  to  Cambridge,  as 
his  aid,  was  now  a  brigadier,  and  commanded  the  Philadelphia  re- 
giments who  threw  up  the  works  at  fort  Washington.  Governour 
Lewis,*  who  was  with  Gates,  as  one  of  his  staff,  was  sent  by  him  to 
the  south,  and  told  to  go  to  Mifflin  and  see  him  at  his  house,  in 
Reading  ;  but  at  all  events  to  see  him.  He  found  him  on  horse- 
back, directing  the  labourers  ;  and  the  young  man,  having  told  his 
story,  was  desired  to  say  to  Gates,  *'  neither  I^lutus,  Rhodoman- 


*  Verbal  communication  from  Governour  Lewis  to  the  writer  To  avoid  mis- 
apjirehension  on  the  part  of  the  reader,  it  may  be  proper  to  note,  that  when  Go- 
vernour or  General  Lewis  is  referred  to,  the  venerable  Morgan  Lewis  is  intended, 
who  was  an  officer  during  the  revoUition — subsequently  Judge — then  Chief  Jus- 
tice of  the  Supreme  Court  of  New  York — then  Governour  of  the  State,  (chosen 
in  a  hard  contested  election,  but  by  a  great  majority,  in  opposition  to  Aaron  Burr, 
in  1804)  and  finally  a  Major  General  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  during  the 
last  war. 


60  DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 

thus,  nor  Minos,  shall  be  more  exactly  obeyed,  than  I  shall  obey 
his  directions." 

"  Will  not  your  excellency  write  a  line  ?" 

**  No.  Write  down  my  words  yourself,  and  deliver  them  ex- 
acdy." 

*'  I  did  so,"  says  Governour  Lewis,  "without  understanding  them, 
until  Mifflin  was  Quarter-master  General ;  and  I  dined  at  Reading, 
where  he  staid,  under  plea  of  sickness,  entertaining  the  general  offi- 
cers in  a  style  which  I  never  saw  equalled ;  and  then  saw  the  road 
to  Washington's  camp  (where  the  troops  were  literally  starving,) 
strewed  with  broken  wagons,  provision,  and  clothing." 

When  Congress  promulgated  the  Declaration  of  Independence, 
it  was  of  course  read  to  the  soldiers.  The  declaration  was  unex- 
pected, and  not  so  universally  received  with  applause  as  is  now  con- 
ceived. Dickenson,  the  chairman  of  the  committee,  and  supposed 
author  of  the  Articles  of  Confederation,  and  known  author  of  the 
famous  Farmer's  Letters,  refused  to  sign  the  declaration  of  the  4th 
of  July.  Although  wise  and  good  men  thought  it  necessary, 
many  who  had  been  officers  and  active  committee-men,  from  that 
moment  became  tories  or  neutral. 

The  writer  saw  Heathcote  Johnson,  die  grandson  of  that  Caleb 
Heathcote,  before  mentioned,  receive  the  command  of  the  New 
Jersey  company,  first  organized  at  Perth  Amboy,  and  since  has 
seen  the  draft  made  by  him  for  immediate  service.  Yet  this  gen- 
tleman took  office  under  the  British  government,  in  London. 

Graydon,  in  his  "  Memoir  of  a  Life,"*  says  : — "  The  Decla- 
ration of  Lidependence,  whose  date  will  never  be  forgotten  so 
long  as  liberty  remains  the  fashion,  and  demagogues  continue 
to  thrive  upon  it,  was,  with  the  utmost  speed,  transmitted  to 
the  armies ;  and  when  received,  read  to  the  respective  regiments. 
If  it  was  not  embraced  with  all  the  enthusiasm  that  has  been  as- 
cribed to  the  event,  it  was  at  least  hailed  with  acclamations,  as  no 
doubt  any  other  act  of  congress,  not  flagrantly  improper,  would  at 
that  time  have  been.  The  propriety  of  the  measure  had  been  little 
canvassed  among  us  ;  and  perhaps  it  was  to  our  honour,  considered 
merely  as  soldiers,  that  we  were  so  little  of  politicians.  A  predi- 
lecdon  for  republicanism,  it  is  true,  had  not  reached  the  army,  at 
least  the  Pennsylvania  line  ;  but  as  an  attempt  to  negociate  in  our 
unorganized  situation,  would  probably  have  divided  and  ruined  us, 
the  step  was  considered  wise,  although  a  passage  of  the  Rubicon, 
and  calculated  to  close  the  door  to  accommodation.  Being  looked 
upon  as  unavoidable,  if  resistance  was  to  be  persisted  in,  it  was  ap- 
proved ;  and  produced  no  resignations  among  the  officers  that  I 


*  Page  140. 


PROCEEDINGS  ON  LONG  ISLAND.  61 

am  aware  of,  except  that  of  Lieutenant-colonel  William  Allen, 
who  was  with  his  regiment  in  Canada.  He  called  at  our  camp  on 
his  way  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  appeared  somewhat  surprised 
'and  mortified,  that  his  example  had  no  followers." 

Congress  had  determined  to  save  New  York  city.  The  council 
of  general  officers  resolved  that  ISew  York  should  be  defended. 
On  the  22d  of  August,  the  British  army  landed  at  Gravesend.* 
Brooklyn  was  then  a  village,  leading  to  the  ferry  between  Long 
Island  and  New  York.  The  iVmerican  lines  and  encampment, 
which  guarded  this  avenue  to  the  city,  extended  from  Gowanus 
Creek  to  the  Wallabout,  from  water  to  water,  or  the  high  grounds 
commanding  each. 

The  hills  were  at  that  time  wooded,  and  extended  from  near 
Yellow  Hook  to  the  back  of  Jamaica.  These  were  guarded,  and 
especially  the  roads,  which  led  to  the  encampment.  The  whole 
was  entrusted  to  General  Greene,  who  had  formed  the  defences. 
At  that  time  he  was  ill,  and  confined  to  his  bed  by  a  violent  fever. 
General  Washington,  who  expected  a  simultaneous  attack  on 
Brooklyn  and  the  city,  sent  Putnam,  his  only  resource,  to  com- 
mand on  Long  Island  ;  who,  as  Sullivan  says,  superseded  him  four 
days  before  the  battle — he  having  previously  the  command  at  the 
hills,  and  never  himself  came  beyond  the  encampment  to  see  the 
ground. 

On  the  25th  the  commander-in-chief  wrote  to  Major-general 
Putnam  :  that  it  was  with  no  small  degree  of  concern  that 
he  perceived  yesterday  a  scattering,  unmeaning,  and  wasteful  fire, 
from  our  people  at  the  enemy.  No  one  good  consequence  can 
attend  such  irregularities,  but  several  bad  ones  will  inevitably  fol- 
low. He  says,  fear  prevents  deserters  approaching,  and  mentions 
other  evils,  which  must  forever  continue  to  operate,  whilst  every 
soldier  considers  himself  at  liberty  to  fire  when,  and  at  what,  he 


*  Mr.  Wood  has  shewn  us  that  in  the  seventeenth  century,  the  inhabitants  of 
Long  Island  were  bold  asserters  of  the  liberties  and  rights  of  Englishmen:  but  he 
passes  over  the  necessity  which  the  conduct  of  many  imposed  upon  the  whigs  of 
the  eighteenth  century — of  sending  General  Heard,  with  the  New  Jersey  militia, 
to  disarm  them,  as  enemies  to  the  freedom  of  America. 

From  the  very  important  tables  of  Mr.  Wood,  I  extract  notices  of  the  population 
of  Long  Island,  at  different  periods.  In  1731,  it  was  17,820.  In  1771—27,731. 
In  1786—30,863.  In  1790—36,949.  In  1800—42,167.  In  1810—48,752.  In 
1820 — 56,978.     In  1776,  the  population  of  the  west  end  was  tory. 

The  population  of  Long  Island,  compared  to  that  of  the  city  of  New  York,  was, 
in  1731,  two  to  one  ;  the  island  having  17,820,  and  the  city  8,628;  but  in  1810,  it 
was  reversed  ;  the  city  had  96,378,  and  the  island  48,752. 

The  proportion  of  population  of  Long  Island  to  the  province  and  state  of  New 
York,  at  different  periods,  stands  thus.  In  1731,  it  was  one  to  three.  In  1771 — 
one  to  six.  In  1786 — one  to  seven.  In  1790 — one  to  nine.  In  1800 — one  to  four- 
teen. In  1810 — one  to  nineteen.  In  1820 — one  to  twenty -four.  Thus  its  relative 
importance  decreasing  from  being  one  tliird  to  being  one  twenty -fourth,  in  eighty- 
nine  years. 


62  NATHANIEL  WOODHULL. 

pleases.  He  instructs  him  in  the  mode  of  placing  his  guards,  and 
appointing  the  duty  of  his  brigadiers  and  field  officers.  He  com- 
plains of  the  men  burning  and  plundering  houses.  He  directs 
that  the  wood  next  to  Red  Hook  should  be  well  attended  to. 

On  the  26th  Washington  was  at  the  iines  on  Long  Island,  and 
returned  to  the  city  in  the  evening. 

In  the  meantime,  on  the  25th  of  August,  or  soon  after  landing, 
Woodhull,  acting  as  general  of  miUtia,  approaching  the  south- 
west end  of  the  island  to  drive  off  the  horses  and  cattle,  fell  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy.  He  was  so  barbarously  treated,  after 
surrender,  that  he  died  of  his  wounds  shortly  afterward. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull  was  born  at  Mistic,  Long  Island,  Decem- 
ber 30th,  1722.  He  was,  in  early  life,  a  colonel  in  the  provincial 
army  under  both  Abercrombie,  and  Amherst.  He  was  the  coad- 
jutor of  Schuyler  and  Clinton,  in  the  New  York  Provincial  Con- 
gress. He  was  early  in  the  revolutionary  war  appointed  a  Gene- 
ral, and  ordered  by  the  convention  of  New  York  to  secure  all  the 
cattle  on  the  west  end  of  the  island,  and  drive  to  the  north  and  the 
east.  With  the  aid  of  his  brigade  of  militia  he  remained  near 
Jamaica  with  from  seventy  to  one  hundred  militia ;  and  not  being 
joined  by  more,  nor  receiving  orders  from  the  convention,  he  re- 
mained at  his  post  until  the  28th  August,  when  he  ordered  the  few 
men  who  were  with  him  to  retreat.  He  slowly  followed,  until  he 
was  made  prisoner  by  a  party  of  the  enemy.  He  immediately  sur- 
rendered his  sword  to  the  officer  in  command. 

"  The  ruffian  who  first  approached  him,*  (said  to  be  a  Major 
Baird,  of  the  71st)  ordered  him  to  say  God  save  the  King; 
the  General  replied,  "  God  save  us  all ;"  on  which  he-  most 
cowardly  and  cruelly  assailed  the  defenceless  General  with  his 
broad  sword,  and  would  have  killed  him  upon  the  spo't  if  he  had 
not  been  prevented  by  the  interference  of  an  officer  of  more  honour 
and  humanity.  The  General  was  badly  wounded  in  the  head,  and 
one  of  his  arms  was  mangled  from  the  shoulder  to  the  wrist.  He 
was  taken  to  Jamaica,  where  his  wounds  were  dressed,  and,  with 
other  prisoners,  was  confined  there  till  the  next  day.  He  was  then 
conveyed  to  Gravesend,  and  with  about  eighty  other  prisoners,  (of 
which  number  Colonel  Robert  Troup,  of  New  York,  was  one,)  was 
confined  on  board  a  vessel  which  had  been  employed  to  transport 
live  stock  for  the  use  of  the  army,  and  was  without  accommoda- 
tions for  health  or  comfort.  The  General  was  released  from  the 
vessel  on  the  remonstrance  of  an  officer  who  had  more  humanity 
than  his  superiours,  and  removed  to  a  house  near  the  church  in 


*  I  quote  the  words  of  Mr.  Thompson,  in  his  History  of  Long  Island,  Appen- 
dix, pp.  509,  510. 


NATHANIEL  WOODHULL.  63 

New  Utrecht,  where  he  was  permitted  to  receive  some  attendance 
and  medical  assistance.  A  cut  in  the  joint  of  the  elbow  rendered 
an  amputation  of  the  arm  necessary.  As  soon  as  this  was  resolved 
on,  the  General  sent  for  his  wife,  with  a  request  that  she  should 
bring  with  her  all  the  money  she  had  in  her  possession,  and  all  she 
could  procure ;  which  being  complied  with,  he  had  it  distributed 
an.ong  the  American  prisoners,  to  alleviate  their  sufferings — thus 
furnishing  a  lesson  of  humanity  to  his  enemies,  and  closing  a  use- 
ful life  by  an  act  of  charity.  He  then  suffered  the  amputation, 
which  soon  issued  in  a  mortification,  which  terminated  his  hfe  Sep- 
tember 20th,  1776,  in  the  fifty-fourth  year  of  his  age. 

"  It  is  proper  here  to  state,  that  the  late  Chief  Justice  Marshall,  in 
the  Biography  of  Washington,  while  narrating  the  disposition  of 
the  American  forces  immediately  prior  to  the  battle  of  Long  Island, 
fought  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  of  August,  1776,  makes  the  fol- 
lowing remark  :  The  convention  of  New  Yorlc  had  ordered  General 
Woodhidl,  with  the  militia  of  Long  Island,  to  take  post  on  the  high 
ground  as  near  the  enemy  as  possible  ;  hut  he  remained  at  Jamaica, 
and  seemed  scarcely  to  siippose  himself  under  the  control  of  the  regu- 
lar  officer  commanding  on  the  island^ 

A  letter  from  Chief  Justice  Marshall,  dated  February  21st, 
1834,  addressed  to  John  L.  Lawrence,  Esq.,  shows  the  origin  of 
his  mistake  and  mis-statement.     It  is  as  follows  : 

"  Judge  Edwards  did  me  the  favour  to  deliver  yesterday 
evening  your  letter  of  the  13th,  with  the  documents  to  which  it 
refers.  It  is  to  me  matter  for  deep  concern  and  self-reproach  that 
the  Biographer  of  Washington  should,  from  whatever  cause,  have 
mis-stated  the  part  performed  by  any  individual  in  the  war  of  our 
revolution.  Accuracy  of  detail  ought  to  have  been,  and  w^as, 
among  my  primary  objects.  If  in  any  instance  I  have  failed  to 
attain  this  object,  the  failure  is  the  more  lamented,  if  its  consequence 
be  the  imputation  of  blame  where  praise  w^as  merited. 

"  The  evidence  with  which  you  have  furnished  me,  demonstrate 
that  the  small  body  of  militia  assembled  near  Jamaica,  Long  Island, 
in  August,  1776,  was  not  called  out  for  the  purpose  of  direct  co- 
operation with  the  troops  in  Brooklyn,  and  was  not  placed  by  the 
convention  under  the  officer  commanding  at  that  post.  It  is  appa- 
rent that  their  particular  object,  after  the  British  had  landed  on 
Long  Island,  was,  to  intercept  the  supplies  they  might  draw  from 
the  country.  It  is  apparent,  also,  that  General  Woodhull  joined 
them  only  a  day  or  two  before  the  battle  ;  and  there  is  every  reason 
to  believe  that  he  executed  with  intelligence  and  vigour  the  duty 
confided  to  him.  I  had  supposed  that  the  order  to  march  to  the 
western  part  of  Queen's  County  directed  an  approach  to  the  enemy, 
and  that  the  heights  alluded  to,  were  between  Jamaica  and  Brook- 


64  BATTLE  OF  LONG  ISLAND. 

lyn.  But  I  have  not  the  papers  which  I  read  at  the  time  from  the 
pubUcations  then  in  my  possession.  I  only  recollect  the  impres- 
sion they  made,  that  General  Woodhull  was  called  into  the  field 
for  the  purpose  of  aiding  the  operations  from  Brooklyn ;  and  that 
General  Washington,  knowing  the  existence  of  this  corps,  had  a 
right  to  count  upon  it  in  some  slight  degree,  as  guarding  the  road 
leading  from  Jamaica.  In  this  I  was  mistaken  ;  and  in  this  the 
mistake  of  which  you  complain  originated. 

"  I  think,  however,  you  misconstrue  it ;  no  allusion  is  made  to 
the  number  of  the  militia  under  his  command,  nor  to  any  jealousy 
of  the  military  officer  commanding  at  Brooklyn  ;  nor  is  it  hinted 
that  the  convention  had  placed  him  under  that  officer.  I  rather 
infer  that  it  appeared  to  me  to  be  an  additional  example  of  the 
many  inconveniences  arising,  in  the  early  part  of  the  war,  from  the 
disposition  of  the  civil  authorities  to  manage  affairs  belonging  to 
the  military  department. 

"  I  wish  much  that  I  had  possfissed  the  information  you  have 
now  given  me.  The  whole  statement  would  most  probably  have 
been  omitted,  the  fact  not  being  connected  with  the  battle  ;  or,  if 
introduced,  have  been  essentially  varied." 

The  army  of  General  Howe  spread  over  the  flat  country.  The 
Germans,  with  De  Heister,  advanced  to  beyond  Flatbush,  and  an 
English  column  was  pushed  on  the  Bedford  road.  General  Grant 
advanced  by  the  lower  road  along  the  bay.  The  main  army,  under 
Clinton,  Percy  and  Howe,  marched  back,  or  south-west  of  Ja- 
maica, and  unopposed  gained  the  interval  between  the  hills  and  the 
American  hues. 

The  letter  of  Lord  Stirling  to  General  Washington,  on  the  59th  of 
August,  tells  the  event  until  he  surrendered.  This  gentleman  claimed 
to  inherit  the  dignity  of  an  earl,  from  the  circumstance  that  his  father's 
cousin,  who  was  Earl  of  Stirling,  died  without  male  issue.  Ge- 
neral Lord  Stirhng  was  in  early  life  known  as  Mr.  Wilham  Alex- 
ander, and  served  as  an  officer  in  the  war  of  1756.  In  1775, 
he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  first  continental  regiment 
that  was  raised  in  New  Jersey,  and  had  the  distinction  of  receiv- 
ing one  of  the  first  votes  of  thanks  granted  by  congress.  It  was 
for  the  successful  results  of  a  daring  enterprise  projected  by  him, 
and  accomplished  by  his  embarking  with  a  detachment  of  his 
regiment  from  Elizabethtown,  and  proceeding  in  three  small  un- 
armed vessels  to  the  outside  of  Sandy  Hook,  (while  the  Asia 
man-of-war,  with  her  tender,  lay  in  the  bay  of  New  York,)  and 
capturing  a  transport  ship  of  three  hundred  tons,  armed  with  six 
guns,  and  freighted  with  stores  for  the  British  army.  We  shall 
hereafter  see  what  share  he  had  in  the  subsequent  events  of  the  war. 
He  was  ever  the  firm  friend  of  Washington.     The  following  is 


BATTLE  OF  LONG  ISLAND.  .       65 

Lord  Stirling's  account,  addressed  to  Washington,  of  the  unfor- 
tunate battle  of  Long  Island  : 

*^  "I  have  now  an  opportunity  of  informing  you  of  what  has  hap- 
pened to  rae  since  I  had  last  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you.  About 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  27th,  I  was  called  up  and  in- 
formed by  General  Putnam,  that  the  enemy  were  advancing  by  the 
road  from  Flatbush  to  the  Red  Lion,  and  he  ordered  me  to  march 
w^ith  the  two  regiments  nearest  at  hand  to  meet  them.  These  hap- 
pened to  be  Haslet's  and  Smallwood's,  with  which  I  accordingly 
marched,  and  was  on  the  road  to  the  Narrows  just  as  the  daylight 
began  to  appear.  We  proceeded  to  within  about  half  a  mile  of 
the  Red  Lion,  and  there  met  Colonel  Atlee,  with  his  regiment, 
who  informed  me  that  the  enemy  were  in  sight;  indeed  I  then  saw 
their  front  between  us  and  the  Red  Lion.  I  desired  Colonel  At- 
lee to  place  his  regiment  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  to  wait  their 
coming  up,  while  I  went  to  form  the  two  regiments  I  had  brought 
with  me  along  a  ridge  from  the  road  up  to  a  piece  of  wood  on  the 
top  of  the  hill.  This  was  done  instantly,  on  very  advantageous 
ground. 

"  Our  opponents  advanced,  and  were  fired  upon  by  Atlee's  regi- 
ment, who,  after  two  or  three  rounds  retreated  to  the  wood  on  my 
left,  and  there  formed.  By  this  time,  Kichhne's  riflemen  arrived  ; 
part  of  them  I  placed  along  a  hedge  under  the  front  of  the  hill,  and 
the  rest  in  the  front  of  the  wood.  The  troops  opposed  to  me  were 
two  brigades  of  four  regiments  each,  under  the  command  of  Gene- 
ral Grant;  who  advanced  their  light  troops  to  within  one  hundred 
and  fifty  yards  of  our  right  front,  and  took  possession  of  an  orchard 
there,  and  some  hedges,  which  extended  towards  our  left.  This 
brought  on  an  exchange  of  fire  between  those  troops  and  our  rifle- 
men, which  continued  for  about  two  hours,  and  then  ceased  by 
those  light  troops  retiring  to  their  main  body.  In  the  mean  time, 
Captain  Carpenter  brought  up  two  field-pieces,  which  were  placed 
on  the  side  of  the  hill,  so  as  to  command  the  road  and  the  only  ap- 
proach for  some  hundred  yards.  On  the  part  of  General  Grant 
there  were  two  field-pieces.  One  howitzer  advanced  to  within 
three  hundred  yards  of  the  front  of  our  right,  and  a  hke  detach- 
ment of  artillery  to  the  front  of  our  left.  On  a  rising  ground,  at 
about  six  hundred  yard's  distance,  one  of  their  brigades  formed  in 
two  lines  opposite  to  our  right,  and  the  other  extended  in  one  line 
to  the  top  of  the  hills,  in  the  front  of  our  left. 

"  In  this  position  w:e  stood  cannonading  each  other  till  near 
eleven  o'clock,  when  I  found  that  General  Howe,  with  the  main 
body  of  the  army  was  between  me  and  our  lines,  and  I  saw  that  the 
only  chance  of  escaping  being  all  made  prisoners,  w^as  to  pass  the 
creek  near  the  Yellow  Mills  ;  and,  in  order  to  render  this  the  more 
practicable,   I  found   it  absolutely  necessary  to  attack  a  body  of 

VOL,  II,  9 


66  BATTLE  OF  LONG  ISLAND. 

troops,  commanded  by  Lord  Cornwallis,  posted  at  the  house  near 
the  Upper  ^NHlIs.  This  I  instantly  did,  with  about  half  of  Small- 
wood's  regiment,  first  ordering  all  the  other  troops  to  make  the  best 
of  their  way  through  the  creek.  We  continued  the  attack  a  con- 
siderable time,  the  men  having  been  rallied,  and  the  attack  renewed 
five  or  six  several  times,  and  we  were  on  the  point  of  driving  Lord 
Cornvrallis  from  his  station  ;  but  large  reinforcements  arriving  ren- 
dered it  impossible  to  do  more  than  to  provide  for  safety.  I  en- 
deavoured to  get  in  between  that  house  and  Fort  Box,  but,  on  at- 
tempting it,  I  found  a  considerable  body  of  troops  in  my  front,  and 
several  in  pursuit  of  me  on  the  right  and  left,  and  a  constant  firing 
on  me.  I  immediately  turned  the  point  of  a  hill,  which  covered 
me  from  their  fire,  and  I  was  soon  out  of  the  reach  of  my  pursuers. 
I  soon  found  that  it  would  be  in  vain  to  attempt  to  make  my  escape, 
and  therefore  went  to  surrender  myself  to  General  de  Heister, 
commander-in-chief  of  the  Hessians." 

From  the  letters  of  R.  H.  Harrison,  the  evening  of  the  27th, 
we  learn  that  General  Washington  was  then  on  Long  Island,  and 
expected  a  general  attack ;  but  Howe  had  witnessed  the  affair  of 
Bunker  Hill,  and  gave  time  for  the  subsequent  manoeuvres. 

General  Sullivan  says,  in  his  letters :  "I  was  uneasy  about  a 
road,  through  which  1  had  often  foretold  that  the  enemy  would 
come,  but  could  not  persuade  others  to  be  of  my  opinion.  I  went 
to  the  hill  near  Flatbush  to  reconnoitre,  and  with  a  picket  of  four 
hundred  men  was  surrounded  by  the  enemy,  who  had  advanced  by 
the  very  road  I  had  foretold,  and  which  I  had  paid  hoi  semen  fifty 
dollars  for  patrolling  by  night,  while  I  had  the  command,  as  I  had 
no  foot  for  the  purpose. 

*' What  resistance  I  made  with  these  four  hundred  men  against 
the  British  army,  I  leave  to  the  officers  who  were  with  me  to  de- 
clare. Let  it  suffice  for  me  to  say,  that  the  opposition  of  the  small 
party  lasted  from  half  past  nine  to  twelve  o'clock." 

From  these  several  accounts  it  would  appear,  that  no  individual 
officer  had  the  command  in  the  engagement.  Lord  Stirling  com- 
manded the  detachment  on  the  right,  which  was  opposed  by  the 
British  General  Grant.  The  regiment  under  Colonel  Hand,  sta- 
tioned on  the  heights  near  Flatbush,  was  commanded  by  General 
Sullivan,  rather  by  accident  than  in  consequence  of  any  direct  order. 
Williams's  and  Miles's  regiments  at  the  left,  posted  on  the  road 
leading  from  Flatbush  to  Bedford,  had  no  other  commander  than 
their  respective  colonels. 

The  number  of  American  troops,  who  took  part  in  the  action,  is 
estimated  by  Colonel  Haslet  at  five  thousand.  This  estimate  is 
probably  very  near  the  truth.  When  the  detachments  retreated 
from  Long  Island,  there  were  nine  thousand  in  the  whole.  Thir- 
teen hundred  of  these  had  gone  over  to  Brooklyn  after  the  engage- 


BATTLE  OF  LOXG  ISLAND.  67 

ment ;  consequently  before  their  arrival,  the  number  on  the  island 
was  seven  thousand  seven  hundred.  Add  to  these  about  eleven 
hundred  prisoners  and  killed,  and  it  makes  the  amount  eight  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  on  the  day  of  the  action.  Of  this  number,  it  is 
not  probable,  that  General  Putnam  would  weaken  his  camp  by 
sending  out  more  than  five  thousand,  retaining  only  three  thousand 
eight  hundred  for  the  defence  of  his  Hues.  It  appears,  moreover, 
that  the  whole  force  beyond  the  lines,  except  three  regiments,  was 
on  the  right,  under  Lord  Stirling ;  whence  it  is  evident,  that  the 
main  attack  was  expected  in  diat  quarter,  where  in  reality  the  ene- 
my designed  no  more  than  a  feint. 

General  Howe,  in  his  official  despatch,  reported  that  "  many 
were  suffocated  and  drowned  in  the  marsh,"  and  this  has  been  re- 
peated by  historians.  Colonel  Haslet,  who  crossed  the  marsh, 
speaks  of  one  man  only  as  having  been  drowned.  Another  officer, 
who  gave  a  very  consistent  account  of  this  part  of  the  acdon,  which 
was  published  at  the  time,  said  :  "  We  forced  the  advanced  party, 
which  first  attacked  us,  to  give  way,  through  which  opening  we 
got  a  passage  down  to  the  side  of  a  marsh,  seldom  before  waded 
over,  which  we  passed,  and  then  swam  a  narrow  river,  all  the  time 
exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  enemy."  Here  is  nothing  said  about 
any  man  being  lost  in  the  marsh  ;  and  it  is  at  least  problematical, 
whether  any  person,  except  the  man  mentioned  by  Colonel  Haslet, 
was  either  drowned  or  suffi^cated,  says  Mr.  Sparks,*  in  opposition 
to  the  English  account.! 


*  Writings  of  AVashington,  Vol.  IV.  Appendix,  p.  519. 

t  How  easy  it  i.s,  half  a  century  after,  to  point  out  what  ought  to  have  been  clone, 
and  what  would  have  heen  the  results.  The  troops  that  had  heen  thrown  on  Long 
Island  were  known  by  the  commander-in-chief  to  be  insulKcient  to  oppose  the 
main  force  of  Gen.  Ilovve ;  and  when  he  had  found  that  that  was  the  jjoint  In' 
which  the  British  intended  their  attack  upon  the  city,  which  was  before  doubtful, 
he  would  certainly  have  withdrawn  the  troops  from  New  York — a  situation  which 
was  obnoxious  to  the  evils  attendant  upon  the  movements  of  an  enemy  who  (;om- 
nianded  all  the  communications  between  them  and  the  main  land.  Or,  perhaps,  by 
reinforcements  from  the  city,  he  might  iiave  rendered  Brooklyn  as  famous  as  Bun- 
ker Hill,  although  he  nnist  have  ultimately  abandoned  the  ground,  as  Prescott  and 
Stark  did  that  memorable  spot. 

As  the  affair  stood,  after  the  27th,  the  council  called  to  determine  on  the  further 
resistance  at  Brooklyn,  or  a  retreat,  determined  on  the  latter,  for  the  following  rea- 
sons : — The  loss  sustained  oh  the  27th;  the  injury  sustained  to  arms  and  animuui- 
tion,  by  the  heavy  rains  of  the  subsequent  days  ;  the  certainty  that  the  enemy  could 
and  would  get  up  the  East  River,  and  cut  off  the  counnunication  with  New  Vork ; 
the  inadequate  force  for  the  defence  of  the  lines;  the  knowledge  that  the  ships  of 
the  enemy  were  in  Flushing  Bay,  and  could  transport  a  part  of  the  English  force 
across  Kingsbridge.  Any  one  of  these  reasons  were  surticient,  and  the  council 
were  unanimoiis  for  retreat.  The  manner  of  it,  has  been  ever  considered  as  one 
of  the  most  brilliant  proofs  of  Washington's  talents  for  command.  In  the  face  of 
a  superiour  and  triumphant  enemy,  he  withdrew  a  dispirited  and  undisciplined 
host,  and  without  loss,  crossed  an  arm  of  the  sea — for  such  it  is  between  New  York 
and  Brooklyn — which  was  commanded  by  the  enemy's  navy. 

The  situation  of  General  Washington,  at  New  York,  after  the  retreat  from  Long 
Island,  is  euch  a3  to  make  every  feeling  American  blush  for  those  who  were  daily 


68  BATTLE  OF  LONG  ISLAND. 

By  the  orders  of  General  Washington,  on  the  27th,  Shee's  and 
Magaw's  regiments  were  ordered  from  near  Fort  Washington  to 
Brooklyn.  Capt.  Graydon,  who  was  of  Shee's,  gives  in  his  "  Me- 
moir of  a  Life"*  the  feelings  of  one  wljo  tells  only  what  he  experi- 
enced, and  gains  our  confidence  for  every  word  he  pens: 

"  Being  forthwith  put  in  motion,  we  proceeded  with  die  utmost 
speed,  and  reached  the  city  in  the  afternoon  ;  but  by  this  time  the 
conflict  was  over,  and  the  firing  had  ceased.  Here,  therefore,  we 
were  quartered  for  the  night,  under  orders  to  be  in  readiness  to 
cross  the  East  River  by  break  of  day  in  the  morning.  Glover's 
regiment  was  also  moved  to  this  place,  and  was  under  similar  or- 
ders for  Long  Island.  Few  particulars  of  the  day's  combat  were 
yet  known,  though  it  was  pretty  well  ascertained  that  we  had  been 
handled  severely,  and  lost  a  considerable  number  of  oflicers  and 
men  ;  but  what  proportion  had  been  killed,  or  were  prisoners,  was 
merely  conjecture.  New  York  was  at  this  time  a  scene  of  tumult 
and  confusion,  and  it  might  be  added,  of  dismay. 

"  The  circumstance,  however,  did  not  deprive  me  of  my  appe- 
tite, and  the  inclination  for  a  good  supper,  which  I  had  not  for 
some  months  enjoyed  ;  and  therefore,  as  soon  as  our  men  were  dis- 
missed to  their  quarters,  which  was  not  until  dark,  Mr,  Forrest  and 
myself  set  out  in  pursuit  of  this  object.  But  some  of  the  publick 
houses  .were  full,  others  had  no  eatables  in  them,  and  we  began  to 
fear  that  this  litde  enjoyment  we  had  promised  ourselves,  was  not 
to  be  obtained,  and  that  we  should  be  obliged  to  go  to  bed  supper- 
less.  After  trying  the  best  looking  inns  to  no  purpose,  we  essayed 
those  of  more  humble  appearance,  and  at  length  entered  one,  that 
was  kept  by  a  middle  aged  matronly  lady.  We  asked  if  she  could 
give  us  supper  ;  she  gave  us  the  common  answer — tlxal  there  was 
nothing  in  the  house.  We  were  now  about  to  give  the  matter  up, 
and  had  retired  beyond  the  door  with  somewhat  of  a  disconsolate 
air,  perhaps,  when  the  good  womem  seemed  touched  with  compas- 
sion for  us.  She  had  probably  sons  of  her  own  ;  or  if  not,  she  was 
of  that  sex  which,  Ledyard  tells  us,  is  ever  prone  to  acts  of  kind- 
ness and  humanity.  She  called  us  back,  and  told  us  that  she  be- 
lieved she  could  make  out  to  give  us  a  lobster.  At  this  we  bright- 
ened up,  assuring  her,  as  we  really  thought,  that  nothing  could  be 
better;  and  being  shown  into  a  small,  snug  apartment,  we  called 


deserting  him,  and  glory  in  the  firmness  of  the  few,  and  the  heroism  of  the  man 
who  never  faltered  in  his  course,  and  fought  the  battles  of  his  country  with  some- 
thing worse  than  the  shadow  of  an  army  to  support  him.  His  whole  force,  before 
the  affair  of  Brooklyn,  was  inadequate  to  oppose  the  enemy;  there  he  lost  near 
2,000;  every  day  diminished  the  remainder  by  the  desertion  of  militia.  Whole 
regiments  marched  oft",  and  those  who  remained  were  insubordinate  and  mutinous, 
ready  to  run  at  the  sight  of  an  enemy. 

*  Page  142. 


BATTLE  OF  LONG  ISLAND.  69 

for  a  pint  of  wine.  We  now  thought  ourselves,  instead  of  out- 
casts, favourites  of  fortune,  as,  upon  comparing  notes  with  our 
brother  officers,  next  day,  we  found  we  had  reason  ;  since  scarcely 
any  of  them  had  been  able  to  procure  a  mouthful. 

"  On  the  next  day,  early  in  the  forenoon,  we  were  transported 
to  Long  Island  ;  marched  down  to  the  entrenchments  at  Brooklyn, 
and   posted  on  their  left  extremity,  extending  to  the  Wallabout. 
The  arrival  of  our  two  battalions,  (Shee's  and  Magaw's,  which  al- 
ways acted   together,)  with  that  of  Glover,  had  the  effect  I  have 
always  found  to  be  produced  by  a  body  of  men  under  arms,  having 
the  appearance  of  discipline.     Although,   owing  to  the  dysentery 
which  had  prevailed  in  our  camp,  our  number  v^ras  so  reduced  that 
the  two  regiments  could  not  have  amounted  to  more  than  eight 
hundred  men,  making   in  the  whole,  when  joined  with  Glover's, 
about  twelve  or  thirteen  hundred  ;  yet  it  was  evident  that  this  small 
reinforcement    inspired  no  inconsiderable   degree  of  confidence. 
The  faces  that  had  been  saddened  by  the  disasters  of  yesterday,  as- 
sumed a  gleam  of  animation  on  our  approach,  accompanied  with  a 
murmur  of  approbation  in  the  spectators,  occasionally  greeting  each 
other  with  the  remark,  that  these  iccre  the  lads  that  might  do  some- 
thing.    Why  it  should  be  so,  I  know  not ;   but  the  mind  instinc- 
tively attaches  an   idea  of  prowess  to  the  silence,  steadiness,  and 
regularity  of  a  military  assemblage ;  and  a  hundred  well  dressed, 
well  armed,  and  well  disciplined  grenadiers,  are  more  formidable  in 
appearance,  than  a  disjointed,  disorderly  multitude  of  a  thousand. 
Our  regiments,  to  be  sure,  could  not  arrogate  such  perfection  ;  but 
that  they  were  distinguished   in  our  young  army,  may  be  inferred 
from  ah  official  letter  from  General  Washington,  wherein  he  states 
that  '  they  had   been  trained  with  more  than  common  attention.* 
To  sustain  the  duty  now  imposed  upon  us,  required  both  strength 
of  body  and  of  mind.     The  spot  at  which  we  were  posted,  was 
low  and  unfavourable  for  defence.     There  was  a  fraised  ditch  in 
its  front,  but  it  gave  little  promise  of  security,  as  it  was  evidently 
commanded  by  the  ground  occupied  by  the  enemy,  who  entirely 
enclosed   the  whole  of  our  posuion,  at  the  distance  of  but  a  few 
hundred  paces.     It  was  evident,  also,  that  they  were  constructing 
batteries,  which  would  have  rendered  our  particular  situation  ex- 
tremely ineligible,  to  say  the  least  of  it.     In   addition  to  this  dis- 
comfort, we  were  annoyed  by  a  continual  rain,  which,  though  never 
very  heavy,  was  never  less  than  a  searching  drizzle,  and  often  what 
might  with  propriety  be  called  a  smart  shower.     We  had  no  tents 
to  screen  us  from  its  pitiless  pelting  ;  nor,  if  we  had  had  them, 
would  it  have  comported  with  the  incessant  vigilance  required,  to 
have  availed  ourselves  of  them,  as,  in  fact,   it  might  be  said,  that 
we   lay  upon  our  arms   during  the  whole  of  our  stay  upon  the 
island.     In  the  article  of  food,  we  were  little  better  off.     We  had, 


70  BATTLE  OF  LONG  ISLAND. 

indeed,  drawn  provisions,  whose  quality  was  not  to  be  complained 
of.  .Our  pickled  pork,  at  least  was  good  ;  but  how  were  we  to 
cook  it  ?  As  this  could  not  be  done,  \t  was  either  to  be  eaten  as 
it  was,  or  not  eaten  at  all ;  and  we  found,  upon  trial,  that  boiling  it, 
although  desirable,  was  not  absolutely  necessary  ;  and  that  the  ar- 
ticle was  esculent  without  culinary  preparation.  I  remember,  how- 
ever, on  one  of  the  days  we  were  in  this  joyless  place,  getting  a 
slice  of  a  barbacued  pig,  which  some  of  the  soldiers  had  dressed 
at  a  deserted  house  which  bounded  our  lines. 

''  There  was  an  incessant  skirmishing  kept  up  in  the  day  time 
between  our  riHemen  and  the  enemy's  irregulars;  and  the  firing 
was  sometimes  so  brisk  as  to  indicate  an  approaching  general  en- 
gagement. This  was  judiciously  encouraged  by  General  Wash- 
ington ;  as  it  tended  to  restore  confidence  to  our  men,  and  was, 
besides,  showing  a  good  countenance  to  the  foe. 

"  On  the  morning  after  our  first  night's  watch.  Colonel  Shee  took 
me  aside  and  asked  me  what  I  thought  of  our  situation.  I  could 
not  but  say,  I  thought  it  a  very  discouraging  one.  He  viewed  it 
in  the  same  light,  he  said,  and  added,  that  if  we  were  not  soon 
withdrawn  from  it,  we  should  inevitably  be  cut  to  pieces.  So  im- 
pressed was  he  with  this  conviction,  that  he  desired  me  to  go  to 
the  quarters  of  General  lieed,  and  request  him  to  ride  down  to  the 
lines,  that  he  might  urge  him  to  propose  a  retreat  without  loss  of 
time.  I  went,  but  could  not  find  him  at  his  quarters,  or  at  any  of 
the  other  places  where  it  was  likely  he  might  be.  It  was  not  long, 
however,  before  he  came  to  our  station,  and  gave  the  colonel  an 
opportunity  of  conferring  with  him.  This  day  passed  off  like  the 
last,  in  unabating  skirmishing  and  rain.  After  dark,  prders  were 
received  and  communicated  to  us  regiraentally,  to  hold  ourselves 
in  readiness  for  an  attack  upon  die  enemy — to  take  place  in  the 
course  of  the  night.  This  excited  much  speculation  among  the 
officers,  by  whom  it  was  considered  a  truly  daring  undertaking, 
rendered  doubly  so  from  the  bad  condition  of  our  arms,  so  long 
exposed  to  the  rain ;  and  although  we  had  bayonets,  this  was  not 
the  case  with  the  whole  of  our  force,  upon  whom  we  must  depend 
for  support.  It  was  not  for  us,  however,  to  object  to  the  measure  : 
we  were  soldiers,  and  bound  to  obey.  Several  nuncupative  wills 
were  made  upon  the  occasion,  uncertain  as  it  was  whether  the  per- 
sons to  whom  they  were  communicated  would  survive,  either  to 
prove  or  to  execute  them.  I  w^as  for  a  while  under  the  impression 
that  we  were  to  fight;  and,  in  the  language  of  the  poet,  was  '  stiff- 
ening my  sinews  and  summoning  up  my  blood,'  for  what,  with  the 
rest,  I  deemed  a  desperate  encounter.  But  when  I  came  to  cou- 
sider  the  extreme  rashness  of  such  an  attempt,  it  suddenly  flashed 
upon  my  mind,  that  a  retreat  was  the  object ;  and  that  the  order 


BATTLE  OF  LONG  ISLAXD.  71 

for  assailinir  the  enemy,  was  but  a  cover  to  the  real  design.  The 
more  I  reflected  upon  it,  the  more  I  was  convinced  that  I  was 
right;  ana  what  had  passed  iu  the  morning  with  Colonel  Shee, 
served  to  confirm  me  in  my  opinion.  1  communicated  my  conjec- 
ture to  some  of  the  officers,  but  they  dared  not  suffer  themselves  to 
believe  it  well  founded,  though  they  gradually  came  over  to  my 
opinion  ;  and  by  midnight  they  were,  for  the  most  part,  converts 
to  it.  There  was  a  deep  murmur  in  the  camp  w^hich  indicated 
some  movement ;  and  the  direction  of  the  decaying  sounds  w^as 
evidently  towards  the  river.  About  two  o'clock,  a  cannon  w^ent 
ofT,  apparently  from  one  of  our  redoubts,  'piercing  the  night's  dull 
ear,'  with  a  tremendous  roar.  If  the  explosion  was  within  our 
lines,  the  gun  was  probably  discharged  in  the  act  of  spiking  it;  and 
it  could  have  been  no  less  a  matter  of  speculation  to  the  enemy, 
than  to  ourselves.  I  never  heard  the  cause  of  it;  but  wdiatever  it 
was,  the  effect  was  at  once  alarming  and  sublime  ;  and  what  with 
the  greatness  of  the  stake,  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the  uncertainty 
of  the  design,  and  extreme  hazard  of  the  issue  whatever  might  be 
the  object,  it  would  be  difficult  to  conceive  a  more  deeply  solemn 
and  interesting  scene.  It  never  recurs  to  my  mind,  but  in  the 
strong  imagery  of  the  chorus  of  Shakspeare's  Henry  the  Fifth,  in 
which  is  arrayed  in  appropriate  gloom,  a  similar  interval  of  dread 
suspense  and  awful  expectation. 

"  As  our  regiment  was  one  of  those  appointed  to  cover  the  re- 
treat, we  were,  of  course,  among  the  last  to  be  drawn  off,  and  it 
was  near  daybreak,  before  we  received  orders  to  retire.  We  were 
formed  without  delay,  and  had  marched  nearly  half  way  to  the 
river,  when  it  was  announced  that  the  British  lighthorse  were  at 
our  heels.  Improbable  as  was  the  circumstance,  it  was  yet  so 
strenuously  insisted  upon,  that  we  were  halted  and  formed,  the 
front  rank  kneeling  with  presented  pikes,  which  we  had  with  us,  to 
receive  the  charge  of  the  supposed  assailants.  None,  how^ever, 
appeared;  and  the  alarm  must  have  proceeded  from  the  fear  of 
those  who  gave  it,  magnifying  the  noise  of  a  few  of  our  own  horse- 
men into  that  of  squadrons  of  the  enemy.  We  again  took  up  the 
line  of  march,  and  had  proceeded  but  a  short  distance,  when  the 
head  of  the  battalion  was  halted  a  second  time.  The  orders  we 
had  received  were  erroneous  :  we  were  informed  that  w^e  had  come 
off  too  soon,  and  were  commanded  with  all  expedition  to  return  to 
our  post.  This  was  a  trying  btasiness  to  young  soldiers  ;  it  was, 
nevertheless,  stricdy  complied  with,  and  we  remained  not  less  than 
an  hour  in  the  lines  before  we  received  the  second  order  to  aban- 
don them.  It  may  be  supposed  w^e  did  not  linger  ;  but  though  we 
moved  with  celerity,  we  guarded  against  confusion,  and  under  the 
friendly  cover  of  a  thick  fog,  reached  the  place  of  embarcation 
without  annoyance  from  the  enemy,  who,  had  the  morning  been 


72  BATTLE  OF  LONG  ISLAND. 

clear,  would  have  seen  what  was  going  on,  and  been  enabled  to 
cut  off  the  greater  part  of  the  rear.  One  of  my  soldiers  being  too 
feeble  to  carry  his  musket,  which  was  too  precious  to  be  thrown 
away,  I  took  it  from  him,  and  found  myself  able  to  carry  it,  together 
with  my  own  fusee.  On  attaining  the  water,  I  found  a  boat  pre- 
pared for  my  company,  which  immediately  embarked,  and  taking 
the  helm  myself,  I  so  luckily  directed  the  prow,  no  object  being 
discernible  in  the  fog,  that  we  touched  near  the  centre  of  the  city. 
It  was  between  six  and  seven  o'clock,  perhaps  later,  when  we  land- 
ed at  New  York ;  and  in  less  than  an  hour  after,  the  fog  having  dis- 
persed, the  enemy  was  visible  on  the  shore  we  had  left." 


CONFERENCE  WITH  LORD  HOWE.  73 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Lord  Howe  meets  a  Committee  of  Congress,  on  Statcn  Island. 
— General  Howe  ijusltes  his  army  to  Hdl-galc — Heath,  and 
death  of  Henly — Hale  is  executed — Affair  of  Ki_[)2)^s  Bay — Dif- 
Jicidties  of  evacuating  the  city — Death  ofLeirJt  and  of  Knowlton — 
Fire  of  1176 — Gen.  Howe  crosses  to  Frogh  Point —  White  Flains 
— Fort  Washington — Rawlins — Prisoners. 

1776  General  Howe's  object  was  to  preserve  the  houses  for 

his  army,  and  to  get  between  Washington  and  the  main  land. 
He  pushed  forward  his  forces  to  Hell-gate,  occupying  an  extent  of 
nine  miles,  and  evidently  intended  to  cross  the  East  River  or 
Sound,  so  as  to  enclose  the  Americans  on  the  Island  of  Manhattan. 
To  guard  against  these  indications,  the  continental  army  was  di- 
vided into  three  parts.  Five  thousand  men  remained  in  the  town. 
A  body  supposed  to  be  nine  thousand  were  near  Kingsbridge,  and 
the  remainder  lined  the  shores  opposite  to  the  enemy.  While  these 
military  movements  were  going  on,  Lord  Howe,  to  talve  advantage 
of  the  recent  victory,  parolled  General  Sullivan,  and  attempted  to 
negotiate  with  congress  without  acknowledging  them  as  a  political 
body.  He,  through  Sullivan,  expressed  his  desire  to  have  a  con- 
ference with  some  of  the  members,  and  offered  to  meet  them  where 
they  should  appoint.  He  said,  that  he  and  General  Howe  had 
powers  to  settle  the  dispute  on  terms  advantageous  to  both  the  con- 
tending parties.  That  he  wished  the  compromise  to  take  place 
before  either  America  or  Great  Britain  could  be  said  to  be  com- 
pelled to  it.  The  answer  returned  was,  "  that  congress  being  the 
representatives  of  the  free  and  independent  States  of  America,  can- 
not, with  propriety,  send  any  of  its  members  to  confer  with  his 
lordship  in  their  private  characters  ;  but  that  they  being  desirous 
of  establishing  a  peace  on  reasonable  terms,  would  send  a  commit- 
tee to  learn  whether  he  had  authority  or  not."  Accordingly,  Dr. 
Franklin,  John  Adams,  and  Edward  Rutledge,  passed  over  to 
Staten  Island,  from  Perth  Amboy  ;  and,  on  their  return,  reported 
that  Howe  had  received  them  politely,  on  the  1 1th  of  September; 
he  observed  that  lie  could  not  treat  with  tiiem  as  a  conimittee  of 
congress  ;  but  was  glad  of  the  opportunity  of  a  conference  with 
them  as  private  gentlemen.  They  answered,  that  he  might  con- 
sider them  in  what  light  he  pleased,  and  make  any  propositions  ; 
but  they  could  consider  themselves  in  no  other  character  than 
that  in  which  they  were  announced.  Howe's  propositions  amount- 
ed to  the  return  of  the  colonies  to  their  allegiance  ;  and  the  com- 

VOL.  II.  10 


74  RETREAT  FROM  NEW  YORK. 

mittee  let  him  know  that  was  not  now  to  be  expected,  and  so  the 
fruitless  conference  ended. 

Too  much  reliance  had  been  placed  upon  a  chevaux-de-frise, 
which  General  Putnam,  in  a  letter  to  Gates,  prides  himself  upon 
having  invented ;  but  which  proved  inefficient.  General  Greene 
pressed  the  evacuation  of  New  York,  and  pointed  out  the  ease  with 
which  the  enemy  could  land  on  either  side  the  island,  and  throw 
strong  lines  across,  supported  at  each  end  by  their  ships  :  this 
would  divide  the  American  army,  and  force  those  in  the  town  to 
capitulate,  or  fight  to  great  disadvantage  with  a  very  superiour  ad- 
versary. Greene  strenuously  advised  the  destruction  of  the  city. 
The  spade  had  been  liberally  used.  Fort  George — the. battery  be- 
low and  to  the  south  of  it ;  the  wharves  and  streets  had  redoubts 
and  breastworks  ;  Bayard's  mount  was  crowned  by  a  fort,  and 
called  Bunker's  Hill ;  Corlear's  Hook  was  surrounded  by  batte- 
ries, and  lines  crossed  the  island  at  various  distances.  But  Wash- 
ington saw  that  the  enemy  could  surround  the  town — their  troops 
had  possession  of  the  islands — and  their  ships  passed  his  batteries 
unharmed,  on  either  side  of  the  city.  He  had  no  confidence  in  his 
army,  and  little  command  over  the  best  of  his  troops :  reluctantly 
he  agreed  with  his  council  of  war,  to  abandon  a  place  that  had  cost 
so  much  labour  to  strengthen  for  defence,  and  which  he  knew  the 
congress  and  people  expected  him  to  hold.  Still  he  hoped  to  make 
a  stand  on  Manhattan  Island,  at  Haerlem  Heights,  Fort  Washing- 
ton, and  Kingsbridge.  At  the  council,  many  thought  the  post 
should  be  retained  ;  but  Greene  saw  the  danger  of  the  attempt,  or 
even  of  the  measures  resolved  upon,  of  withdrawing  a  part  of  the 
army  to  tlie  forts  and  lines  at  Kingsbridge  ;  he  urged  an  immediate 
retreat  from  the  island,  and  burning  the  city  and  suburbs.  How- 
ever, against  the  destruction  of  the  place  congress  had  deter- 
mined; and  as  it  could  not  be  defended  by  troops  without  disci- 
pline, and  inferiour  both  in  spirit  and  numbers,  all  Washington 
could  do  was  to  withdraw  his  forces  and  stores,  with  as  much 
safety  as  circumstances  permitted.  About  the  middle  of  Septem- 
ber, events  occurred  which  convinced  the  general  and  all  his  offi- 
cers that  a  speedy  retreat  from  New  York  was  necessary.  The 
Connecticut  militia  he  directed  to  be  withdrawn,  and  stationed 
on  the  Sound,  and  opposite  the  enemy's  force  on  Long  Island. 
To  remove  the  stores  was  an  object  of  great  consequence  and  diffi- 
culty, while  an  attack  was  momentarily  expected.  To  secure  an 
overflowing  hospital,  and  give  every  convenience  to  a  great  num- 
ber of  sick,  was  another  service  that  tasked  this  great  man's  care 
and  humanity ;  and  every  moment  the  enemy  were  taking  stations 
with  the  ships  of  war,  or  divisions  of  soldiers,  that  increased  the 
difficulty  of  evacuating  the  city.  On  the  13th  of  September,  four 
frigates  had  passed  between  Governour's  Island  (of  which  the 


RETREAT  FROM  NEW  YORK.  75 

English  had  taken  full  possession)  and  Long  Island,  through  But- 
termilk Channel,  and  anchored  opposite  Stuyvesant's  house,  above 
the  town.  Other  ships  passed  the  city,  up  the  North  River,  and 
were  stationed  at  Bloomingdale.  These  last  prevented  the  remo- 
val of  stores,  or  the  sick,  by  water.  General  Washington  now 
shifted  his  head-quarters  to  Colonel  Morris's  house,  at  Haerlem 
Heights ;  and,  on  the  15th,  the  enemy  attacked  his  redoubts  at 
several  points.  The  general  finding  that  they  were  attempting  to 
land  at  Kipp's  Bay,  where  two  brigades  were  posted,  rode  thither, 
and  found  his  soldiers  flying  in  every  direction,  even  before  a  boat 
of  the  enemy  had  approached  the  shore.  The  English  ships  were 
covering  the  landing  by  cannonading.  The  appearance  alone  of 
an  advance  guard,  caused  the  brigades  of  Fellows  and  Parsons 
(notwithstanding  the  efforts  of  the  officers  to  keep  them  in  their  re- 
doubts) to  fly  in  the  most  scandalous  confusion.  About  fifty  men 
of  the  enemy  were  landed,  and  Washington  was  left  by  his  coun- 
trymen, alone,  exposed  to  their  fire,  and  for  a  moment  wishing  for 
death  rather  than  the  power  to  witness  such  dastardly  conduct.  It 
is  said,  that  he  threatened  the  cowards  with  death  by  his  pistols ; 
but  they  feared  the  English  more  than  their  commander,  who  was 
in  a  manner  forced  from  the  spot  by  those  around  him.  He  soon 
recovered  his  equanimity — issued  orders  for  covering  the  retreat, 
and  securing  the  height  of  Haerlem  ;  and  the  enemy  gained  a  foot- 
ing on  the  island  without  farther  advantage  than  the  capture  of  part 
of  the  baggage  of  the  American  army. 

In  the  retreat  from  New  York,  it  is  said,  that  by  some  errour, 
Silliman's  brigade  remained  too  long  in  the  city,  and  by  the  coward- 
ly behaviour  of  the  men  at  Kipp's  Bay,  was  nearly  cut  off.  Co- 
lonel Knox  led  them  to  the  fort  on  Bunker's  Hill,  or  Bayard's 
Mount,  where  they  must  have  surrendered  :  but  Burr,  then  an  aid 
to  Putnam,  saw  their  situation,  and  marched  them  by  cross  roads, 
towards  the  west  side  of  the  island,  and  in  safety  they  joined  the 
main  army.  This  Bunker's  Hill  fort  was  on  a  small  cone-shaped 
mount,  to  the  west  of  the  junction  of  Mott  and  Grand  streets,  and 
could  not  have  contained  half  a  brigade.  Major  Burr,  being  fami- 
liar with  the  island,  knew  that  by  crossing  the  new  road,  now 
Broadway,  about  the  site  of  the  present  Grand  street,  he  could  lead 
these  lost  men  along  the  edge  of  a  swamp,  and  to  the  woods  which 
surrounded  the  house,  formerly  Washington's  head-quarters;  and 
that,  by  then  taking  the  Greenwich  road,  he  must  avoid  the  enemy. 
The  service  was  important,  and  reflected  honour  on  Burr's  military 
talents. 

Colonel  Knox  and  the  men  with  him  were  strangers  on  this 
island ;  and  finding  that  the  enemy  had  possession  of  the  Boston 
road,  and,  for  any  thing  he  could  know,  all  that  part  of  the  island 
between  them  and  the  army,  Knox  seemed  to  have  selected  this, 


76  NATHAN  HALE. 

cone-shaped  hill,  with  its  redoubts,  as  a  place  for  at  least  temporary 
defence.  Bayard's  Mount,  or  Bunker's  Hill,  looked  down  on  the 
city,  from  which  it  was  separated  by  the  Kolch  or  fresh  water  pond. 

At  the  time  of  which  we  speak,  a  few  stragghng  houses  marked 
the  Bowery,  or  Boston  road.  The  new  road  had  been  cut  through 
the  hills,  and  partially  levelled.  This  extended  to  Sandy  Hill,  and 
is  now  a  part  of  Broadway.  A  crooked  cross  road  led  from  the 
new  road  to  the  Bowery,  commencing  from  what  is  now  the  corner 
of  Grand  street.  Between  this  crooked  path  and  the  Kolch,  were 
the  house  and  garden  of  Nicholas  Bayard,  with  the  hill  called  Bay- 
ard's Mount.  To  the  north  and  east  were  orchards  and  woods. 
To  the  west,  Mr.  Knox  could  have  seen  only  swamps  and  woods. 

Before  General  Howe  had  crossed  to  Frog's  Point,  General 
Heath  had  command  of  the  posts  above  and  below  Haerlem  River. 
There  is  a  small  island  near  Hell-gate,  which  was,  in  1776,  called 
Montresor's  Island.  The  British  had  possession  of  this  place,  and 
in  an  attempt  to  surprise  iheir  garrison,  another  gallant  officer  lost  his 
life  :  this  was  Major  Thomas  Henly.  But  he  fell  a  volunteer  in 
an  expedition  for  his  country's  service,  and  instantly  expired  after 
receiving  a  shot,  surrounded  and  lamented  by  his  friends.  Robert 
Smitli,  wiio  was  a  captain  in  Malcom's  regiment,  commanded  the 
third  boat,  and  on  their  touching  the  island,  they  were  received  by 
vollies  from  about  seventy  Highlanders,  drawn  up  on  the  bank,  who 
had  been  aware  of  their  approach  through  the  firing  of  Heath's  un- 
disciplined sentinels. 

Nathan  Hale,  a  fine  young  man,  voluntarily  risked  the  chance 
of  an  inglorious  death  among  his  country's  enemies,  exposed 
to  brutal  taunts,  and  that,  without  the  hope  or  promise  of  other 
reward  than  an  approving  conscience.  This  intelligent  young  man, 
late  a  student  at  Yale  college,  and  now  a  captain  in  Knowlton's 
Rangers,  being  informed  of  the  great  lack  of  information  respe*  ting 
the  enemy,  after  the  retreat  from  Long  Island,  offered  to  go  among 
them  in  disguise,  and  bring  accurate  statements  to  General  Wash- 
ington. All  the  world  has  heard  of  Major  Andre.  He  has  been 
sung  by  poets,  and  monuments  have  been  raised  to  him.  He  fell 
into  the  snare  he  had  contrived  with  a  traitor  for  the  destruction  of 
thousands ;  but  Captain  Hale,  who  died,  only  lamenting  that  he 
had  "  but  one  life  to  sacrifice  for  his  country,"  has,  until  recently, 
been  unnoticed  by  history  ;  and  no  stone  tells  where  his  bones  were 
interred. 

Hp  passed  in  disguise  through  the  English  posts  on  Long  Island, 
and  had  made  such  observations  as  an  intelligent  gentleman  alone 
could  make ;  but  in  attempting  to  return  he  was  apprehended,  and 
carried  before  General  Howe.  He  acknowledged  his  object  and 
rank,  and  was  delivered  over  to  the  provost-marshal,  Cunningham, 
for  execution.     This  savage  added  all  in  his  power  to  the  bitterness 


BATTLE  OF  HAERLEM  HEIGHTS.  77 

of  death.  The  presence  of  a  clergyman  was  denied  him.  He  was 
permitted  to  wTite  to  his  mother  and  other  friends,  but  the  letters 
were  destroyed.  Thus,  unknown  to  all  around  him,  and  mocked 
by  ruffian  executioners,  died  as  fine  a  young  man  as  America  could 
boast,  breathing  his  last  in  prayers  for  his  country.  It  is  said,  Cun- 
ningham gave  as  a  reason  for  destroying  the  young  man's  letters, 
that  the  rebels  should  not  see  how  firmly  one  of  their  army  could 
meet  death. 

The  American  army  now  occupied  the  heights  of  Haerlem,  and 
the  British  army  held  the  town  and  the  plain  between,  far  outnum- 
bering, in  real  soldiers,  our  disheartened  and  downcast  country- 
men. But  a  skirmish  took  place  which  revived  the  courage  of  the 
Americans,  and  called  from  the  mortified  commander-in-chief  the 
cheering  words,   "our  troops  behaved  well!" 

The  general,  in  his  letter  of  the  ISth  of  September,  1776,  to 
congress,  says,  that,  seeing  several  large  bodies  of  tlie  enemy  in 
motion  on  the  plain  below  the  heights,  he  rode  down  to  the  outposts 
to  prepare  for  their  reception  if  they  should  attack.  When  he  ar- 
rived, he  says,  he  heard  a  firing,  which,  lie  was  informed,  was  be- 
tween a  party  of  our  rangers,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant- 
colonel  Knowlton,  and  an  advanced  party  of  the  enemy.  Gene- 
ral Washington  being  informed  that  the  body  of  the  enemy,  who 
kept  themselves  concealed  in  the  wood,  was  greater  than  Knowl- 
ton's  force,  ordered  three  companies  of  Virginians,  under  Major 
Leitch,  to  his  assistance,  with  orders  to  try  to  get  in  the  enemy's 
rear,  while  a  disposition  was  making  as  if  to  attack  them  in  front, 
thereby  to  draw  their  whole  attention  that  way.  This  succeeded  ; 
and  the  British,  on  the  apj)earance  of  the  party  advancing  in  fiont, 
ran  down  the  hill,  and  took  possession  of  some  fences  and  bushes, 
and  commenced  a  distant  and  ineflJective  firing.  The  parties  under 
Leitch  and  Knowlton  commenced  their  attack  too  soon,  and  rather 
on  their  flank  than  in  the  rear.  In  a  little  time.  Major  Leitch  was 
brought  off  wounded,  having  received  three  balls  through  his  side. 
In  a  very  sliort  lime  after.  Colonel  Knowlton  fell,  mortally  wound- 
ed. Still  their  men  fought  on  undaunted;  and  the  general  sent 
detachments  from  the  eastern  regiments,  and  from  the  Maryland 
troops,  to  their  support.  These  reinforcements  charged  gallantly, 
drove  the  enemy  out  of  the  wood  into  the  plain,  and  were  pushing 
them  from  thence,  having,  as  the  general  says,  "silenced  their  fire, 
in  a  great  measure,"  when  the  British  commander,  preparing  to 
send  on  a  large  reinforcement,  Washington  ordered  a  retreat.  The 
foreign  troops  that  had  been  engaged  consisted  of  the  second  bat- 
talion of  light  infantry,  a  battalion  of  Highlanders,  and  three  com- 
panies of  Hessian  sharp-shooters — the  whole  under  the  command 
of  Brigadier-general  Leslie.  This  affair,  trifling  in  itself,  and  at- 
tended by  the  loss  of  two  gallant  officers,  one  of  them  before  dis- 


78  GREAT  FIRE  IN  NEW  YORK. 

tinguished  for  courage  and  conduct,  was  of  great  consequence  in 
giving  confidence  to  the  American  troops.  It  was  a  contrast  to  the 
shameful  rout  of  the  day  before,  and  vproved  that  their  foes  were 
not  invincible. 

At  this  period,  (September  21st,)  and  after  the  retreat  of  the 
Americans,  a  great  fire  occurred  in  the  city,  of  which  Mr.  David 
Grim,  a  very  respectable  inhabitant  of  New  York,  who  remained 
in  the  city  when  the  British  took  possession,  has  left  us  this : 

"  The  fire  of  1776  commenced  in  a  small  wooden  house,  on  the 
wharf,  near  the  Whitehall  slip.  It  was  then  occupied  by  a  num- 
ber of  men  and  women,  of  a  bad  character.  The  fire  began  late 
at  night.  There  being  but  a  few  inhabitants  in  the  city,  in  a  short 
time  it  raged  tremendously.  It  burned  all  the  houses  on  the  east 
side  of  Whitehall  slip,  and  the  west  side  of  Broad  street  to  Beaver 
street.  A  providential  and  happy  circumstance  occurred  at  this 
time  :  the  wind  was  then  southwesterly.  About  two  o'clock  that 
morning  the  wind  veered  to  the  south-east ;  this  carried  the  flames 
of  the  fire  to  the  north-westward,  and  burned  both  sides  of  Beaver 
street  to  the  east  side  of  Broadway,  then  crossed  Broadway  to  Bea- 
ver lane,  and  burning  all  the  houses  on  both  sides  of  Broadway, 
with  some  few  houses  in  New  street,  to  Rector  street,  and  to  John 
Harrison's,  Esq.,  three  story  brick  house,  which  house  stopped  the 
fire  on  the  east  side  of  Broadway ;  from  thence  it  continued  burn- 
ing all  the  houses  in  Lumber  street,  and  those  in  the  rear  of  the 
houses  on  the  west  side  of  Broadway  to  St.  Paul's  church,  then 
continued  burning  the  houses  on  both  sides  of  Partition  street,  and 
all  the  houses  in  the  rear  (again)  of  the  west  side  of  Broadway  to 
the  North  River.  The  fire  did  not  stop  until  it  got  iato  Mortkile 
street,  now  Barclay  street.  The  college  yard  and  the  vacant 
ground  in  the  rear  of  the  same,  put  an  end  to  this  awful  and  tre- 
mendous fire. 

"  Trinity  church  being  burned,  was  occasioned  by  the  flakes  of 
fire  that  fell  on  the  south  side  of  the  roof.  The  southerly  wind 
fanned  those  flakes  of  fire  in  a  short  time  to  an  amazing  blaze,  and 
it  soon  became  out  of  human  power  to  extinguish  the  same — the 
roof  of  this  noble  edifice  being  so  steep  that  no  person  could  go  on  it. 

"  St.  Paul's  church  was  in  the  like  perilous  situation.  The 
roof  being  flat,  with  a  balustrade  on  the  eaves,  a  number  of  citizens 
went  on  the  same,  and  extinguished  the  flakes  of  fire  as  they  fell 
on  the  roof.  Thus,  happily,  was  this  beautiful  church  saved  from 
the  destruction  of  this  dreadful  fire,  which  threatened  the  ruin  there- 
of, and  that  of  the  whole  city. 

"  The  Lutheran  church  being  contiguous  to  houses  adjoining 
the  same  fire,  it  was  impossible  to  save  it  from  destruction.  This 
fire  was  so  furious  and  violently  hot,  that  no  person  could  go  near 
it,  and  there  was  no  fire  engines  to  be  had  at  that  time  in  the  city. 


GREAT  FIRE  IN  NEW  YORK.  79 

"  The  number  of  houses  that  were  burned  and  destroyed  in  this 
city  at  that  awful  conflagration,  were  thus,  viz :  from  IMorktile  street 
to  Courtlandt  street,  one  hundred  and  sixty-seven;  from  Court- 
landt  street  to  Beaver  street,  one  hundred  and  seventy-five ;  from 
Beaver  street  to  the  East  River,  one  hundred  and  fifty-one  :  total, 
four  hundred  and  ninety-three. 

"  There  being  very  few  inhabitants  in  the  city  at  the  time,  and 
many  of  them  were  afraid  to  venture  at  night  in  the  streets,  for  fear 
of  being  taken  up  as  suspicious  persons. 

"  An  instance  to  my  knowledge  occurred.  A  Mr.  White,  a  de- 
cent citizen,  and  house-carpenter,  rather  too  violent  a  royalist,  and 
latterly  had  addicted  himself  to  liquor,  was,  on  the  night  of  the  fire, 
hanged  on  a  tavern  sign-post,  at  the  corner  of  Cherry  and  Roose- 
velt streets.  Several  of  the  citizens  were  sent  to  the  provost-guard 
for  examination,  and  some  of  them  remained  there  two  and  three 
days,  until  they  could  give  satisfactory  evidence  of  their  loyalty. 

**  Mr.  Hugh  Gaine,  in  his  Universal  Register  for  the  year  17S7, 
page  119,  says.  New  York  is  about  a  mile  and  a  half  in  length,  and 
half  a  mile  broad,  containing,  before  the  fires  on  the  21st  of  Septem- 
ber, 1776,  and  the  3d  of  August,  1778,  about  four  thousand  two 
hundred  houses,  and  thirty  thousand  inhabitants." 

Over  the  ruins  of  this  fire  I  have  wandered,  when  a  boy,  in  every 
direction.  It  will  be  observed,  by  Mr.  Grim's  account,  that  the 
houses  on  the  west  side  of  Broadway,  and  which  were  south  of 
Beaver  street,  escaped  the  conflagration ;  and  it  was  in  these,  that 
the  English  generals  lived — what  is  now  No.  1,  being  head-quar- 
ters. I  must  observe,  that  the  houses  in  Broadway,  north  of  Tri- 
nity church  yard,  were  not  burned.  The  City  Tavern  was  on  part 
of  the  site  of  the  present  City  Hotel.  Between  this  and  St.  Paul's 
church  the  houses  were  small  and  most  of  them  of  wood.  The  last 
brick  houses  in  the  town  were  next  beyond  the  church.  The  ruins 
on  the  south-east  side  of  the  town  were  converted  into  dwelling 
places  by  using  the  chimneys  and  p'arts  of  walls  which  were  firm, 
and  adding  pieces  of  spars,  with  old  canvass  from  the  ships,  form- 
ing hovels — part  hut  and  part  tent.  This  was  called  "  Canvass- 
town ;"  and  was  the  receptacle  and  resort  of  the  vilest  dregs  brought 
by  the  army  and  navy  of  Britain,  with  the  filthiest  of  those  who  fled 
to  them  for  refuge. 

General  Howe,  finding  that  the  position  taken  by  Washington 
was  too  strong  to  be  attacked  in  front,  moved  his  main  army  higher 
up  the  sound,  and  crossed  over  to  Frog's  Point.  This  rendered  it 
necessary  for  a  change  of  position  on  the  American  part.  Accord- 
ingly, leaving  a  garrison  at  Fort  Washington,  the  army  was  marched 
to  White  Plains.  General  Lee  was  now  with  Washington  ;  and 
General  Greene  had  command  at  Fort  Lee,  opposite  to  the  garri- 
son left  on  York  island. 


80         AFFAIR  OF  WHITE  PLAINS  AND  FORT  WASHINGTON. 

While  Howe  moved  his  army  from  Frog's  Point  to  New  Ro- 
chelle,  he  was  attacked  successfidly  by  skirmishing  parties  behind 
stone  walls.  At  White  Plains  an  action  took  place  without  deci- 
sive advantage  to  either  party  ;  and  Washington,  taking  a  stronger 
position,  expected  and  awaited  an  attack.  A  rain  storm  intervened ; 
and  the  Americans  withdrew  to  the  heights  of  North  Casde,  where 
their  adversary  deemed  it  improper  to  assault  them.  Leaving  Ge- 
neral Lee  at  this  post,  the  commander-in-chief  crossed  the  North 
River  to  Fort  Lee,  and  from  thence  to  Hackinsack.  Howe  seized 
this  opportunity  to  attack  Fort  Washington,  left  with  too  slender  a 
garrison  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Magaw.  Works  were 
erected  on  Haerlem  river  to  cover  the  crossing  of  the  English,  which 
nothing  could  impede.  I  am  indebted  to  Gray  don*  for  the  follow- 
ing particulars : 

"  Fort  Washington  stood  on  an  eminence,  situated  on  the  mar- 
gin of  the  Hudson,  or  North  river,  about  two  miles  and  a  half 
below  Kingsbridge.  The  access  to  the  level  on  the  top  of  it,  is 
steep  and  difficult  on  every  side,  except  on  the  south,  where  the 
ground  is  open,  and  the  ascent  gradual,  to  the  fort.  The  hill  ex- 
tends along  the  North  river  about  half  a  mile  from  the  fort ;  and  at 
the  termination  of  it  were  some  small  works,  which,  with  the  na- 
tural strength  of  the  place,  were  deemed  a  sufficient  protection 
against  the  enemy,  in  that  quarter. 

"  Nearly  opposite  to  the  fort,  on  the  west  side  of  Haerlem  river, 
a  body  of  men  was  posted  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy, 
who  had  erected  w^orks  on  the  high  and  commanding  ground  east 
of  that  river,  apparently  with  a  design  of  covering  a  landing  of 
troops  in  that  part  of  the  island  of  New  York.  Two  lines  ex- 
tended from  the  vicinity  of  Haerlem  river,  across  the  island,  to  the 
North  river,  and  were  in  length  each  about  a  mile.  ,  The  first  line 
towards  New  York,  intersected  the  great  road  leading  to  Kings- 
bridge,  after  the  height  is  ascended  from  Haerlem  plains  :  it  was  a 
slight  intrenchment,  with  a  few  weak  bastions,  without  platforms 
for  cannon,  and  furnished  with  no  other  ordnance  than  a  few  old 
iron  pieces  of  small  calibre,  scarcely  fit  for  use,  and  an  iron  six 
pounder  mounted  on  trucks.  The  second  line  was  stronger  ;  but 
on  the  day  of  the  attack  of  Fort  Washington,  was,  from  necessity, 
wholly  without  defence,  either  of  troops,  or  artillery  of  any  de- 
scription. Colonel  Magaw,  who  commanded  on  the  island,  re- 
mained in  the  fort ;  Colonel  Rawlins,  with  his  regiment  of  riflemen, 
was  posted  on  the  rear  of  Mount  Washington  ;  Colonel  Baxter, 
with  his  regiment  of  militia,  on  Haerlem  river,  opposite  Fort 
Washington  ;  and  Colonel  Lambert  Cadwalader,  at  the  first  line, 


*  Page  175. 


AFFAIR  OF  FORT  WASHINGTON.  81 

about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  the  fort,  with  about  eight  hundred 
men,  including  a  reinforcement  of  a  hundred  militia,  sent  him 
about  ten  or  eleven  o'clock  in  the  morning. 

"  The  operations  of  the  enemy  were  announced  early  in  the 
morning,  by  a  cannonade  on  Colonel  Rawlins'  position,  and  a 
distant  one,  from  the  heights  of  Morrisania,  on  the  line  occupied 
by  Colotiel  Cadwalader  ;  the  former  with  a  view  of  facilitating  the 
attack  on  that  point,  by  three  thousand  Hessians  :  the  latter,  to 
favour  the  approach  of  Lord  Percy  with  one  thousand  six  hundred 
men. 

"At  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning,  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  ap- 
peared on  Haerlem  plains,  preceded  by  their  field-pieces,  and  ad- 
vanced with  their  whole  body  towards  a  rocky  point  of  the  heights, 
which  skirted  the  plains  in  a  southern  direction  from  the  first  line, 
and  at  a  considerable  distance  from  it — and,  commencing  a  brisk 
fire  on  the  small  work  constructed  there,  drove  out  the  party  which 
held  it,  consisting  of  twenty  men,  and  took  possession  of  it :  the 
men  retiring  with  the  piquet-guard  to  the  first  line.  The  enemy 
having  gained  the  heights,  advanced  in  column,  on  open  ground, 
towards  the  first  line  ;  while  a  party  of  their  troops  pushed  forward 
and  took  possession  of  a  small  unoccupied  work  in  front  of  the 
first  line  ;  from  whence  they  opened  their  fire  with  some  field-pieces 
and  a  howitzer,  upon  the  line,  but  without  effect.  When  the  column 
came  within  proper  distance,  a  fire  from  the  six  pounder  was  di- 
rected against  it;  on  which,  the  whole  column  inclined  to  their  left, 
and  took  post  behind  a  piece  of  woods,  where  they  remained.  As 
it  was  suspected  that  they  would  make  an  attempt  on  the  right  of 
the  line,  under  cover  of  the  wood,  that  part  was  strengthened. 

*'  Colonel  Rawlins  was  some  time  late  in  the  morning  attacked  by 
the  Hessians,  whom  he  fought  with  great  gallantry  and  effect,  as 
they  were  climbing  the  heights  ;  until  the  arms  of  the  riflemen  be- 
came useless  from  the  foulness  they  contracted  from  the  frequent 
repetition  of  their  fire.  From  this  incident,  and  the  great  superi- 
ority of  the  enemy,  Colonel  Rawlins  was  obliged  to  retire  into  the 
fort.  The  enemy  having  gained  the  heights,  immediately  pushed 
forward  towards  the  fort,  and  took  post  behind  a  large  storehouse, 
within  a  small  distance  of  it. 

"  But  to  return  to  what  passed  at  the  first  line  towards  New  York. 
Intelligence  having  been  received  by  Colonel  Cadwalader,  that  the 
enemy  were  coming  dow^n  Haerlem  river  in  boats,  to  land  in  his 
rear,  he  detached  Captain  Lenox  with  fifty  men,  to  oppose  them, 
and,  on  further  information,  a  hundred  more,  with  Captains  Ed- 
wards and  Tudor.  This  force,  with  the  addition  of  about  the  same 
number  from  Fort  Washington,  arrived  on  the  heights  near  Morris's 
house,  early  enough  to  fire  on  the  enemy  in  their  boats,  which  was 
done  with  such  effect,  that  about  ninety  were  killed  and  wounded. 

VOL.  11.  11 


82  AFFAIR  OF  FORT  WASHINGTON. 

"  This  body  of  the  enemy  immediately  advanced,  and  took  pos- 
session of  the  ground  in  advance  of,  and  a  little  below,  Morris's 
house.  They  hesitated  ;  and  this  being  perceived,  from  the  delay 
that  took  place,  Colonel  Cadwalader,  to  avoid  the  fatal  consequences 
that  must  have  resulted  from  the  expected  movement,  immediately 
resolved  to  retire  to  the  fort,  with  the  troops  under  his  command  ; 
and  pursuing  the  road  which  led  to  the  fort,  under  the  heights  by 
the  North  river,  arrived  there  with  little  or  no  loss. 

"  On  the  16th  of  November,  before  daybreak,  we  were  at  our 
post  in  the  lower  lines  of  Haerlem  heights  :  that  is,  our  regiment 
and  Magaw's  and  some  broken  companies  of  Miles's  and  other 
battahons,  principally  from  Pennsylvania.  This  might  be  called 
our  right  wing,  and  was  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Cadwala- 
der ;  our  left,  extending  to  the  Hudson  above  and  on  the  north  side 
of  the  fort  towards  Kingsbridge,  was  commanded  by  Colonel  Raw- 
lins of  Maryland,  who  had  there  his  own  regiment  of  riflemen,  and 
probably  some  other  troops  ;  though,  as  the  position  was  narrow, 
numbers  were  not  so  essential  to  it,  as  to  other  parts  of  the  gene- 
ral post.  The  front  or  centre  extending  a  considerable  distance 
along  Haerlem  river,  was  committed  to  the  militia  of  the  Flying 
Camp,  and  Colonel  ]Magaw  placed  himself  in  the  most  convenient 
station  for  attendino;  to  the  whole,  havino-  selected  one  or  two  offi- 
cers  to  assist  him  as  aids-de-camp.  I  think  it  was  between  seven 
and  eight  o'clock,  when  they  gave  us  the  first  shot  from  one  of  their 
batteries  on  the  other  side  of  the  Haerlem  river.  It  was  well  di- 
rected, at  a  cluster  of  us  that  were  standing  together  observing  their 
movements  ;  but  it  fell  short  by  about  ten  or  fifteen  yards,  and 
bounded  over  the  spot  we  had  precipitately  abandoned.  In  cor- 
recting this  errour  they  afterwards  shot  too  high,  and  did  us  no  harm ; 
at  least,  while  I  remained  in  this  part  of  the  field,  which,  though 
enfiladed  or  rather  exposed  in  the  rear,  was  too  distant  to  be  very 
seriously  annoyed.  They  had  better  success  in  front,  killing  a 
man  with  a  cannon  ball,  belonging  to  our  piquets,  which  they  drove 
in.  Soon  after,  they  approached  the  lines  in  great  force  under 
cover  of  a  wood,  in  the  verge  of  which  they  halted,  and  slowly  be- 
gan to  form,  giving  us  an  occasional  discharge  from  their  artillery. 
Tired  of  the  state  of  suspense  in  which  we  had  remained  for  seve- 
ral hours,  I  proposed  to  Colonel  Cadwalader,  to  throw  myself  with 
my  company  into  a  small  work  or  ravelin  about  two  hundred  yards 
in  advance,  for  the  purpose  of  annoying  them  as  they  came  up. 
To  this  he  assented,  and  I  took  possession  of  it ;  but  found  it  was 
a  work  that  had  been  little  more  than  marked  out,  not  knee  high, 
and  of  course  affording  no  cover.  For  this  reason,  after  remaining 
in  it  a  few  minutes,  with  a  view  to  impress  my  men  with  the  idea 
that  a  breastwork  was  not  absolutely  necessary,  I  abandoned  it,  and 
returned  to  the  entrenchment.     This  unimportant  movement  was 


AFFAIR  OF  FORT  WASHINGTON".      ^        83 

treated  with  some  respect ;  not  knowing  its  meaning,  it  induced 
the  troops  that  were  in  column,  immediately  to  display  ;  and  the 
irregulars  to  open  upon  us  a  scattering  fire.  Soon  after  my  return 
to  the  lines,  it  being  observed  that  the  enemy  was  extending  him- 
self towards  the  Hudson  on  our  right.  Colonel  Cadwalader  de- 
tached me  thither  with  my  company,  with  orders  to  post  myself  to 
the  best  advantage  for  the  protection  of  that  flank.  I  accordingly 
marched,  and  took  my  station  at  the  extremity  of  the  trench,  just 
where  the  high  grounds  begin  to  decline  towards  the  river.  This 
situation,  from  the  intervention  of  higher  land,  concealed  from  my 
view  the  other  parts  of  the  field  ;  and  thence  disqualified  me  from 
speaking  of  what  passed  there  as  an  eye-witness  ;  but  that  the  ac- 
tion had  begun  in  earnest,  I  was  some  time  after  informed  by  my 
sense  of  hearing  :  itnvas  assailed  by  a  most  tremendous  roar  of  ar- 
tillery, quickly  succeeded  by  incessant  volleys  of  small  arms, 
which  seemed  to  proceed  from  the  east  and  north  ;  and  it  was  to 
these  points,  that  General  Howe  chiefly  directed  his  eftbrts.  On 
receiving  intelhgence  that  embarcations  of  British  troops  were 
about  to  be  thrown  across  Haerlem  river  in  the  rear,  Colonel  Cad- 
walader made  detachments  from  his  position  (already  much  too 
weakly  manned)  to  meet  this  body  of  the  enemy,  as  yet  unopposed 
by  any  part  of  our  force.  The  first  detachment  arrived  in  time  to 
open  a  fire  upon  the  assailants  before  they  reached  the  shore,  and 
it  was  well  directed  and  deadly.  Nevertheless,  their  great  supe- 
riority of  force,  adequately  aided  by  artillery,  enabled  them  to  land, 
and,  by  extending  themselves,  to  gain  the  heights.  On  this  ground 
it  was,  that  a  sharp  contest  ensued  ;  speaking  of  which,  in  his  ofli- 
cial  account  of  the  action.  General  Howe  says,  '  it  was  well 
defended  by  a  body  of  the  rebels  ;'  and  so  it  undoubtedly  was,  when 
it  is  considered  that  but  one  hundred  and  fifty  of  our  men,  with  a 
single  eighteen  pounder,  were  opposed  by  eight  hundred  British 
troops  under  cover  of  a  battery.  But,  overpowered  by  numbers, 
the  resistance  was  inefl?ectual ;  and  the  detachments  engaged  in  it 
retired  towards  the  fort.  Rawlins,  on  his  part,  made  a  gallant 
stand  against  the  Hessians  under  the  command  of  General  Knyp- 
hausen,  to  whom  had  been  assigned  the  perilous  glory  of  gaining 
this  strong  piece  of  ground,  diflering  essentially  from  that  on  the 
borders  of  Haerlem  river,  in  the  want  of  opposite  heights  for  bat- 
teries. The  Germans  here  lost  a  great  many  men  ;  but  as  they 
had  been  bought  by  his  Britannick  majesty,  he  had  an  unques- 
tionable right  to  make  a  free  use  of  them  ;  and  this  seemed  to  be 
the  conviction  of  General  Howe.  Kawlins  also  suffered  a  good 
deal  in  proportion  to  his  numbers.  He  had,  I  think,  two  officers 
killed ;  and  himself.  Major  Williams,  and  some  others,  were 
wounded  :  one  of  whom,  a  Mr.  Hanson,  died  in  New  York.  The 
attainment  of  the  post  of  Rawlins,  put  the  Hessians  in  possession 


84  AFFAIR  OF  FORT  WASHINGTON. 

of  the  ground  that  commanded  the  fort ;  as  that,  possessed  by  the 
British  commanded  the  open  field.  Hence,  the  contest  might  be 
said  to  be  at  an  end. 

"  Colonel  Cadwalader,  aware  that  he  was  placed  between  two 
fires  ;  and  that  the  victorious  enemy  in  his  rear,  would  soon  extend 
themselves  across  the  island,  ordered  a  retreat  just  in  time  to  pre- 
vent his  interception. 

"  The  first  notice  that  I  had  of  the  intrenchment  being  given 
up,  was  from  an  officer  I  did  not  know,  posted  ai  some  distance 
from  me,  going  off  with  his  men.  I  called  to  him  to  know  what 
he  meant.  He  answered,  that  he  w^as  making  the  best  of  his  way 
to  the  fort,  as  the  rest  of  the  troops  had  retreated  long  since.  As 
I  had  no  reason  to  doubt  his  veracity,  I  immediately  formed  my 
company,  and  began  to  retire  in  good  order,  which  is  more  than  I 
can  say  of  my  neighbour  or  his  corps  ;  and  amidst  all  the  chagrin 
I  afterward  felt,  that  the  events  of  the  day  had  been  so  unpropitious 
to  our  glory,  I  had  the  satisfaction  to  reflect,  that  the  men  were 
always  obedient,  and  ready  to  partake  of  any  danger  their  officers 
would  share  with  them.  This,  however,  was  but  matter  of  infer- 
ence ;  since  I  never  was  attacked,  though  continually  fronted  by  a 
strong  force,  and  incommoded  by  their  ordnance,  though  without 
being  injured  by  it.  After  proceeding  some  hundred  paces,  I  re- 
flected that  I  had  no  orders  for  what  I  was  doing  ;  and  that,  although 
I  had  no  right  to  expect  exactness,  in  a  moment  of  such  pressure, 
it  was  yet  possible  my  movement  might  be  premature.  I  knew 
nothing  of  what  had  passed  in  the  centre,  or  of  the  enemy  being 
master  of  the  high  grounds  in  my  rear  about  Colonel  Morris's 
house,  from  whom,  no  doubt,  had  proceeded  the  cannon  balls  that 
whizzed  by  us  ;  and  for  which,  coming  in  that  direcftion,  I  could 
not  account.  To  be  entirely  correct  in  my  conduct,  I  here  halted 
my  men,  and  went  myself  to  a  rising  ground  at  some  distance, 
from  which  I  mio-ht  have  a  view  of  the  lines  where  Colonel  Cad- 
walader  had  been  posted.  They  seemed  thoroughly  manned  ; 
and  at  the  instant,  I  beckoned  to  the  officers  to  march  back  the 
company,  which  they  immediately  put  in  motion  ;  but  looking 
more  attentively,  I  perceived  that  the  people  I  saw,  were  British 
and  Hessian  troops  that  v/ere  eagerly  pressing  forward.  Upon 
this,  I  hastened  back  to  my  party,  and  as  there  was  no  time  to  be 
lost,  being  in  a  situation  to  be  cut  to  pieces  by  a  corps  of  cavalry, 
I  ordered  them  under  the  command  of  my  ensign,  to  make  the 
best  of  their  way  and  join  the  body  of  men,  which  none  doubted 
being  our  own,  on  the  heights  beyond  the  inner  lines  ;  and  that  I 
would  follow  them  as  fast  as  I  could,  for  I  was  a  good  deal  out  of 
breath  with  the  expedition  I  had  used  in  going  to  and  returning 
from  the  ground,  which  gave  me  a  view  of  the  outer  lines.  I 
accordingly  walked  on,   accompanied  by  Forrest,   who  did  not 


TREATMENT  OF    PRISONERS.  85 

choose  to  leave  me  alone.  The  body  I  had  pointed  to  and  di- 
rected my  company  to  join,  under  the  idea  of  their  being  our  own 
men,  turned  out  to  be  the  British,  consisting  of  Colonel  Stirhng's 
division  of  Highlanders.  Upon  this  discovery,  we  held  a  mo- 
ment's consultation,  and  the  result  was,  that,  hemmed  in  as  w^e 
were  on  every  side,  there  was  no  chance  of  escaping  ;  and  that 
there  was  nothing  left  but  to  give  ourselves  up  to  them.  Thus 
circumstanced,  we  clubbed  our  fusees  in  token  of  surrender,  and 
continued  to  advance  towards  them.  They  either  did  not  or  would 
not  take  the  signal  ;  and  though  there  w^ere  but  two  of  us,  from 
w^hom  they  could  not  possibly  expect  a  design  to  attack,  they  did 
not  cease  firing  at  us.  I  may  venture  to  say,  that  not  less  than  ten 
guns  were  discharged  with  their  muzzles  towards  us,  within  the 
distance  of  forty  or  fifty  yards  ;  and  I  might  be  nearer  the  truth  in 
saying,  that  some  were  let  off  witliin  twenty.  Luckily  for  us,  it 
was  not  our  riflemen  to  w4iom  we  were  targets  ;  and  it  is  astonish- 
ing how  even  these  blunt  shooters  could  have  missed  us.  But  as 
we  were  ascending  a  considerable  hill,  they  shot  over  us.  I  ob- 
served they  took  no  aim,  and  that  the  moment  of  presenting  and 
firing,  w^as  the  same.  As  I  had  full  leisure  for  reflection,  and  was 
perfectly  collected,  though  fearful  that  their  design  was  to  give  no 
quarter,  I  took  off  my  hat  with  such  a  sweep  of  the  arm  as  could 
not  but  be  observed,  without  ceasing  however  to  advance.  This 
had  the  intended  effect :  a  loud  voice  proceeded  from  the  breast- 
work, and  the  firing  immediately  ceased.  An  officer  of  the  forty- 
second  regiment  advanced  towards  us  ;  and  as  I  was  foremost,  he 
civilly  accosted  me  by  asking  me  my  rank.  Being  informed  of  this, 
as  also  of  Forrest's,  he  inquired  w4iere  the  fort  lay  and  where  Co- 
lonel Magaw  was.  I  pointed  in  the  direction  of  the  fort,  and  told 
him  I  had  not  seen  Colonel  Magaw  during  the  day.  Upon  this, 
he  put  us  under  the  care  of  a  sergeant  and  a  iew  men,  and  left  us. 
The  sergeant  was  a  decent  looking  man,  who,  on  taking  us  into 
custody,  bestowed  upon  us  in  broad  Scotch  the  friendly  admonition 
of  young  7nen,  ye  should  never  fight  against  your  king.  The  lit- 
tle bustle  produced  by  our  surrender,  was  scarcely  over,  w^hen  a 
British  officer,  on  horseback,  apparently  of  high  rank,  rode  up  at 
a  full  gallop,  exclaiming.  What !  taking  jrrisoners  !  kill  theni^  kill 
every  man  of  them.  My  back  was  towards  him  when  he  spoke ; 
and  although,  by  this  time,  there  was  none  of  that  appearance  of 
ferocity  in  the  guard,  which  would  induce  much  fear  that  they  would 
execute  his  command,  I  yet  diought  it  well  enough  to  parry  it,  and 
turning  to  him,  I  took  off  my  hat,  saying,  Sir^  I  put  myself  under 
your  protection.  No  man  was  ever  more  effectually  rebuked.  His 
manner  was  instantly  softened  :  he  met  my  salutation  with  an  in- 
clination of  his  body,  and  after  a  civil  question  or  two,    as  if  to 


86  TREATMENT  OF    PRISONERS. 

make  amends  for  his  sanguinary  mandate,  he  rode  off  towards  the 
fort,  to  which  he  had  inquired  the  way. 

"  Though  I  had  delivered  up  my  arms,  I  had  not  adverted  to  a 
cartouch-box  which  I  wore  about  my  waist,  and  which,  having  once 
belonged  to  his  Britannick  majesty,  presented,  in  front,  the  gilded 
letters  G.  R.  Exasperated  at  this  trophy  on  the  body  of  a  rebel, 
one  of  the  soldiers  seized  the  belt  with  great  violence,  and  in  the 
attempt  to  unbuckle  it,  had  nearly  jerked  me  off  my  legs.  To 
appease  the  offended  loyalty  of  the  honest  Scot,  I  submissively 
took  it  off  and  delivered  it  to  him,  being  conscious  that  I  had  no 
longer  any  right  to  it.  At  this  time  a  Hessian  came  up.  He  was 
not  a  private,  neither  did  he  look  like  a  regular  officer :  he  was 
some  retainer,  however,  to  the  German  troops ;  and  was  as  much 
of  a  brute  as  any  one  I  have  ever  seen  in  the  human  form.  The 
wretch  came  near  enough  to  elbow  us  ;  and  half  unsheathing  his 
sword,  with  a  countenance  that  bespoke  a  most  vehement  desire  to 
use  it  upon  us,  he  grinned  out  in  broken  English,  Eh^  you  rebel, 
you  damn  rebel ! 

"  These  transactions,  which  occupied  about  ten  minutes,  passed 
upon  the  spot  on  which  we  were  taken,  whence  we  were  marched 
to  an  old  stable  or  out-house,  where  we  found  about  forty  or  fifty 
prisoners  already  collected,  principally  officers.  We  remained  on 
the  outside  of  the  building ;  and  for  nearly  an  hour  sustained  a 
series  of  most  intolerable  abuse.  The  term  rebel,  with  the  epithet 
damned  before  it,  was  the  mildest  we  received.  We  w^ere  twenty 
times  told,  sometimes  with  a  taunting  affectation  of  concern,  that 
we  should  every  man  of  us  be  hanged ;  and  were  nearly  as  many 
times  paraded  with  the  most  inconceivable  insolence,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  ascertaining  whether  there  were  not  some  deserters  among 
us  ;  and  these  were  always  sought  for  among  officers,  as  if  the 
lowest  fellow  in  their  army  was  fit  for  any  post  in  ours.  '  There's 
a  fellow,'  an  upstart  Cockney  would  exclaim,  '  that  I  could  swear 
was  a  deserter.'  '  What  countryman  are  you  sir  ^  did  you  not 
belong  to  such  a  regiment  ?'  I  was  not  indeed  challenged  for  a 
deserter  ;  but  the  indignity  of  being  ordered  about  by  such  con- 
temptible whipsters,  for  a  moment  unmanned  me,  and  I  was  obliged 
to  apply  my  handkerchief  to  my  eyes.  This  was  the  first  time  in 
my  life,  that  I  had  been  a  victim  of  brutal,  cowardly  oppression  ; 
and  I  was  unequal  to  the  shock ;  but  my  elasticity  of  mind  was 
soon  restored,  and  I  viewed  it  with  the  indignant  contempt  it 
deserved. 

*'  For  the  greater  convenience  of  guarding  us,  we  were  removed 
from  this  place,  to  the  barn  of  Colonel  Morris's  house,  already 
mentioned,  which  had  been  the  head-quarters  of  our  army,  as  it 
now  was  of  the  royal  one.  This  was  the  great  bank  of  deposite 
for  prisoners  taken  out  of  the  fort ;  and  already  pretty  well  filled. 


f 
TREATMENT  OF    PRISONERS.  87 

It  was  a  good  new  building,  and  we  were  ushered  into  it  among 
the  rest,  the  v\hole  body  consisting  of  from  a  hundred  and  fifty,  to 
two  hundred,  composing  a  motley  group  to  be  sure.  Here  were 
men  and  officers  of  all  descriptions,  regulars  and  militia,  troops 
continental  and  state,  some  in  uniforms,  some  without  them,  and 
some  in  hunting  shirts,  the  mortal  aversion  to  a  red  coat.  Some 
of  the  officers  had  been  plundered  of  their  hats,  and  some  of  their 
coats  ;  and  upon  the  new  society  into  which  we  were  introduced, 
with  whom  a  showy  exteriour  was  all  in  all,  we  were  certainly  not 
calculated  to  make  a  very  favourable  impression. 

"  The  officer  who  commanded  the  guard  in  whose  custody  we 
now  were,  was  an  ill-looking,  low-bred  fellow  of  this  dashing  corps 
of  light  infantry.  As  I  stood  as  near  as  possible  to  the  door  for 
the  sake  of  air,  the  enclosure  in  which  we  were  being  extremely 
crowded  and  unpleasant,  I  was  particularly  exposed  to  his  bruta- 
lity ;  and  repelling  with  some  severity  one  of  his  attacks,  for  I  was 
becoming  desperate  and  careless  of  safety,  the  ruffian  exclaimed, 
Not  a  word,  sir,  or  Til  give  you  my  butt,  at  the  same  time  clubbing 
his  fusee  and  drawing  it  back  as  if  to  give  a  blow.  I  fully  expected 
it,  but  he  contented  himself  with  the  threat.  I  observed  to  him 
that  I  was  in  his  power,  and  disposed  to  submit  to  it,  though  not 
proof  against  every  provocation. 

*'  As  to  see  the  prisoners  was  a  matter  of  some  curiosity,  we 
were  complimented  with  a  continual  succession  of  visitants,  con- 
sisting of  officers  of  the  British  army.  There  were  several  of  these 
present,  when  the  sergeant-major  came  to  take  an  account  of  us  ; 
and  particularly,  a  list  of  such  of  us  as  were  officers.  This  ser- 
geant, though  not  uncivil,  had  all  that  animated,  degagee  impudence 
of  air,  which  belongs  to  a  self-complacent  non-commissioned  officer 
of  the  most  arrogant  army  in  the  world  ;  and  with  his  pen  in  his 
hand  and  his  paper  on  his  knee,  applied  to  each  of  us,  in  turn,  for 
his  rank.  He  had  just  set  mine  down,  when  he  came  to  a  little 
squat,  militia  officer  from  York  county,  who,  somewhat  to  the  de- 
terioration of  his  appearance,  had  substituted  the  dirty  crown  of  an 
old  hat,  for  a  plunder- worthy  beaver  that  had  been  taken  from  him 
by  a  Hessian.  He  was  known  to  be  an  officer  from  having  been 
assembled  among  us,  for  the  purpose  of  enumeration.  You  are  an 
officer,  sir  !  said  the  sergeant ;  Yes,  was  the  answer.  Your  rank^ 
sir  !  with  a  significant  smile.  I  am  a  A'eppim,  replied  the  little  man 
in  a  chuff,  firm  tone.  Upon  this,  there  was  an  immoderate  roar  of 
laughter  among  the  officers  about  the  door,  who  were  attending  to 
the  process  ;  and  I  am  not  sure,  I  did  not  laugh  myself. 

"  Although  the  day  was  seasonably  cool,  yet  from  the  number 
crowded  in  the  barn,  the  air  within  was  oppressive  and  suffocating, 
which,  in  addition  to  the  agitations  of  the  day,  had  produced  an 
excessive  thirst ;  and  there  was  a  continual  cry  for  water.     I  can- 


88  CAPTURE  OF  FORT  WASHINGTON. 

not  say  that  this  want  was  unattended  to  .  the  soldiers  were  con- 
tinually administerino;  to  it  by  bringing  w^ater  in  a  bucket.  But 
though  we,  who  were  about  the  door,  did  well  enough,  the  supply 
was  very  inadequate  to  such  a  number  of  mouths;  and  many  must 
have  suffered  much.  Our  situation  brought  to  my  recollection 
that  of  Captain  Holwell  and  his  party,  in  the  black  hole  at  Calcutta ; 
and  had  the  weather  been  equally  hot,  we  should  not  have  been 
much  better  off." 

These  prisoners,  added  to  the  men  taken  on  Long  Island,  filled 
the  prison,  the  hospital,  the  churches,  and  sugar  houses  of  New 
York  with  suffering  and  dying  Americans.  The  British  immedi- 
ately crossed  the  Hudson,  and  Washington  was  obliged  to  abandon 
Fort  Lee  with  loss  of  artillery  and  stores,  and  precipitately  retreat 
west  of  Hackinsack  River,  with  the  shadow  of  an  army,  every  day 
becoming  thinner.  General  Lee,  who  commanded  what  was  now 
the  principal  body  of  the  forces,  was  ordered  to  join  the  comman- 
der-in-chief as  soon  as  possible,  as  the  enemy  evidently  were  push- 
ing for  Philadelphia. 

One  of  the  evils  attending  ihe  fall  of  these  brave  men,  was  the 
loss  of  confidence  in  General  Washington,  which  it  occasioned. 
His  enemies  rejoiced,  and  boldly  declared  that  he  was  unfit  fof  his 
station  ;  and  none  so  loudly  as  Major-general  Charles  Lee.  Ge- 
neral Washington  had  been  determined  by  a  council  of  officers, 
and  by  the  opinion  of  one  in  whom  he  ever  justly  placed  great  con- 
fidence. General  Greene.  Yet  I  believe  he  sorely  lamented  the 
not  withdrawing  these  men  from  a  post,  which,  if  even  more  strong- 
ly garrisoned,  could  only  have  been  held  for  a  few  days.  ,  In  the 
commander-in-chief's  letter  lo  congress,  dated  from  Gen.  Greene's 
head-quarters,  the  16th  of  November^  1776,  he  says,  that  when  the 
army  was  removed  in  consequence  of  Howe's  landing  at  Frog's 
Point,  Colonel  Magaw  was  left  with  1200  men  at  Fort  Washing- 
ton with  orders  to  defend  it  to  the  last.  Afterward  "  reflecting 
upon  the  smallness  of  the  garrison,"  he  wrote  to  Greene,  who 
commanded  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Hudson,  to  be  governed 
by  circumstances,  and  revoked  the  absolute  order  to  Magaw. 
Hearing  of  the  summons  to  surrender,  the  general  hastened  from 
Hackinsack,  and  was  prevented  crossing  to  Fort  Washington  by 
meeting  Greene  and  Putnam,  coming  from  thence,  who  assured 
him  that  the  men  were  *'  in  high  spirits,  and  would  make  a  good 
defence."  Next  morning  the  attack  commenced  ;  and  when  the 
column  of  Colonel  Rahl  had  gained  the  ground  on  the  hill  within 
one  hundred  yards  of  the  fort,  and  all  the  adv^anced  troops  had 
been  driven  in  or  taken  prisoners,  a  flag  with  a  second  demand  of 
surrender  was  sent  in  to  Magaw,  at  the  same  time  that  Washing- 
ton, who  viewed  the  contest  from  the  palisades,  (the  rocks  oppo- 
site,) sent  a  billet  to  the  colonel,  directing  him  to  hold  out,  and  he 


RETREAT  TO  THE  DELAWARE,  89 

would  endeavour  in  the  evenino-  to  brinor  lilm  off.  Tt  was  too  late  : 
the  treaty  of  surrender  had  been  entered  into,  and  could  not  be 
retracted.  Ma<:aw  and  his  brave  men  became  prisoners  of  war — 
the  soldiers  retaining   their  baggage  and  the  officers  their  swords. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Retreat   to  the  Delaware — Lee^s  misconduct — Affairs  in  the  north 
— Colonel  Meigs —  Vermont — Starke. 

1776  Washington  wrote  to  his  brother  Augustine,  November 

19th,  1776,  and  mentioned  the  loss  of  Fort  Washington  : — 
*'We  have  lost  not  only  two  thousand  men  tliat  were  there,  but  a  good 
deal  of  artillery,  and  some  of  the  best  arms  we  had."  He  laments 
that  the  different  states  are  so  slow  in  levying  their  quotas  of  men  : 
"In  ten  days  from  this  date,  there  will  not  be  above  two  thousand  men, 
if  that  number,  of  the  fixed  established  regiments,  on  this  side  Hud- 
son's River,  to  oppose  Howe's  whole  army."  Two  days  after,  he 
informed  congress,  that  the  British  had  followed  up  the  blow  of  the 
16th,  by  crossing  the  Hudson  and  pushing  for  the  bridge  over  the 
Hackinsack,  obliging  him  to  retreat  so  as  to  secm-e  that  pass  ;  that 
the  cannon  of  Fort  Lee  were  lost,  with  a  great  deal  of  baggage,  two 
or  three  hundred  tents,  a  thousand  barrels  of  flour,  and  other 
stores.  He  was  then  retreating  to  put  the  river  Passaic  between 
him  and  the  enemy.  He  orders  Lee  to  leave  his  present  position 
and  cross  the  Hudson  with  the  continental  troops.  On  the  27th  of 
November,  Lee  had  not  moved.  The  enemy  not  only  advanced 
on  the  track  of  the  retreating  Americans,  but  pushed  detachments 
from  Staten  Island  and  passed  by  Amboy,  Woodbridge,  and  the 
villages  along  the  Raritan. 

Lord  Stirling,  with  two  brigades,  was,  on  the  third  of  Decem- 
ber, at  Princeton,  and  the  general  at  Trenton.  Two  brigades  of 
his  remaining  troops,  having  served  their  time  of  enlistment,  aban- 
doned hitn,  when  now  most  wanted.  General  Lee's  movements 
were  unknown,  both  to  the  commander-in-chief  and  to  congress. 
An  express  was  despatched  "  to  know  where,  and  in  what  situation, 
he  and  his  army  were."  It  was  known  that  some  of  the  regiments 
Crom  the  nortli  badjoioed  hira.     These  were  under  St.  Clair,  who, 

VOL.  II.  12 


90 

on  the  27th  November,  had  written  to  Gates  that  he  would  do  all 
that  he  could  to  inspirit  the  troops,  and  get  them  on  to  Washing- 
ton's army,  but  fenred  that  he  could  rot  keep  them  togeiher. 

A  disjointed,  disobedient  mass  :  but  that  the  head  and  the  heart 
were  sound,  wh"t  would  have  been  the  fate  of  America!  This 
winter  showed  to  the  great  commander  those  on  whom  he  might 
depend  ;  and  developed,  in  part,  the  false-heartedness  of  others. 
On  the  9th  of  December,  General  Washington  received  a  letter 
from  Lee  by  the  hand  of  an  officer,  who  had  been  sent  to  seek  him 
and  his  army,  and  the  general  found,  that,  instead  of  obeying  his 
orders  to  join  him  as  soon  as  possible,  the  major-general  was  pur- 
suing pcliemes  of  his  own,  and  "  hanging  on  the  rear  of  the  ene- 
my," when  wanted  to  oppo.^e  their  front.  The  commander  writes 
to  him,  on  the  10th  :  "  Do  come  on  ;  your  arrival  may  be  fortu- 
nate ;  if  it  can  be  effected  without  delay,  it  may  be  the  means  of 
preserving  a  city,  whose  loss  must  prove  fatal  to  the  cause  of  Ame- 
rica." And  again,  the  next  day  :  "  Nothing  less  than  our  utmost 
exertions  will  be  sufficient  to  prevent  General  Howe  from  possess- 
ing Philadelphia.  The  force  1  have  is  weak,  and  entirely  incom- 
petent to  that  end.  1  must,  therefore,  entreat  you  to  push  on  with 
every  possible  succour  you  can  bring."  Generals  Mifflin  and  Put- 
nam w^re  sent  to  Philadelphia,  and  they  persuaded  Congress  to 
fly  to  Baltimore. 

On  the  1 1th  of  December,  Lee  wrote  from  Morristown,  and  gave 
notice  that,  iiK-tead  of  intending  to  follow  the  directions  he  had  re- 
ceived, he  was  about  to  make  his  way  to  the  ferry  below  Burling- 
ton, in  case  the  enemy's  colunm  should  cross  the  Delaware — an 
event  which  Washington,  by  securing  the  boats,  and  guarding  the 
passes,  was  endeavouring  to  prevent ;  and  farther,  Lee  hints  that 
the  Jersey  militia  would  turn  out  *'  if  they  could  be  sure  of  an 
army  reinaniivg  among  them."  I  have  copied  the  followin/x  from 
an  unpublished  letter,  in  Lee's  hand  writing,  dated  Baskinridge, 
December  i3th,  177(5,  and  addressed  to  Gates: 

"  The  in^;enious  manoeuvre  of  Fort  Washington  has  unhinged 
the  goodly  fabric  we  had  been  building  :  there  never  was  so  damned 
a  stroke.  Efitre  ijons,  a  certain  great  man  is  damnably  deficient. 
He  has  thrown  me  into  a  situation  where  I  have  my  choice  of  diffi- 
culties. If  I  stay  in  this  province,  I  risk  myself  and  army; 
and  if  I  do  not  slay,  the  province  is  lost  forever.  I  have  neither 
guides,  cavalry,  medicines,  money,  shoes,  or  stockings.  1  must 
act  with  the  greatest  circimispection.  Tories  are  in  my  front, 
rear,  and  on  my  flanks  ;  the  mass  of  the  people  is  strangely  con- 
taminated ;  in  short,  unless  something  which  1  do  not  expect  turns 
up,  we  are  lost." 

The  comment  upon  this  epistle  is  the  fact,  that  something  which 


AFFAIRS  IN  THE  NORTH.  91 

he  did  not  expect  turned  up  very  quickly.  On  the  morning  this 
letter  is  dated,  (which  was  probahly  written  the  evening  be'ore,)  this 
circumspect  major-general  wa?  surprised  and  can-ied  off  to  Perth 
Amboy  by  a  party  of  British  dragoons. 

The  command  of  his  army  falling  on  Sullivan,  it  was  safely  con- 
ducted, by  the  route  designated  in  the  commander-in-chief's  letters 
— thus  reinforcing  the  main  body.  And  in  ten  or  twelve  days 
after  the  date  of  this  letter,  Washington  recrossed  the  Delaware 
with  his  troops,  without  the  necessary  comforts  of  "  shoes  or  stock- 
ings," and  captured  or  drove  in  the  advance  of  the  British  army. 

General  Schuyler  having  dismissed  the  militia  under  his  com- 
mand, on  die  I'Jth  of  November,  from  Albany,  ordered  Gates  to 
send  on  the  .Jersey  and  Pennsylvania  troops,  to  embark  upon  the 
Hudson.     "  I  shall  have  sloops  in  readiness  to  convey  them  down." 

"General  Sinclair  or  General    Maxwell   to  march   with    the 

resriments  destined  for  the  southward."  At  the  same  lime  Gates 
received  a  letter  in  a  very  different  style  : 

*'  The  enclosed,  I  received  from  our  mutual  good,  friend^  Mr. 
Gernj,  Tlie  tory  interest  is  (with  ?)  General  Schuyler.  Walter 
Livingston  is  to  be  nominal  contractor,  and  Philip  Schuyler,  major- 
general^  real  contractor.  That  Livingston  will  take  the  contract, 
is  now  ascertained  by  his  letter  to  me  of  the  Sth  instant,  (No- 
vember.")    This  is  signed  Joseph  Trumbull.* 

Schuyler  inform^^d  congress  thit  he  had  supplied  the  post 
at  Ticonderoga  with  provisions,  and  pointed  out  measures  to  antici- 
pate any  attempt  of  the  enemy.  He  calls  on  Governour  Trumbull  to 
send  on  the  troops,  raised  in  his  state,  to  "  Ti"  and  Fort  (leorge. 
At  the  same  time,  we  find  him  directing  Gates  to  proceed  with  troops 
to  aid  General  Washington,  and  calling  upon  inHuential  men  to  es- 
tablish the  government  of  the  State  of  New  York,  that  the  unprin- 
cipled and  licentious  might  be  controlled.  To  his  old  friend  and 
fellow-labourer.  General  George  Cli.iton,  then  commanding  at 
New  Windsor,  he  forwards  timber  for  obstructing  the  navigation 
of  the  Hudson  ;  and  instructs  him  in  the  manner  of  constructing 
and  sinking  casoons.  Such  were  the  cares  of  this  great  man  ; 
while  those  who  were  undermining  him  were  occupied  with  schemes 
of  selfish  ambition,  or  modes  of  obtaining  lucrative  contracts. 

With  great  difficulty  and  reluctance,  Gates  reinforced  the  com- 
mander-in-chief's army  with  the  regiments  which  were  opposed  to 
Carleton,  before  he  returned  to  Canada  to  avoid  the  freezing  of 
Lake  Champlain.  Gates  then  went  to  Congress,  and  his  adju- 
tant-general was  sent  with  Arnold  to  arrange  the  militia  of  Rhode 
Island.     After  this,  on  the  2-5th  December,  did  Washington,  with 


*  See  Gates'  Papera,  in  N.  Y.  Hi».  Soc.  Lib. 


92  EXPLOIT  OF  COLONEL  MEIGS. 

a  phantom  of  an  army,  recross  the  Delaware,  and  by  his  success, 
turn  the  tide  of  war.* 

When  Wastiington  had  withdrawn  his  forces,  the-  whole  of 
Long  island  had  become  the  store-lionse  of  the  British  troops, 
Sag  harbour  was  their  magazine  as  being  convenient  to  their  ship- 
ping,  and    a    garrison  protected    their  stores   of  hay,   corn,   and 

cattle. 
1777  Early  in  1777,  Colonel  Meigs  performed  a  service  witii 

234  men,  which  drew  the  following  letter  from  General 
Washington,  and  a  gift  of  a  sword  from  congress  : 

"  Head-quarters,  Middle[)rook,  May,  1777.  Dear  Sir. — I  am 
just  now  favoured  witli  your  letter  of  the  2-5th,  by  ^rajor  Hum- 
[)hrey.  The  intelligence  communicated  by  it  is  truly  interesting 
and  agreeable.  And  now  I  shall  take  occasion  not  only  to  give 
you  my  hearty  approbation  of  your  conduct  in  planning  the  expe- 
dition to  Long  Island,  but  to  return  my  sincere  thanks  to  Lieute- 
nant Colonel  Meigs,  and  all  the  officers  and  men  engaged  in  it. 
This  enterprise,  so  fortunate  in  the  execution,  will  greatly  distress 
the  enemy  in  the  important  and  essential  article  of  forage,  and  re- 
flects much  honour  upon  those  who  performed  it.  I  shall  ever  be 
happy  to  reward  merit  when  in  my  power,  and  therefore  wish  you 
to  inquire  for  a  vacant  ensigncy  in  some  of  the  regiments  for  Ser- 
geant Gennings,  to  which  you  will  promote  him,  advising  me  of  the 
same  an<l  the  time." 

Colonel  Meios  embarked  from  Newhaven,  Mav  21st,  1777,  with 
two  hundred  and  thirty-four  men,  in  thirteen  whale-boats.  He 
proceeded  to  Guilford,  but  on  account  of  the  roughness  of  the  sea, 
could  not  pass  the  Sound  till  the  twenty-third.  On  that  day,  at 
one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  he  left  Guilford  with  one  hundred 
and  seventy  men,  under  convoy  of  two  armed  sloops,  and  crossed 
the  Sound  to  Southold,  where  he  arrived  at  six  o'clock.  The 
enemy's  troops  on  this  part  of  the  island  had  marched  for  New 
York  two  or  three  days  before,  but  it  was  reported  that  there  was 
a  party  at  Sagg  Harbour  on  the  south  branch  of  the  island  about 
fifteen  miles  distant.  Colonel  Meigs  ordered  the  wdiale-boats  to 
be  transported  over  the  land  to  the  bay  between  the  north  and 
south  branches  of  the  island,  where  one  hundred  and  thirty  men 
embarked,  and  at  twelve  o'clock  at  night  arrived  safely  on  the 
other  side  of  the  bay  within  four  miles  of  Sagg  Harbour.     Here 


*  When  General  Washington  mustered  his  army,  and  took  the  field  at  Middle- 
brook,  his  whole  etTective  Ibrce  was  5,733.  From  this  strong  position  he  over- 
looked the  Ruritan,  the  road  to  Philadelphia,  and  the  British  posts  at  Brunswick 
and  Perth  Amboy.  But,  what  an  army  was  this  to  defend  the  country  and  the 
city  of  Philadelphia  against  the  best  troops  of  Britain,  strong  in  numbers  and  equip- 
ments ! 


NEW  HAMPSHIRE  GRANTS.  93 

the  boats  were  secured  in  a  wood,  under  a  guard,  and  the  remain- 
der of  the  detaciiment  tnarclied  quickly  to  the  harbour,  where  they 
arrived  at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  in  the  greatest  order,  attack- 
ing the  outpoit  with  fixed  bayonets,  and  proceeded  directly  to  the 
sliippino;  at  the  wharf,  which  tliey  found  unprepared  for  defence. 
Tlie  alarm  was  given,  and  an  armed  schooner  with  twelve  guns  and 
seventy  men  began  to  fire  upon  them  a*  the  distance  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  yards,  which  continued  three  quarters  of  an  hour,  but  did 
not  prevent  tlie  troops  from  executing  their  design  with  the  greatest 
intrej)idity  and  effect.  Twelve  brigs  and  sloops,  one  of  which  was 
an  armed  vessel  of  twelve  guns,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty  tons 
of  hay,  corn,  oats,  ten  hogsheads  of  rum,  and  a  large  quantity  of 
merchandize,  were  entirely  destroyed.  Six  of  the  enemy  were 
killed  and  ninety  taken  prisoners.  Not  one  of  Colonel  Meiirs's  men 
was  either  killed  or  wounded.  He  returned  to  Guilford  at  two 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  having  been  absent  only  twenty-five  hours  ; 
and  in  that  time  had  transported  his  troops  by  land  and  water  full 
ninety  miles,  and  omj^leted  his  undertaking  with  the  most  entire 
success.* 

In  January  of  this  year,  (1777)  that  portion  of  the  state  of 
New  York,  which  had  long  been  opposed  to  her  government,  and 
known  by  a  name  derived  from  the  source  of  dispute  "the  New 
Hampshire  grants,"  assumed  another  name,  and  a  more  dignified 
station  among  the  communities  of  the  Earth.  A  general  convention 
of  representatives  from  the  towns  on  both  sides  of  the  Green 
Mountains,  assembled  at  Westminster,  and  on  the  16th  of  January, 
1777,  proclaimed  that  the  "district  of  territory  comprehending, 
and  usually  known,  by  the  name  and  description  of  the  New 
Hampshire  Grants,"  is  hereafter  a  free  state,  and  must  be  known 
by  the  name  of  New  Connecticut,  alias  Vermont.  Happily  the 
alias  prevailed. 

We  will  look  back  to  events  which  preceded  this  declaration  of 
independence. 

After  war  had  fairly  commenced  with  Great  Britain  in  self-defence, 
the  contest  between  New  York  and  the  settlers  on  the  New  Hamp- 
shire Grants  ceased  for  the  time  being.  The  country  had  no  ci- 
vil government.  They  governed  themselves  by  town  meetings  and 
committees;  appointed  officers  and  obeyed  them.  Sometimes  the 
towns  sent  deputies  to  a  convention  on  the  east  side  of  the  moun- 
tains and  sometitnes  on  the  west.  No  general  plan  was  adopted  ; 
yet  all  went  on  smoothly.  A  convention  that  met  in  January, 
1776,  at  Dorset,  drew  up  a  petition  to  congress,  requesting,  that, 
as  they  were  willing  to  serve  in  the  general  cause,  they  might  not 


*  See  Thompson's  History  of  Long  Island,  p.  218. 


94  VERMONT. 

be  called  upon  as  inhahitmits  of  Nr:w  YorJc;  but  that  whatever  com- 
missions mii^ht  be  granteil  to  any  of  them,  they  might  be  considered 
as  inhabitants  of  tlie  New  Hampsliir^  grants.  Congress  advised 
the  petitioiiers  to  submit,  for  the  present,  to  New  York,  in  such  man- 
ner as  that  their  submission  should  not  prejudice  their  claims  when 
the  present  troubles  had  passed.  But  when,  in  July  of  that  year, 
Congress  declared  that  the  people  of  the  United  Colonies  were  free 
and  independent  states,  the  people  on  the  grants  felt  themselves  ab- 
solved from  all  ties  which  might  be  presumed  to  connect  them  with 
any  government  whatsoever,  and  freed  from  all  claims  founded 
upon  grants  or  decisions  of  the  crown  of  Great  Britain,  and  they 
consulted  amons:  themselves  what  was  to  be  done  in  this  new  situa- 
tion  of  affairs.  New  Hampshire  had  renounced  all  political  con- 
nexion with  them  :  not  so  New  York.  The  convention  of  that 
state  voted  unanimously  August  2d,  1776,  "  that  all  quit  rents  for- 
merly due  to  the  King  of  Great  Brhain,  are  now  due,  and  owing 
to  this  convention,  or  such  future  government  as  shall  be  hereafter 
established  in  this  state." 

To  come  to  some  determination  in  this  crisis,  the  people  of  the 
grants  met  in  a  General  Convention,  at  Dor:3et,  in  the  24th  July, 
177G,  and  agreed  upon  an  association  for  defence.  On  the  2oth 
September  following,  they  met  again  and  resolved,  that  the  New 
Hampshire  Grants  were  "  a  free  and  independent  district."  This 
was  followed  in  January  1777,  by  another  general  convention  from 
the  towns  and  the  Declaration  of  Indej)endence  above  mentioned, 
of  the  State  of  Vermont,  happily  namad  from  their  central  chain  of 
Green  Mountains. 

This  declaration  was  transmitted  to  congress  with  a  petition  re- 
questing that  the  district  therein  described  might  be  ranked  among 
the  free  and  independent  States  of  America,  and  their  delegates 
admitted  to  seats  in  jhat  honourable  body.  The  lime  was  well 
cho-^en,  or  happily  occurred,  and  thenceforward  Vern ont  w^as  an 
independent  stale. 

New  York  protested  against  this  proceeding.  At  two  several 
periods  afterward  New  York  attempted  to  bring  congress  to  such 
decision  on  this  question  as  she  considered  just,  and  in  June,  1777, 
resolves  passed  that  body,  dismissing  the  petition  of  the  people 
**  styling  themselves  inhabitants  of  the  Massachusetts  grants,"  and 
asserting  that  "  by  raising  and  officering  the  regiment  commanded 
by  Colonel  Warner,"  they  never  meant  to  give  any  encourage- 
ment to  their  claims  of  independence. 

Soon  after  this,  followed  the  triumphant  progress  of  Burgoyne, 
until  stopped  by  the  exertions  of  Schuyler.  It  was  during  this  pro- 
gress of  the  enemy,  that  the  Convention  of  V^ermont  called  upon 
New  Hampshire  for  aid.    Starke  was  sent  with  a  body  of  militia  to 


JOHN  STARKE.  95 

co-operate  **  with  tlie  troops  o^  fliat  vcw  State.,''''  and  otherwise  ad- 
dressJno-  Vermont  as  a  free  and  iiide[)endent  >tate. 

In  the  recital  of  the  military  exeiits  of  this  period,  is  seen  the 
effective  assistance  brought  by  the  New  Hampshire  general,  >'tarke, 
the  successful  co-operation  of  Warner's  regiment,  and  the  final 
result  of  the  invasion  from  Canada. 

John  Starl-e  was  born  in  Londonderry,  in  New  Hampshire,  in 
the  year  1728.  His  father  was  an  Irishman,  and  with  others, 
Scotch  presbyterian-,  formed  this  settlement,  but  after  the  birth  of 
John,  removed  to  Manchester  in  the  same  province. 

In  the  year  1752,  John  became  acquainted  with  Indian  customs 
and  manners,  owing  to  his  going  on  a  hunting  party  beyond 
the  limits  of  the  white  population,  and  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
St.  Francis  tribe,  who  captured  him  and  one  of  his  companions, 
and  made  prize  of  the  furs  they  had  accumulated. 

Starke  showed  his  characteristick  hardihood,  and  gained  the  good 
opinion  of  his  captors  by  baffiing  the  younu;  men  of  the  Indian  vil- 
lage, when  he  was  condemned  for  the  amusement  of  the  savages  to 
run  the  gauntlet.  The  young  warriours  formed  two  lines,  between 
which,  the  captive  is  obliged  to  run  and  receive  the  blows  of  the 
barbarians  in  his  passage  to  the  council-house,  w-here  if  he  arrived 
he  was  safe.  Starke  snatched  a  club  from  the  Indian  nearest  to  him, 
and  starting  for  the  race,  laid  about  him,  right  and  left  so  power- 
fully and  unexpectedly,  that  he  gained  the  goal  uninjured,  amidst 
the  applause  of  the  older  men  and  warriours. 

He  was  thenceforth  kindly  treated,  and  gained  a  knowledge  of 
Indian  character,  which  served  him  in  the  perilous  adventures  of 
many  succeeding  years  of  his  life.  Their  customs  and  practices 
became  familiar  to  him  in  the  course  of  four  months  resilience — 
their  mode  of  hunting  and  of  threading  the  mazes  of  the  forest — 
and  this  knowledge  made  him  a  valuable  guide,  ranger,  and  scout, 
when  called  upon  to  serve  his  country  in  those  capacities. 

The  province  of  Massachusetts  sent  agents  to  ransom  certain  of 
its  citizens  who  had  been  captured  by  the  Indians.  These  agents 
ransomed  Starke,  though  not  of  their  province  ;  and  after  an  absence 
of  several  months,  he  w'as  returned  to  his  family.  Of  the  Indirns 
Starke  always  spoke  in  terms  of  admiration  ;  and  asserted  that  he 
had  received  more  kindness  from  them  than  ever  he  knew  to  be 
bestowed  upon  prisoners  by  civilized  men. 

A  short  time  after  his  return,  he  was  engaged  as  a  guide  to  a 
company  sent  by  New  Hampshire  to  explore  the  country  to  the 
head  waters  of  the  iVndroscoggin.  He  performed  this  service  to 
the  satisfaction  of  his  employers  ;  and  in  17-54  was  again  employed 
as  a  guide  by  the  government  when  they  sent  a  party  into  the  same 
region  to  determine  the  truth  of  a  report  that  the  French  were  build- 


96  JOHN  STARKE. 

ing  a  fort  in  tliis  wilderness.  They  found  no  French  ;  but  reported 
the  discovery  of  the  fertile  meadows  on  tlie  banks  of  tl:e  Connecticut, 
where  now  tlie  most  flourishing  villages  of  New  England  reai-  their 
steeples  to  the  skies.  ^ 

War  commenced  between  Great  Britain  and  France  in  1 754 — a 
year  memorable  for  the  congress  at  Albany,  which  adopted  a  plan  for 
the  union  of  the  colonies,  on  the  4th  of  July,  on  the  same  day  that 
George  Washington  capitulated  to  a  superiour  force  of  French,  at 
the  Great  Meadows.  This  war,  occasioned  by  the  clashing  inter- 
ests and  views  of  diese  two  great  nations,  called  into  action  many 
Americans,  and  trained  them  for  subsequent  and  more  important 
military  actions.  Its  events  I  have  already  detailed,  as  connected 
with  my  main  subject.  Starke  was  justly  considered  a  man 
fit  for  the  scouting  service,  so  necessary  in  the  warfare  of  the  wil- 
derness, and  he  received  a  commission  as  a  lieutenant  in  the  corps 
of  Rangers,  which  was  distinguished  under  the  command  of  Major 
Rogers,  in  the  expedition  against  Crown  Point  and   subsequently. 

In  the  actions  which  followed,  Starke  gained  some  knowledge  of 
military  affairs.  He  was  present  when  the  ignorance  of  General 
William  Johnson  sacrificed  the  worthy  and  intelligent  Colonel 
Ephraim  Williams,  and  when  accident  made  Johnson  a  hero  and 
a  baronet,  by  destroying  Baron  Dieskau.  This  accomplished 
military  man  was  mortally  wounded,  afier  his  army  had  been  de- 
feated, and  died  in  the  quarters  of  his  fortunate  adversary.*  '1  hese 
transactions  were  the  school  lessons  of  Starke. 

That  the  services  of  these  Rangers,  to  whom  Staike  was  attached, 
were  valuable  as  ministers  of  destruction,  cannot  be  doubted  ;  but 
the  business  of  lying  in  wait  and  shooting  men  before  they  are 
aware  of  the  presence  of  an  enemy — of  rushing  upon  the  dead,  the 
dying,  and  the  wounded,  and  tearing  off  scalps  as  trophies,  to  be 
exchanged  for  a  reward  in  money — does  not  appear  very  consonant 
with  humanity,  morality,  or  the  Christian  religion.  The  instruc- 
tions given  to  the  Rangers,  characterizes  the  nature  of  the  corps, 
and  the  warfare  carried  on  by  the  civilized  nations  of  England  and 
France.  They  were,  "  to  use  their  best  endeavours  to  distress 
the  French  and  their  allies,  by  sacking,  burning,  and  destroying 
their  houses,  barns,  barracks,  etc.;  by  killing  their  cattle  of  every 
kind  ;  and  at  all  times  to  endeavour  to  waylay,  attack,  and  destroy 
their  convoys  of  provisions  by  land  and  water,"  wherever  found. 

It  does  not  appear  that  Starke  was  distinguished  in  any  remarka- 
ble manner  until  the  year  1757,  when,  in  a  desperate  encounter 
between  Rogers's  Rangers  and  a  superiour  party  of  the  French,  the 


*  The  reader  will  notice  two  discrepant  statements  in  Vol.  I,  pp.  377,  378,  379j 
as  to  the  time  and  place  of  Dieskau's  death.  The  first,  there  stated,  and  alluded 
to  above,  appears  to  be  the  correct  account. 


JOHN  STARKE.  97 

Lieutenant,  by  his  courage  and  conduct,  (Rogers  being  severely 
wounded,)  saved  those  of  the  provmcials  who  were  not  slain,  from 
a  captivity  almost  as  disastrous.  After  continuing  the  bush-fight 
until  night  enabled  them  to  retreat,  Starke  proceeded  forty  miles 
over  the  snow  to  the  nearest  fort,  and  procured  sleds  by  which  the 
wounded  men  were  preserved,  and  the  remnant  of  the  corps  brought 
off  in  safety. 

Shortly  after  this,  Starke  received  a  captain's  commission,  and 
continued  in  this  hard,  hazardous,  and  little  enviable  service. 

In  17r58,  Starke  under  the  command  of  Rogers  was  active  in  the 
operations  against  Ticonderoga,  and  present  in  the  action  where  the 
young  and  much  beloved  Lord  Howe  fell.  Rogers  with  the  Ran- 
gers was  ordered  to  open  the  way  for  the  army  from  the  lake  to  the 
fort  through  the  surrounding  thickets.  Starke  commanded  the  rear 
of  the  party,  and  at  his  commander's  halting  at  a  bridge  guarded  by 
the  enemy,  came  up  and  impetuously  charged,  driving  the  obstruct- 
ing force  before  him. 

The  ill-judged  attack  of  Abercromble,  and  the  murderous  result 
we  have  seen.  Starke  and  his  rangers  shared  the  dangers  without 
suffering  the  loss  or  disgrace  of  the  day.  At  the  close  of  this  cam- 
paign, the  captain  obtained  a  furlough,  returned  home,  and  married. 

In  the  campaign  of  1759,  Starke  accompanied  Amherst  in  his  tri- 
umphant progress  to  the  subjugation  of  Canada — an  achievement  so 
gloriously  begun  and  insured  by  the  gallant  Wolfe  the  year  before. 

While  Rogers  was  employed  in  the  destruction  of  the  St.  Fran- 
cis Indians,  Starke's  duty  was  to  open  a  road  through  the  wilder- 
ness to  Connecticut  River.  On  the  retiring  of  the  army  to  winter 
quarters,  he  returned  home.  The  next  summer,  he  appears  to  have 
been  stationed  at  Crown  Point ;  and  at  the  end  of  it,  retired  from 
the  army  by  resigning  his  commission.  The  peace  which  followed 
and  secured  the  conquest  of  Canada,  left  Starke  to  pursue  the  tran- 
quil and  honourable  pursuits  of  agriculture  and  domestic  life. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  revolutionary  war,  Starke  espoused 
the  cause  of  his  country.  He  was  a  member  of  the  committee  of 
safety  organized  in  his  town,  and  was  looked  up  to  as  a  military 
leader  by  his  neighbours.  At  the  first  tidings  of  bloodshed,  he 
mounted  his  horse,  called  upon  the  militia  of  the  neighbourhood  to 
meet  him  at  Medford,  where  they  formed  two  regiments  and  elected 
Starke  colonel  of  the  first.  In  this  regiment,  as  we  have  seen, 
General  Dearborn  commanded  a  company;  and  we  have  seen  how 
nobly  Starke  and  his  New  Hampshire  men  commenced  their  career 
of  military  service  on  the  ever  memorable  17th  of  June,  1775. 

Colonel  Starke  was  informed,  in  the  heat  of  the  action,  that  his 
son,  a  youth  of  sixteen,  had  fallen.  He  continued  unmoved  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duty,  and  was  rewarded  by  finding  that  the  report 
had  originated  in  mistake,  and  was  untrue. 

VOL.  n.  13 


98  JOHN  STARKE. 

After  this  event,  Starke's  regiment  was  stationed  at  Winter  Hill ; 
and  having  been  ordered  three  successive  days  to  Medford  to  re- 
ceive pay,  and  in  every  instance  marched  back  without  it,  owing 
to  some  ill  natured  pique  of  the  paymaster,  the  Colonel  determined 
to  make  the  cashier  take  his  turn  in  marching,  and  sent  a  file  of 
men  to  bring  him  to  the  soldiers  to  settle  accounts  in  their  quarters. 
Starke  remained  at  Winter  Hill  until  the  enemy  retreated  from 
Boston;  but  some  of  his  men  volunteered  to  join  in  the  arduous 
expedition  against  Canada,  led  by  Arnold.  Of  these.  Captain 
Dearborn  was  one. 

In  May,  his  regiment  was  ordered  to  Canada  by  the  way  of  Al- 
bany, and  joined  the  army  at  St.  Johns.  This  was  after  the  deaths 
of  Montgomery  and  Thomas,  and  General  Sullivan  had  command. 
In  the  disasters  and  retreat  that  followed,  Colonel  Starke  had  his 
share,  and  was  stationed  on  INIount  Independence  when  the  decla- 
ration of  independence  was  read  to  the  army,  and  received  with 
cheers. 

After  the  retreat  of  General  Washington  through  East  Jersey 
to  Trenton,  Starke's  regiment,  detached  from  the  northern  army, 
joined  the  commander-in-chief  on  the  Delaware,  and  its  gallant 
colonel  led  the  van-guard  at  the  brilliant  attack  on  the  Hessians  at 
Trenton. 

In  all  the  transactions  of  this  winter  campaign,  which  turned  the 
tide  in  favour  of  America,  Starke  was  active  among  the  foremost, 
and  did  essential  service,  when  the  time  for  which  his  men  had  en- 
listed had  expired,  by  using  his  powerful  influence  to  produce  a 
temporary  enlistment  for  six  weeks — six  weeks  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance. To  re-organize  his  regiment,  the  Colonel  was  ordered 
to  New  Hampshire,  in  which  he  fully  succeeded.  While  there, 
he  learned  that  his  name  had  been  omitted  in  the  recent  promo- 
tions, and  he  was  induced,  (in  consequence  of  this  neglect  or  in- 
tended slight,  which  originated  from  the  enmity  or  intrigue  of  men 
in  office  and  in  congress)  to  resign  his  commission  and  retire  to 
domestic  life.  On  the  21st  of  March,  1777,  a  vote  of  thanks  for 
his  many  services  passed  the  council  and  house  of  delegates  of 
New  Hampshire,  and  was  communicated  to  him  by  their  president. 

Although  Starke  had  retired  from  the  army,  he  declared  that  he 
stood  ready  to  obey  the  call  of  his  country  if  she  needed  him  :  and 
that  call  was  soon  made.  Burgoyne  was  advancing  with  what  ap- 
appeared  to  common  eyes  an  irresistible  force  ;  although  Washing- 
ton and  Schuyler  saw  that  he  was  only  advancing  to  certain  defeat. 
The  alarm  which  induced  the  people  of  the  neighbouring  country 
to  fly  in  the  first  instance,  soon  was  succeeded  by  the  determina- 
tion to  rally  and  oppose  the  invaders.  The  settlers  from  New 
Hampshire  on  the  territory  west  of  the  Connecticut,  called  upon 
the  mother  state  for  aid;  and  Langdon,  the  speaker  of  the  assem- 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  ^^ 


bly,  ofFered  his  property  for  the  service  of  the  country,  and  iirged 
the  immediate  assistance  required.  "  Our  old  friend,  Starke,  he 
said,  "  who  so  nobly  maintained  the  honour  of  our  state  at  Bun- 
ker's Hill,  may  be  safely  entrusted  with  the  conduct  of  the  enter- 
prize,  and  we  will  check  the  progress  of  Burgoyne." 

A  force  was  placed  under  the  command  of  General  Starke,  and 
he  marched  at  the  head  of  men  who  had  implicit  confidence  m  his 
conduct  and  courage.  He  had,  however,  stipulated  with  the  go- 
vernment of  New  Hampshire  that  he  should  not  be  obliged  to  jom 
the  main  army,  and  only  be  accountable  to  his  own  state  ;  and  that 
government  had  given  directions  accordingly.  In  consequence  of 
this  arrangement,Vhen  Starke  was  met  by  Lincoln,  who  had  orders 
to  conduct  the  militia  to  the  main  army,  "he  refused  obedience,  and 
produced  the  instructions  under  which  he  acted.  But  upon  re- 
monstrance from  Schuyler,  he  agreed  to  serve  under  his  orders. 

General  Burgoyne,  already  straitened  for  provisions,  and  in  want 
of  horses — at  the  same  time  aware  of  the  ill  will  vvidi  which  the 
settlers  on  the  grants  looked  upon  the  state  of  New  lork— des- 
patched a  detachment  under  Colonel  Baum,  wiUi  instructions  to 
penetrate  into  Connecticut.     The  result  will  be  hereafter  told. 

In  July,  1777,  General  Arnold  joined  the  northern  army,  under 
Philip  Schuyler. 

The  importance  of  his  military  services  makes  it  necessary  to 
look  back  to  his  story  from  the  time  of  his  defeat  on  Lake  Cham- 
plain  to  die  ])resent  moment. 

Carleton  having  returned  to  Canada,  a  portion  of  the  troops  on 
the  northern  frontier  of  New  York  were  marched  to  reinforce  the 
main  army  which  had  retieated  before  the  army  of  Sir  William 
Howe.  Orders  which  General  Washington  had  despatched  to 
Arnold,  directing  him  to  repair  to  Rhode  Island  and  take  command, 
missed  him  by  some  accident ;  and  he  had  little  more  than  joined 
the  main  army,  when  he  repaired  to  Providence  to  assist  General 
Spencer  in  the  defence  of  that  part  of  the  country  against  the  British 
force  stationed  at  Newport.  Plans  were  formed  for  attacking  the 
enemy  ;  but  a  sufficient  force  could  not  be  collected  ;  and  the  win- 
ter passed  in  inactivity,  though  not  in  contentment  with  the  ambi- 
tious Arnold.  One  cause  of  discontent  flowed  from  the  appoint- 
ment of  five  new  major-generals,  without  including  him,  and  they 
were  all  his  juniors.  General  Washington,  who  estimated  Arnold's 
military  talents,  was  as  much  surprised  at  this  slight,  as  the  object 
of  it.  He  wrote  a  soottiing  letter  to  him,  and  exerted  himself  to 
repair  the  injustice  and  prevent  the  injury  the  service  must  sustain 
by  the  loss  of  Arnold.  He  complained  of  the  ingratitude  of  his 
country,  but  demeaned  himself  with  a  self-command  that  was  not 
expected  from  him.  In  reply  to  the  commander-in-chief,  he,  as 
was  common  with  him,  expatiated   on   his  unblemished  character, 


100  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

pure  motives,  patriotism,  sacrifice  of  ease  and  happiness  for  his 
country,  and  did  not  forget  his  services,  risks,  sufferings,  and  loss 
of  blood  ;  he  had  received  his  commission  whh  pleasure  only  as 
a  means  of  serving  his  country,  and  he  can  resign  it  with  equal 
pleasure  when  he  can  no  longer  serve  his  country  with  honour. 
He  requests  a  court  of  inquiry  ;  he  sensibly  feels  the  ingratitude  of 
his  countrymen  ;  but  all  personal  injuries  shall  be  buried  in  his 
zeal  for  the  service  of  his  country. 

General  Washington  continued  his  exertions  to  remedy  this  in- 
justice done  to  an  efficient  and  popular  officer.  Congress  attribu- 
ted the  slight  to  a  necessity  of  gratifying  each  state  by  appointment 
of  officers  in  proportion  to  the  men  furnished ;  and  as  Connecticut 
had  already  two  major-generals,  another  from  that  state  could  not 
be  appointed. 

*' I  confess,"  said  General  Washington,  "this  is  a  strange  mode 
of  reasoning,  but  it  may  show  you  that  the  promotion  which  was 
due  to  your  seniority  was  not  overlooked  for  want  of  merit  in  you." 

Arnold  was  not  disposed  to  receive  consolation  (under  what  he 
knew  was  an  expression  of  the  opinion  of  cons^ress  relative  to  his 
character)  from  the  lame  excuse  made,  or  from  the  soothings  of  his 
great  commander.  The  shght  rankled  in  his  breast,  and  with  the 
censure  of  his  conduct  respecting  the  goods  of  the  INIontreal  mer- 
chants, contributed  to  the  sum  of  evil  which  was  accumulating  with- 
in. Determining  to  visit  head-quarters  and  obtain  permission  to 
visit  congress,  he  commenced  his  journey  ;  but  in  passing  through 
Connecticut,  he  fell  in  with  a  body  of  troops  commanded  by 
General  Wooster,  hastily  collected  to  oppose  the  ravages  which 
Tryon  was  committing  upon  the  defenceless  towns  and  villages  near 
the  sound. 

Already  had  this  king's  governour  of  New  York  penetrated  from 
Fairfield  to  Danbury,  and  destroyed  the  public  stores,  when  Arnold 
joined  the  troops  which  had  been  hastily  collected  by  Wooster  and 
Silliman,  about  GOO  in  number,  of  whom  100  were  regular  soldiers. 
When  they  arrived  within  four  miles  of  Danbury,  they  learned  that 
the  mischief  was  done  and  the  incendiaries  on  the  retreat.  It  was 
night  when  they  gained  this  intelligence  of  the  enemy's  motions, 
and  they  rested  their  army  until  morning  ;  then  dividing  their  little 
army  into  two  parties,  Wooster,  with  one  tliird,  marched  to  harass 
the  rear  of  the  English,  while  Arnold  and  Silliman,  with  four  hun- 
dred men,  took  a  direction  intended  to  intercept  their  retreat. 
W^ooster  soon  came  up  with  Tryon's  rear  and  commenced  an  at- 
tack ;  but  his  men  recoiled  on  receiving  a  discharge  from  the  artil- 
lery and  musketry  of  their  opponents.  The  veteran,  to  encourage 
them,  rode  forward,  crying  "  Come  on  my  boys  !  never  mind  such 
random  shot,"  and  at  the  moment  received  a  ball  in  his  side  and 
fell  from  his  horse.     He  was  carried  to  Danbury,  and  there  died. 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD.  101 

Before  noon,  Arnold,  with  his  command,  which  was  augmented 
on  the  way,  arrived  at  Ridgefield  and  taking  a  position  at  the 
northern  extremity  of  the  village,  he  formed  a  barricade  of  carts, 
logs,  and  earth  across  the  road  the  British  were  expected  to  pass. 
Accordingly  they  appeared,  marching  in  a  column  in  front  of  the 
barricade,  and  commenced  firing  as  they  advanced.  The  right  of 
Arnold's  post  was  covered  by  a  house  and  barn,  and  his  left  by  a 
ledge  of  rocks ;  and  thus  situated,  his  little  band  maintained  a  fight 
for  some  minutes  against  four  times  their  number  of  veteran  soldiers. 
Tryon,  extending  his  column,  was  surrounding  the  barricade,  by 
stretching  to  right  and  left,  while  he  amused  the  Americans  in  front. 
Arnold  then  ordered  a  retreat,  and  as  usual,  was  the  last  man  to 
leave  the  ground.  While  thus  alone,  one  of  the  flanking  parties, 
having  ascended  the  rocks,  discharged  their  muskets  at  him,  and 
his  horse  fell  lifeless.  The  rider  disengaged  himself,  and  sat  on 
the  carcass  ;  which  being  perceived  by  a  soldier,  he  rushed  forward 
to  bayonet  him.  Arnold  waited  the  soldier's  approach  until  he 
had  come  so  near  as  to  make  his  aim  with  a  pistol  sure  ;  then  draw- 
ing one  from  his  holsters,  he  shot  him  dead,  and  springing  from 
his  seat,  followed  his  retreating  companions  unharmed. 

Rallying  his  men,  he  continued  to  annoy  the  British  during  their 
march  to  their  ships,  and  seized  every  opportunity  which  pre- 
sented to  throw  himself  and  his  party  within  skirmishing  distance. 
This  was  continued  during  the  day,  and  recommenced  the  next, 
without  intermission.  Just  before  the  embarkation  of  the  enemy, 
while  exposing  himself  and  encouraging  his  followers,  a  second 
horse  was  shot  through  the  neck  and  sunk  beneath  him. 

The  news  of  these  exploits  soon  reached  congress,  and  Arnold 
was  immediately  appointed  a  major-general.  Still  he  ranked  below 
the  five  juniors  that  had  preceded  him  ;  and  although  he  continued 
in  the  service,  he  never  forgot  the  injustice.  General  Washington 
continued  his  good  oflices,  and  to  heal  the  wound,  appointed  him 
to  a  command  of  high  responsibility.  He  declined  it,  and  asked 
permission  to  repair  to  Philadelphia,  which  was  granted. 

On  reaching  the  seat  of  congress,  Arnold's  complaints  were  loud 
in  proportion  to  the  popularity  his  daring  had  gained,  rather  than  to 
any  consciousness  of  moral  worth.  As  was  usual  with  him,  he 
descanted  on  his  sacrifices,  services,  and  patriotism,  and  demanded 
an  inquiry  into  his  conduct,  particularly  respecting  the  charges 
brought  against  him  by  Colonel  Brown.  The  matter  was  referred 
to  the  board  of  war,  who  reported  that  the  character  of  General 
Arnold  had  been  "  cruelly  and  groundlessly  aspersed."  Congress 
confirmed  the  report,  but  did  not  restore  his  rank ;  although  they 
complimented  him  with  the  gift  of  a  horse  suitably  caparisoned. 

Unfortunately,  while  his  character  was  before  the  board  of  war, 
his  accounts  were  before  congress,  and  it  was  discovered  that  he 


102  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

had  introduced  a  series  of  extravagant  charges  in  his  own  fa- 
vour ;  some  of  them  dubious  in  their  character,  and  others 
manifestly  unreasonable,  even  if  the  items  could  be  proved. — 
He  had  swelled  his  claims  upon  Congress  to  an  enormous  amount, 
although  it  was  well  known  that  he  had  not  brought  into  the  ser- 
vice either  money  or  credit  to  give  probability  to  such  advaiices. 

While  his  accounts  were  undergoing  scrutiny,  he  was  appointed 
to  the  command  of  the  troops  at  Philadelphia;  and  when  General 
Howe  advanced  from  Brunswick,  Arnold  was  ordered  to  take  post 
on  the  Delaware,  above  Trenton.  When  the  British  retired,  Ar- 
nold was  recalled  to  Philadelphia  ;  where,  impatient  that  his  rank 
was  not  restored,  he  tendered  his  resignation  to  congress,  couched 
in  his  usual  style — in  which  his  honour  and  patriotism  ever  figured 
most  conspicuously.  On  the  day  this  was  received  by  congress, 
they  likewise  received  a  letter  from  General  Washington,  recom- 
mending that  General  Arnold  should  be  immediately  sent  to  join 
the  northern  army,  then  threatened  by  the  supposed  invincible  host 
of  Burgoyne.  General  Washington  described  Arnold  as  "active, 
judicious,  and  brave,"  and  enforced  his  w^ish  that  he  should  be 
sent  to  the  scene  of  danger,  by  saying  that  the  "militia  had  great 
confidence  in  him." 

Flattered  by  this  appointment,  Arnold  suspended  his  demand 
for  justice  in  respect  to  rank,  accepted  the  task  of  danger  so 
congenial  to  his  disposition,  and  repaired,  in  July  1777,  to 
the  army  commanded  by  General  Schuyler.  Kosciusko,  the 
engineer  of  the  northern  department,  selected  the  high, grounds 
near  Moses  Creek  for  the  encampment  of  the  army  ;  and  a  division 
under  Arnold  w^as  so  situated  that  his  head  quarters  Avere  between 
that  place  and  Fort  Edward. 

In  the  meantime,  the  question  of  Arnold's  rank  was  decided 
against  him  in  Congress,  by  a  majority  of  nearly  three  to  one. 
It  was  the  first  occasion  on  which  the  yeas  and  nays  were 
entered  on  the  journals.  Upon  the  news  of  this  decision, 
Arnold  asked  leave  of  General  Schuyler  to  retire  ;  but  the 
persuasions  of  Schuyler  prevailed  upon  him  to  stay  where  he 
was  so  much  wanted,  and  Arnold  volunteered  to  lead  the  ex- 
pedition against  St.  Leger  ;  and  on  his  return  to  the  main 
army,  he  found  it  under  the  command  of  Horatio  Gates.  The 
left  wing  of  the  army,  stationed  at  Loudon's  Ferry,  was  placed 
under  the  command  of  General  Arnold.  He  had  two  brigades, 
and  the  ever  efi^'ective  corps  under  Daniel  Morgan,  who  likewise 
commanded  Dearborn's  light  infantry.  These  w^ere  intended  to 
arrest  or  impede  the  progress  of  Burgoyne  towards  Albany.  But 
the  head  of  opposition,  gathered  and  prepared  by  Schuyler  with 
the  defeats  of  Baurn  and  St.  Leger,  had  already  stopped  the  Brit- 
ish general   in  his  previously  triumphant  career.     He  lingered  at 


BURGOYNE  AT  SARATOGA.  103 

Saratoga ;  and  the  American  army,  elated  by  the  late  successes, 
advanced  upon  him.  At  Behmus's  Heights,  Arnold  still  had  the 
command  of  the  left  division. 

It  was  on  the  13th  and  l4th  of  September,  that  Burgoyne  crossed 
the  Hudson,  and  encamped  at  Saratoga.  On  the  noon  of  the  19th, 
he  advanced  in  full  force  towards  the  American  left.  Arnold  sent 
Morgan's  Riflemen  and  Dearborn's  Infantry  to  repulse  the  enemy, 
and  prepared  to  support  them,  if  necessary.  Thus  an  action  was 
brought  on,  which  was  supported  wholly  by  detacJiments  from  Ar- 
nold's division,  and  one  regiment  from  another  brigade.  Morgan 
had  forced  the  enemy  to  retreat,  and  had  been  beaten  back.  Two 
regiments  advanced  to  his  support;  and  the  x'Vmericans  forming  in 
a  wood,  again  and  asiain  repulsed  the  advancing  enemy,  and  in  turn, 
when  pushing  forward,  were  obliged  to  retreat.  In  this  conflict, 
which  lasted  all  day,  three  thousand  of  our  troops  encountered  the 
whole  right  wing  of  the  British  army,  commanded  by  Burgoyne  in 
person. 

Gates  and  Arnold  were  together  in  the  camp  when  word  was 
brought  that  the  action  was  undecisive.  Arnold  exclaimed,  "  I 
will  soon  put  an  end  to  it !"  and  set  off  on  full  gallop  from  the 
camp.  But  Gates  despatched  an  aid  after  him  and  ordered  him 
back. 

The  most  distinguished  officer  of  the  Americans  engaged  that 
day,  was  Daniel  Morgan.  The  British  claimed  the  victory,  and 
lay  that  night  on  their  arms  near  the  field  of  battle.  The  Ameri- 
cans, who  had  been  engaged,  retired  at  night  to  their  camp,  con- 
vinced that  they  could  cope  with  their  enemies  on  equal  terms,  if 
not  beat  them.  The  loss  on  each  side  was  probably  much  the 
same. 

This  rencounter  inspirited  the  army,  and  brought  in  militia  from 
all  quarters.  General  Lincoln,  who  joined  Starke  after  the  battle 
of  Bennington,  fell  into  the  rear  of  Burgoyne,  and  pushed  three 
detachments  against  the  posts  Burgoyne  had  left  behind — most  of 
which  fell,  and  added  to  the  prospect  of  complete  success — al- 
though Ticonderoga  and  Mount  Independence  repulsed  their 
assailants. 

The  treatment  which  Gates  adopted  on  this  occasion,  aroused 
the  indignation  of  Arnold  ;  and  shortly  after,  the  jealous  comman- 
der withdrew  a  portion  of  his  command  from  him  without  his  know- 
ledge. In  Gates's  official  communication  to  congress,  he  made  no 
mention  of  Arnold  or  his  division.  Of  this  Arnold  complained. 
High  words  passed  between  them ;  and  Gates  told  him  that  he 
thought  him  of  little  consequence  in  the  army. 

On  the  1st  of  October,  Arnold  wrote  to  his  commander :  the 
correspondence  which  passed  is  characterized  as  "  haughty  and 
arrogant  on  the  part  of  Gates — intemperate  and   indiscreet  on  that 


104 


BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 


of  his  unruly  associate."     Arnold  remained,  although  deprived  of 
command. 

Colonel  Varick,  writing  from  caijip  to  General  Schuyler,  three 
days  after  the  action,  said,  "  He  seems  to  be  piqued,  that  Arnold's 
division  had  the  honour  of  beating  the  enemy  on  the  19th.  This 
I  am  certain  of,  that  Arnold  has  all  the  credit  of  the  action.  And 
this  I  further  know,  that  Gates  asked  where  the  troops  were  going, 
when  Scammell's  battalion  marched  out,  and,  upon  being  told,  he 
declared  no  more  troops  should  go  ;  he  would  not  suffer  the  camp 
to  be  exposed.  Had  Gates  complied  with  Arnold's  repeated  de- 
sires, he  would  have  obtained  a  general  and  complete  victory  over 
the  enemy.  But  it  is  evident  to  me,  he  never  intended  to  fight 
Burgoyne,  till  Arnold  urged,  begged,  and  entreated  him  to  do  it." 
After  the  convention  of  Saratoga,  Colonel  Varick  again  wrote  as 
follows,  in  a  letter  from  Albany.  "  During  Burgoyne's  stay  here, 
he  gave  Arnold  great  credit  for  his  bravery  and  military  abilides, 
especially  in  the  action  of  the  19th,  whenever  he  spoke  of  him, 
and  once  in  the  presence  of  Gates." 


PLAN  OF    THE  CAMPAmX.  105 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Plan  of  the  Campaign — Gates's  Intrigues — Efforts  of  Schuyler — 
Ticonderoga,  taken — Affair  of  Miss  McCrea — Siege  of  Fort 
Stanvnx — Retreat  of  St.  Leger — Affair  of  Bennington — Trans- 
actions at  Saratoga  —  Daniel  Morgan  —  Death  of  General 
Frazer — Howe's  Fxpedition  np  (he  Hudson — CajHui'e  of  Bur- 
goyne —  Gates^s  arrogance —  Wilkinson . 

1777  The  British   plan  of  the  campaign    of  1777,  was,  that 

Howe  should  with  his  forces  occupy  Washington  and  the 
main  army,  by  attacking  Philadelphia — in  which  he  succeeded — 
while  Burgoyne,  with  a  well  appointed  army,  should  invade  from 
Canada ;  and  Clinton  from  the  city  of  New  York,  clear  the  Hud- 
son, by  passing  the  forts  at  the  Highlands.  Burgoyne  arrived  from 
England  ;  and  with  the  assistance  of  Carleton,  soon  appeared  on 
Lake  Champlain  ;  after  sending  St.  Leger  to  invest  Oswego  and 
Fort  Stanwix. 

During  the  latter  part  of  the  winter,  General  Gates  had  written 
to  Washington,  (knowing  bis  wish  and  having  received  his  request,) 
that  he,  Gates,  would  resume  his  former  office  of  adjutant-general, 
and  with  alacrity  and  cheerfulness  repair  to  Morristown.  The 
commander-in-chief  thanked  him  for  this  mark  of  his  attention  to  a 
request  of  his,  and  told  him  that  he  looked  upon  his  resumption  of 
the  office  as  the  only  means  of  giving  "  form  and  regularity  to  our 
army."  St.  Clair  was  to  be  sent  to  take  command  at  Philadelphia. 
But  Gates  had  no  intention  of  complying  with  the  request  of  Wash- 
ington, but,  on  the  contrary,  was  manoeuvring  with  a  party  in  con- 
gress to  supersede  Schuyler  in  the  northern  department.  It  was 
on  the  10th  of  March,  1777,  that  Washington  thanked  Gates  for 
complying  with  the  wishes  of  congress,  and  appeared  to  be  certain 
of  his  assistance  as  adjutant-general.  On  the  13th,  Gates  obtained 
an  appointment  for  a  conference  with  congress  ;  and  on  the  25th, 
he  received  his  orders  from  President  Hancock  to  repair  to  Ticon- 
deroga, and  take  the  command  of  the  army  of  that  department. 
About  this  time.  General  Gates  took  into  his  family,  and  attached 
to  his  interests,  a  young  man  who  was,  by  his  extraordinary  talents, 
a  powerful  agent  in  his  future  operations.  This  was  Major  John 
Armstrong,  son  to  the  general  bearing  that  name.  It  was  by  attach- 
ing to  himself  those  who  had  talents,  like  Armstrong,  or  family  in- 
fluence, like  the  Trumbulls,  that  this  artful  man  strengthened  him- 
self and  weakened  those  whose  overthrow  he  contemplated.  For 
it  was  soon  notorious  that  the  men  known  to  be  attached  to  Gates, 

VOL.  II.  14 


106  GATES's  INTRIGUES. 

could  not  be  confided  in  by  Washington,  however  much  he  might 
wish  to  employ  them  for  the  service  x)f  the  country. 

General  Schuyler  endeavoured  by  his  own  exertions,  and  by  his 
representations  to  congress  and  to  Washington  of  the  necessity  for 
great  exertions  in  the  north,  to  meet  the  coming  storm  which  he 
foresaw  would  sweep  from  Canada  to  New  York  by  the  lakes.  His 
exertions  were  effective,  but  his  advice  was  too  little  attended  to  ; 
and  when,  on  the  20th  of  March,  he  went  to  Philadelphia,  he  found 
he  was  superseded  in  his  command  of  the  north  by  General  Gates, 
who  received  his  orders  to  that  effect  on  the  25th.  Schuyler  was 
not  a  man  to  sink  under  such  a  blow.  He  took  his  seat  in  congress 
as  a  delegate  from  New  York,  and  requested  a  committee  of  inqui- 
ry into  his  military  conduct.  This  resulted  in  complete  approba- 
tion ;  and  by  a  resolve  of  22d  May,  he  was  directed  to  resume  the 
command  of  the  northern  department. 

James  Lovell,  a  member  of  congress,  writes  to  Gates, — "  Those 
who  irrofess  well  to  our  cause,  judge  and  say  that  there  is  but  one 
single  man  who  can  keep  their  subjects  united  against  the  common 
enemy — and  that  he  stands  on  our  books  as  commander-in-chief 
in  the  middle,  or,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  the  northern  depart- 
ment ;  that  his  presence  is  absolutely  necessary  in  his  home  quar- 
ters for  their  immediate  succour  and  service,  as  well  as  that  of  the 
United  States,  necessarily  connected  ;  that  if  he  returns,  he  is  a 
general  without  an  army  or  military  chest,  and  '  why  is  he  thus  de- 
graded ?'  How  this  matter  will  be  untangled  I  cannot  now  exactly 
determine ;  but  I  suspect,  not  entirely  agreeably  to  yOur  senti- 
ment s^ 

This  letter  was  dated  on  the  1st  of  May.  The  resolution  of  the 
22d  "  untangled"  the  matter.  The  resolution  was  in  these  words: 
"  that  Albany,  Ticonderoga,  Fort  Stanwix,  and  their  dependen- 
cies, be  henceforward  considered  as  forming  the  northern  depart- 
ment," and  "  that  Major-general  Schuyler  be  directed  forthwith  to 
proceed  to  the  northern  department,  and  take  the  command  there." 
A  previous  order  that  Albany  should  be  the  head-quarters  of  that 
department,  was  repealed.  During  the  debate  on  this  subject, 
Lovell  gives  Gates  information  of  the  progress,  and  what  is  said. 
It  was  asserted  that  by  ordering  him  to  Ticonderoga,  congress  did 
not  intend  to  supersede  Schuyler  in  the  command,  and  of  course 
that  Gates  had  usurped  authority ;  and  by  fixing  his  head-quarters 
at  Albany  and  issuing  his  orders  from  thence,  had  not  conformed  to 
the  direction  of  congress,  which  required  him  to  repair  to  Ticon- 
deroga. While  this  was  pending  in  the  national  council,  Gates 
sent  on  letters  to  his  friends  by  another  person  who  had  hastily 
resigned  his  commission,  which  had  been  accepted.  Mr.  John 
Trumbull  wrote  from  Philadelphia,  on  the  24th  of  May,  1777,  thus: 

'^  I  arrived  last  Wednesday,  and  immediately  delivered  my  let- 


EFFORTS  OF    SCHUYLER.  107 

ters,  but  too  late:  congress  had  already  appointed  General  Schuy- 
ler to  comn:iand  in  the  northern  department.  Every  possible  oppo- 
sition had  been  made  by  your  friends,  but  in  vain  :  the  interest  of 
the  other  party  carried  it — by  a  single  vote,  however.  Congress 
are  now  endeavourina;  to  devise  some  mode  of  retainins:  vou  in  the 
service;  they  hope  to  persuade  you  to  accept  the  adjutant-general's 
office,  and  are  willing  to  comply  with  your  own  proposidons.  ISIy 
brother  writes  you  fully  ;  as  he  has  been  on  the  spot,  he  knows  the 
various  manoeuvres  which  have  been  performed  on  this  occasion. 
I  understand  General  Schuyler  has  appointed  J.  G.  Frazer,  Esq., 
to  my  late  office." 

Gates  had  been  prohibited  from  appointing  this  gentleman,  in 
these  words  :  "it  is  not  the  intention  of  congress  that  Mr.  Trum- 
bull should  be  re-appointed."  On  the  same  day,  Samuel  Adams 
wrote  to  Gates,  saying,  "  I  have  not  forgot  you.  I  shall  remem- 
ber the  last  words  you  said  to  me  ;  the  bearer  is  able  to  tell  you  my 
whole  meanino^.  I  shall  not  be  wantincr."  Durinor  this  time, 
Gates,  who  had  been  sent  on  for  the  defence  of  Ticonderoga  in 
March,  is  informed  by  Wilkinson,  one  of  his  aids,  that  there  is  at 
that  post  no  preparations  for  defence,  and  requests  him  "  to  let 
Kosciusko  come  back  with  proper  authority." 

Another  son  of  Governour  Trumbull's,  in  answer  to  a  letter  of 
Gates's,  upon  his  redring  from  the  north,  exclaims — "  Righteous 
God  !  of  what  higher  crimes,  more  than  others,  are  we  guilty  in 
this  department,  that  we  are  thus  exposed  to  thy  severest  punish- 
ments !"  "  May  heaven  ever  bless  you,  my  dear  general."  This 
was  from  the  paymaster-general,  and  written  when  St.  Clair  had 
avoided  capdvity  or  death,  by  retreat  from  Ticonderoga.  Schuy- 
ler found  that  "  literally  nothing"  had  been  done  during  his  ab- 
sence to  improve  the  means  of  defence  on  the  frontiers ;  but,  as 
Chancellor  Kent  observes,  he  was  "  fortunately,  in  this  season  in 
good  health,  a  blessing  which  he  had  not  enjoyed  the  last  two  years. 
He  now  displayed  his  activity,  fervour,  and  energy  in  a  brilliant 
manner.  General  St.  Clair  was  placed  by  him  in  the  command  at 
Ticonderoga,  and  especially  directed  to  fortify  Mount  Indepen- 
dence. He  informed  congress,  on  the  14th  of  June,  that  consider- 
ing the  extensiveness  of  the  works  at  Ticonderoga,  the  smallness 
of  the  garrison  was  alarming,  and  incompetent  to  maintain  it,  and 
that  he  found  the  department  in  the  greatest  confusion.  Applica- 
tion was  made  to  the  eastern  states  to  hasten  on  the  remainder  of 
their  troops  ;  and  he  informed  them  that  the  garrison  at  Ticondero- 
ga did  not  then  exceed  two  thousand  two  hundred  men,  sick  in- 
cluded. On  the  16th  of  June,  General  Washington  was  apprized 
by  him  of  the  fact  that  he  had  no  troops  to  oppose  Sir  John  John- 
son on  the  Mohawk.  He  visited  Ticonderoga  and  Mount  Inde- 
pendence on  the  20th,  and  found  them  not  in  a  good  state  of  de- 


108  EFFORTS  OF    SCHUYLER. 

fence,  and  very  deficient  in  troops  and  provisions ;  but  it  was 
resolved,  at  a  council  of  officers  called  by  him,  that  they  be  de- 
fanded  as  long  as  possible.  General  Schuyler  then  hastened 
back  to  the  Hudson,  the  more  effectually  to  provide  for  the  garri- 
son, reinforcements  of  provisions  and  men,  and  nothing  conducive 
to  that  great  object  was  omitted.  He  solicited  reinforcements  of 
every  kind,  with  intense  anxiety.  On  the  2Sth  of  June,  he  com- 
municated by  expresses  to  General  Washington,  to  the  governour 
of  Connecticut,  to  the  president  of  Massachusetts,  to  the  commit- 
tee of  Berkshire,  and  to  the  committee  of  safety  of  New  York,  his 
apprehensions  for  the  safety  of  the  garrison  at  Ticonderoga,  from 
the  inadequacy  of  the  means  of  defence.  On  the  28th  and  30th  of 
June,  (for  dates  now  become  important,)  he  encouraged  St.  Clair, 
that  he  should  move  up  with  the  continental  troops  and  militia,  as 
soon  as  he  could  possibly  put  them  in  motion,  and  "  he  hoped  to 
have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him  in  possession  of  his  post."  So 
again  on  the  5th  of  July,  he  assured  him  that  the  troops  from  Peekskill 
and  the  militia  were  in  motion,  and  "  he  hoped  to  see  him  in  a  day 
or  two."  On  the  7th,  he  informed  General  Washington,  by  letter, 
that  he  was  up  as  far  as  Saratoga,  with  about  seven  hundred  conti- 
nental troops,  and  about  one  thousand  four  hundred  militia.  He 
was  then  in  the  utmost  distress  for  provisions,  tind  he  then  and 
there  met  the  news,  that  General  St.  Clair  had  abandoned  Ticon- 
deroga and  IMount  Independence  on  the  6th,  with  the  loss  of  all 
his  military  equipments. 

The  last  scene  of  General  Schuyler's  military  life,  was  full  of 
action  befitting  the  occasion,  and  worthy  of  his  chai;acter.  Every 
qiiarter  of  his  department  was  replete  with  difficulty  and  danger. 
The  frontier  on  the  Mohawk  was  menaced  by  an  army  of  one  thou- 
sand, and  six  hundred  regulars,  tories,  and  Indians,  under  Lieuten- 
ant-colonel St.  Leger,  and  he  cheered  and  encouraged  Brigadier- 
general  Herkimer  to  rouse  the  militia,  and  act  with  alacrity  in 
defence  of  that  frontier.  He  addressed  the  civil  and  military  au- 
thorities in  every  direction,  with  manly  firmness,  and  the  most  for- 
cible exhortation  to  assist  him  with  men,  arms,  and  provisions  ; 
*'  every  militiaman,"  he  said,  "  ought  to  turn  out  without  delay,  in 
a  crisis  the  most  alarming  since  the  contest  began."  He  directed 
that  the  inhabitants  retire  from  before  the  enemy,  and  that  every 
article  be  brought  off  or  destroyed,  that  was  calculated  to  assist 
them — that  the  roads,  causeways,  and  Wood  Creek  be  rendered 
impassable.  He  issued  a  proclamation  to  encourage  the  country, 
and  counteract  that  of  Burgoyne.  He  assured  General  Washing- 
ton, on  the  12th  of  July,  that  he  should  retard  the  enemy's  advance 
by  all  possible  means.  *'  If  my  countrymen  will  support  me  with 
vigour  and  dexterity,  and  do  not  meanly  despond,  we  shall  be  able 
to  prevent  the  enemy  from  penetrating  much  farther  into  the  coun- 


EFFORTS  OF    SCHUYLER.  109 

try."  With  a  force  of  four  thousand  five  hundred  men,  regulars 
and  miUtia,  he  had  to  encounter  or  impede  the  progress  of  six  thou- 
sand of  the  finest  troops  of  Europe,  with  equipments  and  artillery 
equal  to  their  discipline. 

Fort  George  was  abandoned  on  the  14th  of  July,  for  it  was  ut- 
terly indefensible,  being  only  part  of  an  unfinished  bastion  holding 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men.  On  the  24th  of  July,  Schuyler  retired 
with  his  army  to  Moore's  Creek,  four  miles  below  Fort  Edward, 
as  the  latter  was  only  a  heap  of  ruins,  and  always  commanded  by 
the  neighbouring  hills.  The  enemy  kept  pressing  upon  his  ad- 
vanced posts,  but  in  the  midst  of  unparalleled  difficulties,  his 
retreat  was  slow  and  safe,  and  every  inch  of  ground  disputed.  The 
distress  of  the  army,  in  want  of  artillery  and  every  other  military 
and  comfortable  equipment,  was  aggravated  by  despondency  and 
sickness,  and  the  resdessness  and  insubordination  of  the  militia. 
They  could  not  be  detained.  Almost  all  the  eastern  militia  had 
left  the  army.  By  the  advice  of  a  council  of  general  officers, 
Schuyler  was  obliged  to  let  one  half  of  the  militia  go  home  under 
a  promise  of  the  residue  to  continue  for  three  weeks.  Though  the 
subject  of  popular  calumny,  he  did  not  in  the  least  despond  or 
shrink  from  his  duty.  "  I  shall  go  on,"  he  writes  to  General 
Washington,  "  in  doing  my  duty,  and  in  endeavours  to  deserve 
your  esteem."  He  renewed  his  call  on  the  eastern  states  for  as- 
sistance, and  told  his  friend,  Governour  Trumbull,  of  Connecticut, 
(whom  he  always  mentioned  with  the  highest  esteem,  and  between 
whom  and  Schuyler  a  mutual  confidence  and  attachment  had  invari- 
ably subsisted,)  that  "if  the  eastern  militia  did  not  turn  out  with  spirit, 
and  behave  better,  we  should  be  ruined."  The  greatest  reliance  was 
placed  on  the  efforts  of  his  own  more  immediate  countrymen,  and 
his  most  pathetick  and  eloquent  appeals  were  made  to  the  council 
of  safety  of  the  state  of  New  York  for  succours  to  enable  him  to 
meet  the  enemy  in  the  field.  By  the  beginning  of  August,  he  was 
preparing  to  act  on  the  offensive,  and  by  his  orders  of  the  30th  of 
July  and  13th  of  August,  General  Lincoln  was  directed  to  move 
with  a  body  of  troops  to  the  north  of  Cambridge,  towards  Skeenes- 
borough,  and  take  command  of  the  troops  under  General  Starke  and 
Colonel  Warner,  who  had  orders  to  join  him;  and  if  he  should 
have  force  enough,  to  fall  on  the  enemy  in  that  quarter.  As  Bur- 
goyne  advanced  down  the  Hudson,  there  was  constant  skirmishing 
at  the  advanced  posts,  and  General  Schuyler  retreated  slowly  and 
in  good  order  down  to  Saratoga,  and  then  to  and  below  Stillwater, 
and  in  every  instance  by  the  unanimous  advice  of  his  officers. 

During  this  eventful  period,  the  western  branch  of  Schuyler's 
military  district  was  in  the  utmost  consternation  and  peril.  The 
army  under  St.  Leger  had  besieged  Fort  Stanwix ;  and  General 
Herkimer,  with  eight  hundred  of  the  frontier  militia,  marching  to 


110  TICONDEROGA  TAKEN. 

the  relief  of  the  fortress,  was  attacked  by  a  detachment  of  the  ene- 
my, under  Sir  John  Johnson,  and  defeated  at  Oriskany,  on  the 
6th  of  August.  On  the  16th,  General  Schuyler  despatched  Ar- 
nold with  three  regiments,  amounting  in  the  whole  only  to  five  hun- 
dred and  fifty  men,  to  take  charge  of  the  military  operations  on  the 
Mohawk. 

But  the  period  of  his  eminent  services  was  drawing  to  a  close. 
Congress,  yielding  to  the  clamour  and  calumny  of  the  people  and 
militia  of  the  eastern  states,  suspended  General  Schuyler's  com- 
mand, and  on  the  19th  of  August,  (three  days  after  the  victory  at 
Bennington,)  General  Gates  arrived  in  camp,  and  superseded  him. 
General  Schuyler  felt  acutely  the  discredit  of  being  recalled  in  the 
most  critical  period  of  the  campaign,  and  after  the  labour  and  ac- 
tivity of  making  preparations  to  repair  the  disasters  of  it,  had  been 
expended  by  him,  and  when  he  was  in  vigorous  preparation  to  win, 
and  almost  in  the  act  to  place  the  laurels  of  victory  on  his  brow. 
*'I  am  sensible,"  said  this  great  and  injured  man,  in  his  letter  to 
congress,  "  of  the  indignity  of  being  ordered  from  the  command  of 
an  army,  at  a  time  when  an  engagement  must  soon  take  place;" 
and  when,  we  may  add,  he  had  already  commenced  offensive  pre- 
parations, and  laid  the  foundation  of  future  and  glorious  triumphs. 

The  whole  country  looked  to  the  Fort  of  Ticonderoga  as  a  safe- 
guard against  Burgoyne  and  his  army:  but  when  that  general  in- 
vested St.  Clair  at  Ticonderoga,  the  defences  were  found  insufii- 
cient,  and  the  number  of  the  garrison  too  small.  Burgoyne  had 
seized  upon  Mount  Defiance,  and  commanded  the  place  by  means 
which  had  been  pointed  out  to  Gates  by  the  adjutant-general.  Col. 
Trumbull,  more  than  a  year  previous.  St.  Clair  precipitately  aban- 
doned the  place,  and  with  his  retreating  army  crossed  to  the  east  side 
of  the  lake,  after  much  suffering,  and  was  pursued  by  General  Grant 
with  the  elite  of  Burgoyne's  army — who,  after  taking  possession  of 
Ticonderoga  and  its  dependencies,  and  despatching  aid  to  Colonel 
St.  Leger  by  Lake  George,  to  co-operate  with  Sir  John  Johnson 
and  the  Iroquois  under  Brant,  pushed  with  the  main  army  and  his 
fleet  to  Skeenesborough,  now  Whitehall.  Grant  followed  on  the 
north  side  of  the  lake  until  his  Grenadiers  overtook  part  of  the 
American  army  in  the  Hubbardstown  road,  and  were  repulsed. 
General  Reidesel  was  wounded,  and  left  at  Castleton. 

Governour  Morgan  Lewis,  who  was  then  quarter-master  general 
of  St.  Clair's  army,  arrived  at  Fort  Edward,  now  a  village  of  that 
name,  to  receive  Van  Schaick's  regiment,  aud  quarter  them  there. 
At  that  time.  Fort  Edward  commanded  the  entrance  of  the  Hudson 
from  the  west,  a  little  below  the  present  village  of  Sandy  Hill.  It 
is  now  scarcely  visible.  On  the  road  thither,  Gouvernour  Lewis  and 
suite  stopped  at  a  house  in  the  woods,  occupied  by  the  widow  of 


AFFAIR  OF    MISS  m'cREA.  Ill 

a  Scotch  highlander,  and  a  country  girl,  of  the  name  of  McCrea,  who 
were  unprotected — there  being  in  the  house  no  other  person  than 
a  negro  woman.  They  advised  the  old  woman  and  the  young  one 
to  remove,  as  the  British  were  coming  that  road.  As  they  appeared 
confident  of  their  situation,  they  were  left.  In  the  evening,  Van 
Schaick's  regiment  was  quartered  at  the  fort,  and  Lieutenant  Van 
Vechten  and  a  sufficient  guard  were  placed  at  a  proper  distance 
from  the  enemy.  In  the  morning,  Lewis  and  suite  rode  back 
the  same  way  to  gain  information  of  the  approach  of  the  British, 
and  found  the  dead  bodies  of  the  young  women  and  Lieuten- 
ant Van  Vechten  stripped,  and  laying  side  by  side.  He  and  his 
guard  had  been  surprised,  scalped,  and  tomahawked  ;  and  she  was 
killed  by  blows  of  the  tomahawk  on  her  head,  but  not  scalped  ;  and 
her  hair  had  been  so  adjusted  as  to  form  a  covering  of  decency. 
The  party  rode  to  the  house  and  found  there  only  the  black  woman, 
who  said  she  had  hid  herself  in  the  cellar  while  the  Indians  took 
the  other  women  away. 

It  appears  that  a  young  man  who  attended  a  mill  on  the  Hoosick, 
near  which  the  British  army  passed,  had  joined  them  as  a  guide; 
and  being  engaged  to  this  young  woman,  and  knowing  his  proxim- 
ity to  the  armies,  employed  some  Indians,  with  the  promise  of  two 
kegs  of  whiskey,  to  bring  her  and  her  protectress,  the  old  Scotch 
woman,  to  him.  These  Indians  had  surprised  Van  Vechten  and 
his  guard,  and  then  quarrelling  who  should  have  the  whiskey,  killed 
the  young  woman,  as  the  most  summary  mode  of  setthng  the 
dispute. 

Gates  wrote  an  insolent  letter  to  the  English  commander,  mis- 
stating the  fact,  and  accusing  that  officer  (whom  he  sneeringly  calls 
"  the  famous  Lieutenant-general  Burgoyne,  in  whom  the  fine  gen- 
tleman is  united  with  the  soldier  and  the  scholar,")  with  hiring 
"  the  Savages  of  America  to  scalp  Europeans  and  their  descend- 
ants," and  says  :  the  bride,  dressed  to  receive  her  promised  hus- 
band, "  met  her  murderer,  employed  by  you."  To  this,  the  an- 
swer of  General  Burgoyne  was,  though  indignant,  that  of  a  gentle- 
man and  a  scholar. 

Governour  Lewis  says,  he  by  chance  entered  the  commander's 
tent  when  this  absurd  letter  was  in  preparation  by  Doctor  Potts, 
the  surgeon-general;  and  it  being  read  aloud,  some  remarked  upon 
the  inaccuracy  of  the  statement ;  but  Gates  shouted,  "  Never  mind 
— colour  it  high.  Doctor — colour  high." 

Schuyler  was  at  Stillwater,  endeavouring  to  bring  his  army  to 
Ticonderoga  and  take  command  of  that  fortress,  when  he  received 
information  of  the  retreat  of  St.  Clair,  and  soon  after  was  joined  by 
the  retreating  army. 

At  Fort  Edward,  Burgoyne  made  a  halt,  and  sent  Colonel 
Baume  to  Vermont. 


112  SIEGE  OF    FORT  STANWIX. 

x^fter  giving  an  account  of  St.  Leger,  we  shall  return  to  Starke 
and  Baume.  ^ 

In  the  year  lSl-5,  the  house  of  James  Lynch,  Esq.,  covered  the 
east  bastion  of  old  Fort  Stanwix.  The  writer,  from  a  window  in 
that  house,  made  a  drawing  of  the  remains  of  the  fort.  The  block 
house  still  occupied  the  centre  of  the  fortification,  and  the  mounds 
of  earth  which  formerly  made  the  ramparts  of  the  fort,  were  beyond. 
The  church,  and  other  pubhck  buildings  of  the  village  of  Rome, 
formed  the  distance. 

In  1777,  this  was  called  Fort  Schuyler,  and  garrisoned  by  Co- 
lonel Gansevoort,  as  the  safeguard  of  the  valley  of  the  Mohawk. 

St.  Leger  found  no  enemy  in  his  route  by  Oswego,  strong  enough 
to  detain  him.  He  sent  Lieutenant  Bird  and  Brant  to  invest  the 
fort,  preparatory  to  his  arrival  with  the  rest  of  his  forces.  Fortu- 
nately, Colonel  Marinus  Willet,  with  his  regiment,  had  been  thrown 
into  the  fort,  and  the  unfinished  defences  were  directed  henceforth 
by  him. 

In  June,  Gansevoort  wrote  to  Schuyler — "  I  am  sorry  to  inform 
your  Honour  that  Captain  Gregg  and  Corporal  Madison,  of  my 
regiment,  went  out  a  gunning  yesterday  morning,  contrary  to  or- 
ders. It  seems  they  went  out  just  after  breakfast,  and  at  about  ten 
o'clock  Corporal  Madison  was  killed  and  scalped.  Captain  Gregg 
was  shot  through  his  back,  tomahawked  and  scalped,  and  is  still 
alive.  He  informs  me  that  the  misfortune  happened  about  ten  o'clock 
in  the  morning.  He  looked  at  his  watch  after  he  was  scalped. 
He  saw  but  two  Indians.  He  was  about  one  mile  and  a  half  from 
the  fort,  and  was  not  discovered  until  two  o'clock  ia  the  afternoon. 
I  immediately  sent  out  a  party  and  had  him  brought  into  the  fort, 
just  after  three  o'clock  ;  also  the  corpse  of  Madison.  Gregg  is 
perfectly  in  his  senses,  and  speaks  strong  and  hearty,  notwithstand- 
ing that  his  recovery  is  doubtful." 

And  in  July,  he  again  wrote  to  Schuyler — "Having  taken  an 
accurate  review  of  the  state  of  the  garrison,  I  think  it  is  incumbent 
on  me  to  inform  your  Excellency  by  express  of  our  present  circum- 
stances. Every  possible  assistance  is  given  to  Captain  Marquizee, 
to  enable  him  to  carry  on  such  works  as  are  deemed  absolutely  ne- 
cessary for  the  defence  of  the  garrison.  The  soldiers  are  constant- 
ly at  work — even  such  of  them  as  come  off  guard  are  immediately 
turned  out  to  fatigue.  But  I  cannot  conceal  from  your  Excellency 
the  impossibility  of  attending  fully  to  all  the  great  objects  pointed 
out  in  the  orders  issued  to  the  commanding  officer  on  the  station, 
without  further  assistance.  Sending  out  sufficient  pardes  of  ob- 
servation, felling  the  timber  into  Wood  Creek,  clearing  the  road 
from  Fort  Dayton,  which  is  so  embarrassed,  in  many  parts,  as  to 
be  impassable,  and  prosecuting,  at  the  same  time,  the  internal  bu- 
siness of  the  garrison,  are  objects  of  the  greatest  importance,  which 


SIEGE  OF    FORT  JSTANWIX.  113 

should  if  possible,  be  immediately  considered.  But  while  no  ex- 
ertions compatible  with  the  circumstances  we  are  in,  and  necessary 
to  gWe  your  Excellency  satisfaction  with  respect  to  all  interesting 
matters,  shall  be  omitted,  I  am  very  sensible  it  is  not  in  our  power 
to  get  over  some  capital  obstructions  without  a  reinforcement.  The 
enclosed  return,  and  the  difficulties  arising  from  the  increased 
number  of  hostile  Indians,  will  show  to  your  Excellency  the  grounds 
of  my  opinion.  One  hundred  and  fifty  men  would  be  needed 
speedily  and  effectually  to  obstruct  Wood  Creek  ;  an  equal  num- 
ber will  be  necessary  to  guard  the  men  at  work  felhng  and  hauling 
of  timber.  Such  a  deduction  from  our  number,  together  with 
smaller  deductions  for  scouting  parties,  w^ould  scarcely  leave  a  man 
in  the  garrison,  which  might  therefore  be  easily  surprised  by  a  con- 
temptible party  of  the  enemy.  The  number  of  inimical  Indians 
increases.  On  the  affair  of  last  week  only  two  made  their  appear- 
ance. Yesterday  a  party  of  at  least  forty,  supposed  to  be  Buder's 
emissaries,  attacked  Ensign  Sporr  with  sixteen  privates,  who  were 
out  on  fatigue,  cutting  turf  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  from  the 
fort.  One  soldier  was  brought  in  dead  and  inhumanly  mangled  ; 
two  was  brought  in  wounded — one  of  them  sligluly  and  the  other 
mortally.  Six  privates  and  Mr.  Sporr  are  missing.  Two  parties 
were  immediately  sent  to  pursue  the  enemy,  but  they  returned 
without  being  able  to  come  up  with  them.  This  success  will  no 
doubt,  encourage  them  to  send  out  a  greater  number  ;  and  the  in- 
telligence they  may  possibly  acquire,  will  probably  hasten  the  main 
body  desdned  to  act  against  us  in  these  parts.  Our  provision  is  greatly 
diminished  by  reason  of  the  spoiling  of  the  beef,  and  the  quantities 
that  must  be  given  from  time  to  time  to  the  Indians.  It  will  not 
hold  out  above  six  weeks.  Your  Excellency  will  perceive,  in  look- 
ing over  Captain  Savage's  return  of  the  state  of  the  artillery,  that 
some  essential  articles  are  very  scarce.  As  a  great  number  of  the 
bullets  do  not  suit  the  fire-locks,  some  bullet  moulds  of  different 
sizes  for  casting  others,  would  be  of  great  advantage  to  us.  Our 
stock  of  powder  is  absolutely  too  little ;  a  ton,  in  addition  to  what 
we  have,  is  wanted  as  the  lowest  propordon  for  the  shot  we  have 
on  hand.  We  will,  notwithstanding  every  difficulty,  exert  our- 
selves to  the  utmost  of  our  power  ;  and  if  your  Excellency  will  be 
pleased  to  order  a  speedy  reinforcement,  with  a  sufficient  supply  of 
provision  and  ammunition  to  enable  us  to  hold  out  a  siege,  we  will, 
I  hope,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  be  able  to  give  a  good  account  of 
any  force  that  will  probably  come  against  us." 

John  Jay,  then  sitting  in  the  convention  at  Esopus,  wrote  thus: 
— July  21st,  1777 — "  The  situation  of  Tryon  County  is  both 
shameful  and  alarming.  Such  abject  dejecdon  and  despondency, 
as  mark  the  letters  we  have  received  from  thence,  disgrace  human 
nature.     God  knows  what  to  do  with,  or  for  them.     Were  they 

VOL.  II.  15 


il4  STEGE  OF    FORT  STANWIX. 

alone  interested  in  their  fate,  I  should  be  for  leaving  their  cart  in 
the  slough  till  they  would  put  their  shoulder  to  the  wheel. 

*'  Schuyler  has  his  enemies  here,  and  they  use  these  things  to  his 
disadvantage.  Suspicions  of  his  having  been  privy  to  the  evacua- 
tion of  Ticonderoga  spread  wide  ;  and  twenty  little  circumstances, 
which  perhaps  are  false,  are  trumped  up  to  give  colour  to  the 
conjecture." 

But  General  Herkimer  contrived  to  arouse  the  militia  of  his 
neighbourhood  ;  marched  with  a  body  of  militia  to  support  Fort 
Stanwix,  and  had  arrived  within  five  or  six  miles  of  that  post  when 
he  learned  that  Sir  John  Johnson,  with  his  savages,  had  been  sent 
by  St.  Leger  to  intercept  his  force,  not  consisting  of  more  than 
eight  hundred  undisciplined  men.  The  strife  that  ensued  is  called 
the  battle  of  Oriskany,  and  the  field  is  pointed  out  between  Utica 
and  Rome.  At  the  first  fire  of  the  enemy,  many  of  the  militia 
were  killed,  and  some  fled ;  Herkimer  and  a  brave  band  sustained 
the  fight,  even  hand  to  hand  ;  and  the  Indians,  being  worsted,  are 
said  to  have  conceived  that  the  British  had  betrayed  them,  and  in 
their  rage  killed  their  friends,  making  the  confusion  of  a  contest 
carried  on  with  knives,  muskets,  bayonets,  and  tomahawks,  in 
closq  fight,  or  from  behind  logs  and  trees,  more  awful.  Sir  John 
and  his  party  retreated,  and  carried  off  the  slain,  and  several  pri- 
soners. Herkimer  was  wounded  and  carried  to  his  own  house, 
where  he  died. 

Scarce  had  St.  Leger  sent  off  Sir  John  Johnson  with  his  Tories, 
and  Brant  with  his  Indians  to  meet  Herkimer,  when  Colonel  Wil- 
let  made  a  sortie,  and  falhng  upon  the  enemy's  camp,  drove  them 
off,  and  carried  back  a  quantity  of  arms  and  stores.  The  Enghsh 
rallied  and  attempted  to  prevent  his  return  to  the  fort,  but  he 
charged  them  and  carried  ofi:'  his  booty  in  triumph.  The  com- 
mander, Colonel  Gansevoort,  finding  that  the  enemy  increased 
around  him  by  bringing  on  more  savages,  was  anxious  to  call  up- 
on the  country  below  for  relief.  Colonel  Willet  and  Lieutenant 
Stockwell  undertook  the  hazardous  enterprise  of  passing  through 
the  surrounding  host  of  savages  and  other  rangers,  now  made 
watchful  by  the  previous  attacks  ;  and  these  gallant  gentlemen, 
both  skilled  in  Indian  warfare,  crept  on  their  hands  and  knees 
through  the  enemy's  camp,  eluding  even  the  keen  senses  of  the 
savage  warriours,  and  arrived  safe  at  the  head-quarters  of  General 
Schuyler. 

This  produced  the  effect  in  an  unexpected  manner.  As  Arnold 
was  advancing  up  the  Mohawk,  a  fellow  who  was  a  tory,  and  ac- 
cused of  being  a  spy,  w^as  brought  into  his  camp.  After  examin- 
ing the  circumstances,  Arnold  wisely  determined  to  avail  himself 
of  this  man's  service.  He  proposed  to  him  a  scheme  for  alarm- 
ing the  enemy,  particularly  the  savages,  by  announcing  to  them, 


RETREAT  OF    ST.  LEGER.  115 

that  a  formidable  army  was  in  full  march  to  destroy  them  ;  and  as- 
sured him  of  his  life,  and  estate,  if  he  would  enter  heartily  into  the 
interests  of  his  country,  and  faithfully  execute  a  mission  of  this 
nature.  The  spy,  who  was  shrewd  and  resolute,  versed  in  the  lan- 
guage and  manners  of  the  Indians,  acquainted  with  some  of  their 
chiefs,  and  therefore  perfectly  qualified  for  this  business,  readily 
engaged  in  the  enterprise. 

Colonel  St.  Leger  had  pushed  the  siege  with  considerable  acti- 
vity ;  and  advanced  his  v/orks  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
of  the  fort.  Upon  the  spy's  arrival,  he  told  a  lamentable  story  of 
his  being  taken  by  Arnold,  his  escape  from  hanging,  and  the  dan- 
ger which  he  had  encountered  in  his  flight ;  and  declared  at  the 
same  time  that  a  formidable  army  of  Americans  was  marching  with 
full  speed  to  attack  the  British.  The  Americans,  he  observed,  had 
no  hostility  towards  the  Indians,  and  wished  not  to  injure  them  ; 
but  added,  that,  if  the  Indians  continued  with  the  British,  they 
must  unquestionably  take  their  share  of  whatever  calamities  might 
befall  their  allies. 

The  Indians  being  thus  thoroughly  alarm.ed,  a  friendly  chief, 
who  was  in  the  secret,  arrived,  as  if  by  mere  accident ;  and  in  the 
mysterious  manner  of  that  people  began  to  insinuate  to  his  coun- 
trymen, that  a  bird  had  brought  him  intelligence,  of  great  moment. 
This  hint  set  their  curosity  afloat ;  and  excited  a  series  of  anxious 
inquiries.  To  these  he  replied  in  hints,  and  su^^gestions,  concern- 
ing warriours  in  great  numbers,  marching  with  the  utmost  rapidity, 
and  already  far  advanced.  The  Indians,  already  disgusted  with 
the  service,  which  they  found  a  mere  contrast  to  the  promises  of 
the  British  commanders,  and  their  own  expectations,  and  sore  with 
the  loss  which  they  had  sustained  in  the  battle  with  General  Her- 
kimer, were  now  so  completely  alarmed,  that  they  determined  up- 
on an  immediate  retreat. 

St.  Leger,  who  had  unwisely  boasted,  at  first,  of  his  own 
strength,  and  his  future  exploits  against  the  iVmericans,  and  spoken 
contemptuously  of  their  weakness  and  cowardice ;  who  had  pre- 
dicted in  magnificent  terms  the  certainty  of  their  flight ;  and  the 
ease,  and  safety,  with  which  the  Indians  would  reach  Albany ;  had 
disgusted  these  people  thoroughly  by  failing  altogether  of  the  ful- 
filment of  his  promises.  In  vain,  therefore,  did  he  exert  all  his  ad- 
dress, when  he  saw  them  preparing  to  quit  the  ground,  to  dissuade 
them  from  their  purpose.  He  exhorted,  argued,  and  promised  in 
vain.  They  reproached  him  with  having  violated  all  his  former 
promises ;  and  pronounced  him  undeserving  of  any  further  confi- 
dence. He  attempted  to  get  them  drunk  ;  but  they  refused  to 
drink.  When  he  found  all  his  efforts  fruitless,  and  saw  diat  they 
were  determined  to  go,  he  urged  them  to  move  in  the  rear  of  his 
army  ;  but  they  charged  him  with  a  design  to  sacrifice  them  for  his 


116  AFFAIR  OF    BENNINGTON. 

own  safety.  In  a  mixture  of  rage  and  despair,  he  broke  up  hfs 
encampment  with  such  haste,  that  he  left  his  tents,  cannon,  and 
stores  to  the  besieged. 

Thus  was  Burgoyne^s  right  arm  withered  ;  and  the  left,  which 
he  had  stretched  as  far  as  Bennington,  was  arrested  by  our  old 
friend,  Starke,  of  Bunker  Hill  memory,  who  had  been  roused  by 
the  calls  of  General  Schuyler. 

"  On  the  13th  instant,  says  Starke,  whose  letter  I  copy,  I  was 
informed  that  there  was  a  party  of  Indians  at  Cambridge  on  their 
march  to  this  place,  (Bennington.)  I  sent  Lieutenant-colonel 
Grey  of  my  brigade  to  stop  them,  with  two  hundred  men.  In  the 
night  I  was  informed,  by  express,  that  there  was  a  large  body  of 
the  enemy  on  their  march  in  the  rear  of  the  Indians.  I  rallied  all 
my  brigade,  and  what  militia  was  at  this  place,  in  order  to  stop 
their  proceedings.  I  likewise  sent  to  Manchester  to  Colonel  War- 
ner's regiment,  that  was  stationed  there :  likewise  sent  expi-esses 
for  the  militia  to  come  in  with  all  speed  to  our  assistance,  which 
was  punctually  obeyed.  I  then  marched  in  company  with  Colo- 
nels Warner,  Williams,  Herrick,  and  Brush,  with  all  the  men  that 
were  present.  About  five  miles  from  this  place  I  met  Colonel 
Grey  on  his  retreat,  and  the  enemy  in  close  pursuit  after  him.  I 
drew  up  my  little  army  in  order  of  battle  ;  but  when  the  enemy 
hove  in  sight  they  hahed  on  a  very  advantageous  hill  or  piece  of 
ground.  I  sent  out  small  parties  in  their  front  to  skirmish  with 
them,  which  scheme  had  a  good  effect ;  they  killed  and  wounded 
thirty  of  them  without  any  loss  on  our  side.  But  the  ground  that 
I  was  upon  did  not  suit  for  a  general  action.  I  marched  back 
about  one  mile,  and  encamped ;  called  a  council,  and  it  was  agreed 
we  should  send  two  detachments  in  their  rear,  while  the  other  at- 
tacked them  in  front;  but  the  15th  rained  all  day  ;  therefore  had 
to  lay  by,  could  do  nothing  but  skirmish  with  them.  On  the  16thy 
in  the  morning,  was  joined  by  Colonel  Simmons,  with  some  militia 
from  Berkshire  county.  I  pursued  my  plan,  and  detached  Colo- 
nel Nichols  with  two  hundred  men  to  attack  in  die  rear.  I  also 
sent  Colonel  Herrick,  with  three  hundred  men,  in  the  rear  of  their 
right,  both  to  join  to  attack  their  rear.  I  likewise  sent  the  Colo- 
nels Hubbard  and  Stickney  with  two  hundred  men  in  their  right, 
and  sent  one  hundred  men  in  their  front  to  draw  away  their  atten- 
tion that  way  ;  and  about  three  o'clock  we  got  already  for  the  at- 
tack. Colonel  Nichols  began  the  same,  which  was  followed  by  all 
the  rest  of  those  that  were  detached.  The  remainder  of  my  little 
army  I  pushed  up  in  the  front,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  action  be- 
came general.  It  lasted  two  hours,  the  hottest  I  ever  saw  in  my 
life — it  represented  one  continued  clap  of  thunder  ;  however,  the 
enemy  was  obliged  to  give  way,  and  leave  their  field-pieces  and  all 


TRANSACTIO^JS  AT  SARATOGA.  117 

their  baggage  behind  them.  They  were  all  environed  within  two 
breastworks  with  their  artillery. 

"  I  then  gave  orders  to  rally  again,  to  secure  the  victory  :  but  in 
a  few  moments  was  informed  there  was  a  large  reinforcement  on 
their  march,  within  two  miles  of  us. 

*'  Luckily  for  us,  that  moment  Colonel  Warner's  regiment  came 
up  fresh,  who  marched  on  and  began  the  attack  anew.  I  pushed 
forward  as  many  men  as  I  could  to  their  assistance.  The  battle 
condnued  obstinate  on  both  sides  till  sunset ;  the  enemy  was 
obliged  to  retreat ;  we  pursued  them  till  dark  :  but  had  daylight 
lasted  one  hour  longer,  we  should  have  taken  the  whole  body  of 
them.  We  recovered  four  pieces  of  brass  cannon,  some  hundred 
stands  of  arms,  and  brass  barrelled  drums,  several  Hessian  swords, 
about  seven  hundred  prisoners,  two  hundred  and  seven  dead  on 
the  spot ;  the  number  of  wounded  is  yet  unknown.  That  part  of 
the  enemy  that  made  their  escape,  marched  all  night.  We  re- 
turned to  our  camp." 

General  Gates  arrived  in  time  for  both  these  victories  to  be  at- 
tributed to  him,  as  commander  of  the  northern  department. 

General  Burgoyne  made  a  long  pause  at  Fort  Edward.  Schuy- 
ler having  impeded  Wood  Creek,  the  British  could  only  bring 
their  cannon,  batteaux,  provisions  and  other  material  by  the  carry- 
ing place  from  Lake  George  to  the  Hudson. 

Inspirited  by  the  fall  of  St.  Leger,  and  by  the  victory  of  Starke, 
the  militia  poured  in  from  all  quarters.  But  Gates  arrived  on  the 
19th,  in  time  to  receive  Starke's  report  of  the  batde,  and  the  con- 
gratulations of  all  his  partisans :  nay,  the  country  generally,  attri- 
buted every  success  to  him  ;  and  all  the  previous  retrograde  move- 
ments were  ascribed  to  want  of  skill  or  courage  in  the  man  who, 
by  his  foresight,  exertion,  perseverance,  and  firmness,  had  already 
stopped  the  progress  of  the  enemy,  and  prepared  the  victory  for 
his  rival. 

Gates  had  ordered  General  Lewis  to  make  his  camp  at  the  plain 
in  the  vicinity  of  Behmus's  Heights  when  Kosciusko  arrived.  In 
Governour  Lewis's  words  :  "  having  delivered  his  letters,  Kosci- 
usko came  to  the  spot  where  Colonel  Lewis  and  others  were  en- 
gaged in  preparations  for  the  position  of  the  army,  according  to 
the  commanders  directions.  Kosciusko  entered  into  conversation 
with  the  Colonel,  and  remarked,  that  the  place  chosen  by  General 
Gates  was  commanded  by  hills  on  every  side,  and  as  the  enemy 
was  approaching  their  commander  would  undoubtedly  take  advan- 
tage of  the  heights.  "  From  yonder  hill"  said  he,  "  on  the  left," 
pointing  to  the  ground,  afterwards  the  field  of  batde,  and  named 
from  a  farmer  there  residing,  "  your  encampment  may  be  cannon- 
aded by  the  cannon  of  the  enemy,  or  from  that  on  our  right  they 
may  take  aim  at  your  shoe-buckles."     Colonel  Lewis  agreed  with 


118  TRANSACTIONS  AT  SARATOGA. 

him,  and  asked  him  to  communicate  his  opinion  to  General  Gates. 
This  appeared  a  matter  of  difficulty.  It  certainly  would  be  ques- 
tioning the  general's  military  scierfce  or  judgment  of  positions. 
Who  then  was  to  break  the  subject  to  the  chieftain  f  Wilkinson 
was  mentioned  as  the  man  most  in  his  confidence  :  and  Colonel 
Lewis  introduced  Kosciusko  to  him.  Conducted  to  Gates,  the 
engineer  made  his  objections  to  the  intended  encampment,  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  cause  an  order  to  Colonel  Lewis  and  others  of  the 
staff,  immediately  to  accompany  Kosciusko  to  the  neighbouring 
eminences,  and  to  lay  out  the  encampment  as  he  should  direct. 
Arrived  on  Behmus's  Heights,  the  Polander  rode  rapidly  round  a 
part  of  the  hill  and  exclaimed,  "  this  is  the  spot !"  It  was  Colonel 
Lewis's  duty  to  design  the  plan  of  encampment;  but  he,  acknow- 
ledging his  inexperience,  applied  to  the  engineer,  who  immediately 
demanding  and  recei\ang  a  statement  and  enumeration  of  the  va- 
rious corps  of  which  the  army  was  composed,  and  their  several 
characters,  pointed  out  with  promptitude  and  decision  the  position 
for  each  ;  and  before  night  every  division,  brigade  and  regiment, 
was  placed  in  the  quarter  allotted,  and  the  whole  was  found  most 
admirably  fitted  for  defence  as  Avell  as  adapted  to  the  number  of 
men  in  each  corps." 

Burgoyne  did  not  cross  the  Hudson  until  the  13th  and  14th  of 
September,  and  on  the  7th  of  October  made  his  attack,  for  which 
I  again  recur  to  Governour  Lewis  :  "  Burgoyne  having  advanced, 
taken  his  position,  and  reconnoitered  that  of  his  adversary,  saw 
the  necessity  of  turning  the  left  of  the  American  position,  and  on 
the  19th  of  September,  ordered  the  62d  under  General  Frazer  to 
perform  this  service.  This  movement  of  the  British  appears  first 
to  have  attracted  the  attention  of  General  Arnold,  who  sent  an  order 
to  Colonel  Morgan  to  counteract  the  enemy's  intention. 

The  prominent  part  which  Margan  bore  in  the  events  of  this 
stirring  period,  render  proper  a  short  notice  of  his  previous  history. 

Daniel  Morgan  was  born  in  New  Jersey,  in  the  year  1736.  He 
was  a  man  of  gigantick  proporUons,  and  athletick  beyond  most 
men.  Of  humble  parentage,  he  had  little  school  education,  and 
early  in  life  went  to  Virginia  to  "  seek  his  fortune."  He  was  at 
Monongahela  with  Braddock,  Washington,  and  Gates,  but  probably 
unknown  to  either.  In  the  humble  station  of  a  wagoner  attendant 
upon  the  army,  young  Morgan  was,  on  a  charge  of  contumacy  to  a 
British  officer,  tied  up,  and  tortured,  mind  and  body,  by  five  hun- 
dred lashes  on  the  naked  back.  The  youth  bore  this  disgraceful 
infliction  in  a  manner  that  marked  an  intellect  as  powerful  as  his 
body  was  strong.  He  knew  it  was  unjust,  and,  in  a  few  days,  the 
officer  acknowledged  that  he  had  wronged  the  young  provincial, 
and  made  an  apology.  Morgan  might  forgive,  but  such  humiliat- 
ing treatment  could  not  be  forgotten  ;  and  when  in  after  life  he  led 


DANIEL  MORGAN.  119 

his  riflemen  into  action,  he  might  perhaps  remember  the  red-coated 
officer  that  ordered,  and  the  red-coated  drummer  that  inflicted,  five 
hundred  gashes  on  his  quivering  flesh.  He  afterward  served  under 
Colonel  George  Washington  in  the  war  on  the  Virginia  frontier, 
and  experienced  the  horrours  of  Indian  warfare  in  the  provincial 
service.  Before  the  commencement  of  the  dispute  with  England, 
Morgan  became  a  man  of  property,  and  owned  a  plantation  in 
Frederick  county.  Immediately  on  the  news  of  hostilities  he  was 
appointed  a  captain,  and  his  character  for  courage  and  unrivalled 
prowess  gained  him  a  full  complement  of  choice  spirits.  This 
company  was  the  nucleus  of  the  celebrated  corps  that  carried  con- 
fidence to  friends,  and  terrour  to  the  enemy,  throughout  the  revo- 
lutionary war.  He  was  with  Arnold  in  the  unparalleled  march 
through  the  wilderness  to  Quebec — led  the  van  in  the  assault  on 
that  fortress — he  was  a  victor,  and  in  the  town,  when  the  death  of 
Montgomery  consigned  him  and  his  companions  to  captivity.  Af- 
ter being  exchanged,  he  was  appointed  a  colonel,  and  his  rifle  corps 
was  the  efficient  right-hand  of  the  American  army.  Although  the 
commander-in-chief  could  ill  spare  such  an  officer,  and  a  regiment 
dreaded  by  the  foe,  he,  in  August,  1777,  sent  Morgan  and  his  rifle- 
men to  the  support  of  Gates  and  the  northern  army.  It  is  a  matter 
of  general  history,  that  in  every  batde  that  preceeded  the  surrender 
of  the  English  army,  Morgan  and  his  corps  were  conspicuous,  and 
the  enemy  acknowledged  that  their  defeat  was  in  a  great  measure 
owing  to  the  deadly  rifles  and  their  undaunted  leader. 

The  manner  in  which  Morgan  received  Arnold's  order  before  al- 
luded to,  was  witnessed  by  Govenour  Lewis,  and  is  so  admirably 
described,  that  I  must  endeavour  to  use  his  words  :  "  Dr.  Potts,  the 
surgeon  general,  was  in  the  habit  of  indulging  himself  with  a  highly 
seasoned  lunch,  a  broiled  kidney,  if  at  hand,  or  something  equivalent, 
well  peppered  and  called  a  devil.  This  tit  bit  was  prepared  fre- 
quently in  the  marquee  of  Colonel  Lewis,  about  noon,  to  accommo- 
date the  Doctor  ;  which  with  a  can  of  grog,  he  found  it  convenient 
to  take  in  the  quarters  of  the  chief  of  the  staflf.  This  day  Daniel 
Morgan  had  joined  with  some  others  in  the  soldier-like  indulgence. 
I  was  looking  on  the  repast  said  the  General,  and  Morgan  had  the 
can  uplifted,  when  an  orderly  entered  the  tent.  '  Are  you  General 
Arnold's  orderly  ?'  '  Yes,  sir,  and  I  have  a  note  for  Colonel  Mor- 
gan.' It  was  given  as  directed  ;  Morgan  emptied  the  can,  read  the 
note,  and  throwing  it  upon  the  table,  struck  his  gigantick  fist  on 
the  festive  board,  exclaiming,  '  It  shall  be  done  or  my  name  is  not 
Dan !'  He  immediately  rose  and  left  us,  continued  Colonel  Lewis. 
The  quere  was,  what  is  this  that  is  to  be  done  ?  What  is  the  tenor 
of  the  note  ?  There  it  lies,  open — shall  we  read  it  ? — It  is  left  for 
us  to  read  ?  said  Colonel  Lewis  ;  I'll  know  what  it  is,  and  accord- 
ingly he  read  aloud  : 


120  DEATH  OF  GENERAL  FRAZER. 

"  Tlie  enemy  in  force  is  advancing  to  turn  the  left  of  our  posi- 
tion. Colonel  Morgan  will  meet  him  with  his  command  and  im- 
mediately engage  him."  We  now  Itnew  the  meaning  of  '  it  shall 
be  done  or  my  name  is  not  Dan !'  and  we  were  all  eager  to  see 
the  sport.  Our  horses  were  ordered,  and  as  soon  as  we  could 
mount  we  pushed  toward  the  left  of  the  encampment.  The  sound 
of  musketry  directed  us  to  the  promontary  on  which  Kosciusko 
said,  'This  is  the  position  for  us.'  And  looking  down  we  saw 
the  British  advancing,  and  Morgan's  riflemen,  wath  Dearborn's  in- 
fantry, (a  picked  corps  attached  to  this  celebrated  regiment,)  in  the 
act  of  forming  in  three  columns.  Morris,  a  Jerseyman  as  well  as 
Morgan,  was  his  major,  and  commanded  one  :  Butler  another  : 
and  Dearborn  the  third,  being  his  command  of  350  light  infantry, 
who  advanced  with  fixed  bayonets.*  Dearborn  led  ;  and  the  rifle- 
men followed — the  British  broke — and  as  soon  as  Morgan's  sharp- 
shooters had  gained  a  field  of  wheat  stubble,  a  clearing  on  which 
the  girdled  trees  stood  lifting  their  dead  tops  to  the  sky,  and  afford- 
ing by  their  trunks  an  inviting  shelter  for  the  marksman,  than 
every  man  selected  a  tree,  and  of  the  62d  regiment  which  marched 
up  in  full  strength,  only  a  beggarly  few  were  left  to  answer  at  the 
next,  muster." 

It  was  here  that  General  Frazer  fell ;  and  it  has  been  snid,  that 
Morgan  regretted  to  his  last  hour,  that  he  pointed  him  out  to  his 
riflemen,  and  ordered  them  to  take  aim  at  the  general  officer  on 
the  white  horse,  as  he  was  General  Frazer  and  the  soul  of  the 
field. 

This  story  in  all  its  parts  General  Lewis  controverts.  In  the 
first  place,  Morgan  did  not  know  Frazer ;  who  had  not  been  pre- 
viously in  any  action,  or  any  place  where  the  colonel  of  the  rifle 
corps  could  have  met  him  :  having  joined  the  army  of  Burgoyne 
directly  from  England.  Secondly,  he  fell  at  a  distance  so  great 
from  Morgan,  at  the  time,  that  (independant  of  smoke)  he  could 
not  have  seen  or  distinguished  him.  Thirdly,  by  the  testimony  of 
Captain  Bibby,  who  was  one  of  Frazer's  aids,  that  general  was  not 
on  horseback  when  he  received  his  wound.  He  and  his  suite  had 
been  mounted  and  reconnoiiering  previously,  but  concluding  from 
appearances  that  no  action  would  take  place,  had  dismissed  the 
horses  of  the  company  ;  and  although,  when  the  Americans  were 
advancing  he  had  again  ordered  the  steeds  to  be  brought,  he  was 
killed  before  their  arrival,  standing  in  the  rear  of  the  62d  regiment. 
This  statement  was  confirmed  to  General  Lewis  by  Captain  Val- 
ancey,  an  officer  who  was  near  Frazer  when  he  fell ;  and  Valancey 
was  subsequently  a  prisoner  with  the  Americans.  So  uncertain  is 
history  !     So  difficult  is  it  to  arrive  at  truth  ! 


*  Morgan  directed  the  whole. 


Clinton's  expedition  up  the  Hudson.  121 

After  the  battle  of  the  19th  of  September,  Gen.  Burgoyne  took  a 
position  almost  withm  cannon  shot  of  the  American  camp,  fortified 
his  right  wing,  and  rested  with  his  left  upon  the  Hudson.  Thus  the 
two  armies  remained  until  the  7th  of  October :  Burgoyne  in  the  hope 
of  aid  from  below,  where  he  knew  by  advice  from  Clinton  that  he  was 
advancing ;  and  Gates  receiving  additional  troops  every  day.  From 
congress,  the  general  received  complimentary  resolves ;  and  from  one 
of  the  members,  James  Lovell,  before  mentioned,  a  letter  containing 
expressions  which  show  the  progress  of  the  cabal  against  the  com- 
mander-in-chief. He  says,  if  Gates  would  allow  Burgoyne  leisure, 
he  might  write  a  farce  "  at  the  expense  of  congress  at  least,  if  not 
at  the  expense  of  congress  and  General  Washington."  He  inti- 
mates that  people  say  Howe  would  not  have  advanced  seventy 
miles  from  his  ships  if  Gates  had  been  in  his  neighbourhood  ;  and 
concludes  with  this  curious  paragraph  :  "  By  the  w^inter,  the  middle 
army  will  be  divided  into  Greenites  and  Miffiinites,  if  things  do  not 
take  a  great  turn  from  their  present  situation." 

While  these  important  ev^ents  were  going  forward  in  the  north, 
an  expedition  from  New  York  was  undertaken  by  Sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton. His  obvious  intention  was  to  relieve  General  Burgoyne;  but 
it  was  undertaken  at  too  late  a  period  to  render  him  any  assistance 
— a  fact  admitted  by  Sir  Henry  himself — who  excused  the  delay 
by  stating  that  he  could  not  attempt  it  sooner  without  leaving  the 
defences  of  New  York  too  feebly  guarded.  This  expedition  con- 
sisted of  about  three  thousand  men,  convoyed  by  a  fleet  under 
Commodore  Hotham,  who  proceeded  up  the  Hudson  River  early 
in  October,  and  was  destined,  in  the  first  instance,  against  Forts 
Montgomery  and  Clinton,  near  the  southern  boundary  of  the  High- 
lands. These  fortresses  had  been  constructed  chiefly  for  the  pur- 
pose of  preventing  the  ships  of  the  enemy  from  ascending  the  river, 
and  were  not  defensible  in  the  rear.  They  were  commanded  by 
Governour  Clinton,  with  the  assistance  of  General  James  Clinton, 
his  brother. 

The  troops  of  the  enemy  were  landed  at  Stoney  Point,  twelve 
miles  below  the  forts.  A  small  advanced  party  of  the  Americans 
was  met  and  attacked  at  about  10  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  6th 
of  October,  when  within  two  and  a  half  miles  of  the  fort.  This 
party  was  of  course  driven  in,  having  returned  the  enemy's  fire. 
When  arrived  within  a  mile  of  the  forts.  Sir  Henry  divided  his 
troops  into  two  columns ;  the  one,  consisting  of  nine  hundred  men 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Campbell,  was  destined  for  the  attack 
on  Fort  Montgomery  ;  the  other,  under  the  immediate  command 
of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  was  to  storm  the  stronger  post  of  Fort 
Clinton.  Ascertaining  that  the  enemy  were  advancing  to  the  west 
side  of  the  mountain,  to  attack  his  rear,  Governour  Clinton  ordered 
a  detachment  of  upwards  of  one  hundred  men,  under  Col.  Lamb, 

VOL.  II.  16 


122  Clinton's  expedition  up  the  Hudson. 

together  with  a  brass  field-piece  and  fifty  men  more,  to  take  a  strong 
position  in  advance.  They  were  soon  sharply  engaged,  and  ano- 
ther detachment  of  an  equal  number  was  sent  to  their  assistance. 
They  kept  their  field-piece  sharply  playing  upon  the  enemy's  ad- 
vancing column,  and  were  only  compelled  to  give  way  by  the  point 
of  the  bayonet — spiking  their  field-piece  before  they  relinquished 
it.  In  this  preliminary  encounter  the  loss  of  Sir  Henry  was  se- 
vere. 

Pressing  rapidly  onward,  both  forts  were  in  a  few  minutes  at- 
tacked with  vigour  upon  all  sides.  The  fire  was  incessant  during 
the  afternoon  until  about  five  o'clock,  when  a  flag  approaching, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Livingston  was  ordered  to  receive  it.  The 
officer  was  the  bearer  of  a  peremptory  summons  to  surrender,  as 
he  alleged,  to  prevent  the  effusion  of  blood.  Nor  would  he  treat, 
unless  upon  the  basis  of  a  surrender  of  the  garrison  as  prisoners  of 
war,  in  which  case  he  was  authorized  to  assure  them  of  good  usage. 
The  proposition  being  rejected  with  scorn,  in  about  ten  minutes 
the  attack  was  renewed,  and  kept  up  until  after  dark,  when  the 
enemy  forced  the  American  Hnes  and  redoubts  at  both  forts,  and 
the  garrisons,  determined  not  to  surrender,  undertook  to  fight  their 
way  out.  The  last  attack  of  the  enemy  was  desperate  ;  but  the 
AmeVicans,  militia  as  well  as  regulars,  resisted  with  great  spirit,  and 
favoured  by  the  darkness,  many  of  them  escaped.  Governour 
Clinton  himself  escaped  by  leaping  a  precipice  in  the  dark,  and 
jumping  into  a  boat,  in  wliich  he  was  conveyed  away.  His  brother 
was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner.  Of  the  British  forces.  Lieuten- 
ant-colonel Campbell  and  Count  Grabouski,  a  Polish  nobleman, 
engaged  as  a  volunteer,  were  slain.*  The  loss  of  the  Americans, 
killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  was  stated  at  two  hundred  and  fifty. 
The  British  loss  was  stated  at  two  hundred,  but  was  beUeved  to 
have  been  much  more  than  that  of  the  Americans. 

On  the  7th,  a  summons  to  surrender,  signed  jointly  by  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  and  Commodore  Hotham,  was  sent  to  Fort  Constitution; 
but  the  flag  was  fired  upon  and  returned.  To  avenge  the  insult, 
an  attack  was  immediately  determined  upon  ;  but  on  arriving  at 
the  fort  on  the  following  day,  there  was  no  enemy  to  assault — an 
evacuation  having  taken  place,  so  precipitate  as  to  leave  considera- 
ble booty  to  the  conqueror  ;  Sir  Henry  Clinton  proceeded  no  far- 
ther ;  but  a  strong  detachment  of  his  army,  under  General  Vaughan, 
pursued  the  enterprise,  with  Commodore  Hotham,  as  far  north  as 
Esopus,  destroying  several  vessels  by  the  way.  At  Esopus  Creek 
there  were  two  small  batteries  and  an  armed  galley,  mounting, 
however,  in  all,  but  six  or  seven  guns.  These  were  easily  silenced. 
General  Vaughan  then  effected  a  landing,  marched  to  the  town, 
and  laid  it  in  ashes.  Large  quantities  of  stores  had  been  accumu- 
lated at  this  place,  which  were  of  course  destroyed.    Disappointed, 


TRANSACTIONS  AT  SARATOGA.  123 

however,  by  the  disastrous  campaign  of  Burgoyne,  Sir  Henry 
CHnton  made  an  expeditious  return  to  the  city.* 

To  return  to  the  north.  On  the  4th  of  October,  Burgoyne  sent 
for  Generals  PhilHps,  Riedesel,  and  Frazer,  to  consult  with  them 
on  the  best  measures  to  be  taken.  His  project  was  to  attack  and 
attempt  to  turn  the  left  wing  of  the  Americans  at  once ;  but  the 
other  generals  judged  that  it  would  be  dangerous  to  leave  their 
stores  under  so  feeble  a  protection  as  eight  hundred  men,  accord- 
ing to  the  proposition  of  their  commander.  A  second  consultation 
was  held  on  the  5th,  at  which  General  Riedesel  positively  declared 
that  the  situation  of  the  army  had  become  so  critical,  that  they  must 
either  attack  and  force  the  entrenchments  of  Gates,  and  thus  bring 
about  a  favourable  change  of  affairs,  or  recross  the  Hudson,  and 
retreat  upon  Fort  George.  Frazer  approved  of  the  latter  sugges- 
tion, and  Phillips  declined  giving  an  opinion.  General  Burgoyne, 
to  whom  the  idea  of  retreating  was  most  unwelcome,  declared  that 
he  would  make,  on  the  7th,  a  reconnoisance  as  near  as  possible  to 
the  left  wing  of  the  Americans,  with  a  view  of  ascertaining  whether 
it  could  be  attacked  with  any  prospect  of  success.  He  would 
afterward  either  attack  the  army  of  Gates,  or  retreat  by  the  route  in 
the  rear  of  Battenkill.  This  was  his  final  determination,  and  dis- 
positions were  made  accordingly. 

Early  in  the  afternoon  of  the  7th,  General  Burgoyne  drew  out 
fifteen  hundred  men,  for  the  purpose  of  making  his  proposed  recon- 
noisance— which  he  headed  himself,  attended  by  Generals  Phillips, 
Riedesel,  and  Frazer.  They  advanced  in  three  columns  toward 
the  left  wing  of  the  American  positions,  entered  a  wheat  field,  dis- 
played into  line,  and  then  began  cutting  up  the  wheat  for  forage. 
The  movement  having  been  seasonably  discovered,  the  centre  ad- 
vanced guard  of  the  Americans  beat  to  arms  ;  the  alarm  was  re- 
peated throughout  the  line,  and  the  troops  repaired  to  the  alarm 
posts.  Colonel  Wilkinson  being  at  head-quarters  at  the  moment, 
was  despatched  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  the  alarm.  He  proceeded 
to  within  sixty  or  seventy  rods  of  the  enemy,  ascertained  their  posi- 
tion, and  returned — informing  General  Gates  that  they  w^eie  forag- 
ing— attempting  also  to  reconnoitre  the  American  left,  and  likewise, 
in  his  opinion,  offering  battle.  After  a  brief  consultation,  Gates 
said  he  would  indulge  them ;  and  Colonel  Morgan,  whose  rifle 
corps  was  formed  in  front  of  the  centre,  was  directed  "  to  begin 
the  game."  At  his  own  suggestion,  however,  Morgan  was  allowed 
to  gain  the  enemy's  right  by  a  circuitous  course,  while  Poor's  bri- 
gade should  attack  his  left.  The  movement  was  admirably  execu- 
ted ;  the  New  York  and  New  Hampshire  troops  attacked  the  enemy's 


*  Stone's  Life  of  Brant,  Vol.  I.  pp.  281-283. 


124  TRANSACTIONS  AT  SARATOGA. 

front  and  left  wing  with  great  impetuosity  ;  while,  true  to  his 
purpose,  Morgan,  just  at  the  critical  moment,  poured  down  like  a 
torrent  from  the  hill,  and  attacked  the  enemy's  right  in  front  and 
flank.  The  attack  was  soon  extended  along  the  whole  front  of  the 
enemy  with  great  determination.  Major  Ackland,  at  the  head  of 
the  grenadiers,  sustained  the  attack  of  Poor  with  great  firmness. 
But  on  his  right,  the  light  infantry,  in  attempting  to  change  front, 
being  pressed  with  ardour  by  Colonel  Dearborn,  were  forced  to 
retire  under  a  close  fire,  and  in  great  disorder.  They  were  re- 
formed by  the  Earl  of  Balcarras  behind  a  fence  in  the  rear  of  their 
first  position  ;  but  being  again  attacked  with  great  audacity  in  front 
and  flanks  by  superiour  numbers,  resistance  became  vain,  and  the 
whole  lincj  commanded  by  Burgoyne  in  person,  gave  way,  and 
made  a  precipitate  and  disorderly  retreat  to  his  camp.  The  right 
of  Burgoyne  had  given  way  first,  the  retreat  of  which  was  covered 
by  the  light  infantry  and  a  part  of  the  24th  regiment.  The  left 
wing  in  its  retreat  would  have  inevitably  have  been  cut  to  pieces, 
but  for  the  intervention  of  the  same  troops,  performing  in  its  behalf 
the  same  service  that,  a  few  moments  before,  they  had  done  for  the 
right.  This  retreat  took  place  in  exactly  fifty-two  minutes  after  the 
first  shot  was  fired — the  enemy  leaving  two  twelve  and  six  six- 
pounders  on  the  field,  with  the  loss  of  more  than  four  hundred  offi- 
cers and  men,  killed,  wounded,  and  captured  ;  and  among  them 
the  flower  of  his  officers,  viz  :  General  Frazer,  Major  Ackland,  Sir 
Francis  Cook,  and  many  others. 

The  British  troops  had  scarcely  entered  their  lines,  When  the 
Americans,  led  by  General  Arnold,  pressed  forward,  and,  under  a 
tremendous  fire  of  grape-shot  and  musketry,  assaulted  their  works 
throughout  their  whole  extent,  from  right  to  left.  Towards  the 
close  of  the  day,  the  enemy's  intrenchments  were  forced  by  the 
left  of  the  Americans,  led  by  Arnold  in  person,  who,  with  a  few 
of  his  men,  actually  entered  the  works  ;  but  his  horse  being  killed, 
and  the  general  himself  badly  wounded  in  the  leg,  they  were  forced 
to  retire,  and  the  approach  of  darkness  induced  them  to  desist  from 
the  attack.  Meantime,  on  the  left  of  Arnold's  detachment,  the 
Massachusetts  troops,  under  Colonel  Brooks,  had  been  still  more 
successful — having  turned  the  enemy's  right,  and  carried  by  storm 
the  works  occupied  by  the  German  reserve.  Colonel  Breyman, 
their  commander,  was  killed;  and  his  corps,  reduced  to  two  hun- 
dred men,  and  hotly  pressed  on  all  sides,  was  obliged  to  give  way. 
This  advantage  was  retained  by  the  Americans ;  and  darkness  put 
an  end  to  an  action  equally  brilliant  and  important  to  the  continen- 
tal arms.  Great  numbers  of  the  enemy  were  killed,  and  two  hundred 
prisoners  taken.      The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  inconsiderable.* 


Stone's  Life  of  Brant,  Vol.  I.  pp.  271-273. 


ARNOLD  AT  SARATOGA.  125 

In  the  night  Burgoyne  drew  off  his  array,  and  placed  them  in  a 
stronger  position  on  the  heights,  nearer  to  the  source  of  the  river — 
thus  avoiding  an  engagement  with  an  enemy  who  possessed  part 
of  his  works,  and  lay  ready  to  renew  the  attack  in  the  morning. 

Of  Arnold's  behaviour  at  the  battle  of  the  7th  of  October,  Mr. 
Sparks*  gives  this  account :  "  Arnold  having  no  command,  was  dis- 
covered to  be  in  a  state  of  high  excitement  and  apparent  irritation. 
He  continued  in  camp  for  some  time,  but  at  length,  without  instruc- 
tions or  permission,  rode  off  in  a  full  gallop  to  the  field  of  battle. 
This  being  told  to  Gates,  he  sent  Major  Armstrong  after  him  with 
orders.  As  soon  as  Arnold  saw"  Armstrong,  anticipating  the  pur- 
port of  his  message,  and  doubtless  remembering  the  peremptory 
order  to  return  w'hile  on  his  way  out  to  the  former  action,  he  put 
spurs  to  his  horse  and  quickened  his  speed.  iVrmstrong  pursued, 
tracing  the  erratic  movements  of  Arnold,  and  keeping  up  the  chase 
for  half  an  hour,  without  being  able  to  approach  near  enough  to 
speak  to  him.  And  in  fact,  Arnold  received  no  orders  during  the 
day,  but  rode  about  the  field  in  every  direction,  seeking  the  hottest 
parts  of  the  action,  and  issuing  his  commands  w^ierever  he  went. 

"Being  the  highest  officer  in  rank,  that  appeared  on  the  field, his 
orders  were  obeyed  when  practicable  ;  but  all  accounts  agree,  that 
his  conduct  was  rash  in  the  extreme,  indicating  rather  the  frenzy  of 
a  madman,  than  the  considerate  wisdom  of  an  experienced  general. 
He  threw  himself  heedlessly  into  the  most  exposed  situations, 
brandishing  his  sword  In  the  air,  animating  his  troops,  and  urging 
them  forward.  But  the  brilliant  manoeuvre  with  which  the  engage- 
ment was  closed,  the  assault  of  the  enemy's  works  and  driving  the 
Hessians  from  their  encampment,  was  undoubtedly  owing  in  the 
first  case  to  Arnold.  He  gave  the  order,  and  by  his  personal 
bravery  set  an  example  to  the  troops,  which  inspired  them  with 
ardour  and  hurried  them  onward.  He  was  shot  through  the  leg 
whilst  riding  gallantly  into  the  sally-port,  and  his  horse  fell  dead 
under  him.  The  success  of  the  assault  was  complete,  and  crowned 
the  day  wdth  victory. 

"It  is  a  curious  fact,  that  an  officer  who  really  had  no  command 
in  the  army,  was  the  leader  in  one  of  the  most  spirited  and  important 
battles  of  the  revolution.  His  madness,  or  rashness,  or  whatever 
it  may  be  called,  resulted  most  fortunately  for  himself.  The  wound 
he  received,  at  the  moment  of  rushing  into  the  very  arms  of  danger 
and  of  death,  added  fresh  lustre  to  his  military  glory,  and  was  a 
new  claim  to  public  favour  and  applause.  In  the  heat  of  the  action 
he  struck  an  officer  on  the  head  with  his  sword,  an  indignity  and 
offence,  which  might  justly  have  been  retaliated  on  the  spot  In  the 


*  American  Biog.  Vol.  III.  pp.  117,  118,  119. 


126  ARNOLD  AT  SARATOGA. 

most  fatal  manner.  The  officer  forbore  :  and  the  next  day,  when 
he  demanded  redress,  Arnold  declared  his  entire  ignorance  of  the 
act,  and  expressed  his  regret.  Some  persons  ascribed  his  wild 
temerity  to  intoxication,  but  Major  Armstrong,  who  assisted  in  re- 
moving him  from  the  field,  was  satisfied  that  this  was  not  true. 
Others  said  he  took  opium.  This  is  conjecture,  unsustained  by 
proofs  of  any  kind,  and  consequently  improbable.  His  vagaries 
may  perhaps  be  sufficiently  explained  by  the  extraordinary  circum- 
stances of  wounded  pride,  anger,  and  desperation,  in  which  he 
was  placed.  Gates  was  not  on  the  field,  nor  indeed  did  he  leave 
his  encampment  during  either  of  the  battles  of  Behmus's  Heights." 

The  bone  of  Arnold's  leg  being  fractured  he  was  removed  to 
Albany,  where  he  remained  confined  to  his  room  all  winter.  His 
suflTering  situation  was  somewhat  mitigated  by  a  resolution  of  con- 
gress, which  was  a  salve  to  his  wounded  honour.  They  gave  him 
the  rank  which  was  fully  his  due,  and  General  Washington  accom- 
panied the  information  with  a  request  that  he  would  repair  to  the 
army  as  soon  as  his  honourable  wounds  would  permit,  that  his 
country  might  have  his  services  in  the  ensuing  campaign.  In  the 
spring  he  went  to  New  Haven,  and  was  received  with  marked 
respect  for  his  military  character,  and  while  there  General  Wash- 
ington showed  his  sense  of  his  eminent  qualifications  for  the  tented 
and  embatded  field,  by  dividing  with  him  and  General  Lincoln  three 
setts  of  military  ornaments,  which  had  been  presented  by  a  person 
in  France,  to  the  first  of  American  captains,  and  the  two  chieftains 
he  should  consider  worthy  to  share  the  compliment  with  him.  This 
was  a  testimony  which  the  conduct  of  Arnold  in  scpnes  of  blood 
deserved :  when  next  he  becomes  conspicuous  in  the  history  of 
New  York,  we  shall  see  how  Httle  he  deserved  to  be  ranked  with 
Lincoln  and  Washington  as  the  assertor  of  his  country's  rights  and 
the  promoter  of  her  happiness. 

We  now  return  to  the  the  closing  scenes  of  the  great  drama  of 
Saratoga.  After  the  decisive  victory  obtained  by  the  American 
army  on  the  7th  of  October,  all  were  now  animated  by  success. 
Next  day.  General  Gates  threw  large  detachments  higher  up  the 
river  to  oppose  the  retreat  of  the  enemy  ;  but  did  not  venture  to 
attack  him  in  his  new  position.  Burgoyne,  however,  was  obliged 
to  abandon  the  strong  post  he  had  chosen.  On  the  night  of  the 
10th  of  October,  he  retreated  to  Saratoga  with  the  loss  of  his  hos- 
pital, and  part  of  his  baggage  and  provision.  He  gained  a  position 
on  the  bank  of  the  Hudson,  but  found  his  antagonists  already  on 
the  opposite  side  prepared  to  dispute  his  passage.  The  British 
army  was  now  surrounded  by  a  constantly  increasing,  and  already 
numerically  superiour  force,  flushed  with  victory,  and  anticipating 
complete  conquest.  All  these  advantages  were  nearly  lost.  On 
the  morning  of  the  11th,  Gates  informed  his  general  officers  of  his 


CAPTURE  OF  BURGOYNE.  127 

having  received  certain  intelligence  that  the  main  body  of  the  Bri- 
tish army  had  been  marched  off  for  Fort  Edward  ;  and  that  only 
the  rear  guard  was  now  in  the  camp,  who  were  to  follow,  leaving 
the  heavy  baggage  behind.  In  consequence,  orders  were  issued 
to  attack  the  camp  forthwith  ;  and  the  officers  repaired  to  their 
posts  accordingly.  The  oldest  brigade  crossed  the  Saratoga  creek, 
and  a  second  bi'igade  was  following,  when,  by  the  accidental  en- 
counter of  an  English  deserter,  General  Glover  learned  that  the 
whole  army  were  in  the  encampment,  and  he  found  that  the  Ame- 
rican troops  were  marching  directly  upon  Burgoyne's  park  of  artil- 
lery, masked  by  a  line  of  brushwood.  The  adv^ancing  troops  were 
halted  ;  Gates  countermanded  his  orders,  and  the  brave  men  so 
nearly  sacrificed,  retreated  ;  but  not  without  loss  from  the  fire 
opened  upon  them  by  the  enemy's  batteries.  It  was  on  this  occa- 
sion that  the  British  burnt  Schuyler's  house,  mills,  and  other  build- 
ings, as  they  sheltered  the  Americans  from  the  artillery.  Burgoyne's 
situation  was  now  nearly  desperate.  His  Indians  and  Canadians 
had  deserted  him.  He  had  no  hopes  of  aid  from  Sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton. His  gallant  army  was  reduced  from  nearly  eight  thousand, 
to  three  thousand  five  hundred  fighting  men.  He  was  surrounded 
by  enemies  increasing  daily,  and  already  four  times  his  number. 
Of  provisions  he  had  not  more  than  enougli  for  three  days.  Thus 
circumstanced,  he  resolved  to  abandon  every  thing  but  the  arms  of 
his  companions,  and  such  food  as  they  could  carry  on  their  backs, 
and  to  force  a  march  up  the  river  by  night,  cross,  and  push  for 
Fort  George.  But  even  this  was  found  impracticable.  Every 
avenue  of  escape  was  guarded.  He  was  obliged  to  open  a  treaty 
with  Gates,  which  terminated  in  surrender,  by  a  convention. 

Had  Schuyler  retained  the  command  of  the  army  as  much 
would  have  been  gained,  if  not  more.  He  would  have  had  the 
same  Morgan  and  Arnold  to  assist  him.  The  militia  were  already 
encouraged  by  the  success  of  Starke,  Willet,  and  Gansevoort ; 
and  the  jealousy  of  the  New  England  men  would  not  have  prevented 
them  from  defending  their  firesides,  or  sharing  in  the  triumphs,  a 
prospect  of  which  was  fully  open  to  them  before  Philip  Schuyler 
was  superseded  by  a  m.an  immeasurably  his  inferlour.  But  a 
British  army  surrendered  to  Horatio  Gates,  and  the  whole  conti- 
nent rang  with  shouts  and  songs  of  praise  to  the  conqueror  of 
Burgoyne.  Schuyler  was  forgotten,  or  vilified  ;  and  in  comparison 
with  the  triumphant  Englishman,  Washington  was  considered  un- 
worthy of  confidence.  Such  was  popular  delusion,  heightened  by 
ihe  artful  and  selfish. 

Mr.  Stone*  says,  "  flushed  with  his  fortuitous  success,  or  rather 


*  Stone's  life  of  Brant,  Vol.  I,  p.  278. 


128  GATES's  ARROGANCE. 

with  the  success  attending  his  fortuitous  position,  Gates  did  not 
wear  his  honour  with  any  remarkable  meekness.  On  the  contrary, 
his  bearing  even  toward  the  commander-in-chief  was  far  from  re- 
spectful. He  did  not  even  write  to  Washington  on  the  occasion, 
until  after  a  considerable  time  had  elapsed.  In  the  first  instance 
Wilkinson  was  sent  as  the  bearer  of  despatches  to  congress,  but 
did  not  reach  the  seat  of  that  body  until  fifteen  days  after  the  articles 
of  capitulation  had  been  signed  ;  and  three  days  more  were  occu- 
pied in  arranging  his  papers  before  they  were  presented.  The  first 
mention  which  Washington  makes  of  the  defeat  of  Burgoyne,  is 
contained  in  a  letter  written  to  his  brother  on  the  ISth  of  October 
— the  news  having  been  communicated  to  him  by  Governour  Clin- 
ton. He  spoke  of  the  event  again  on  the  16th,  in  a  letter  addressed 
to  General  Putnam.  On  the  25th,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  that  of- 
ficer, he  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  a  copy  of  the  articles  of  capi- 
tulation from  him — adding,  that  that  was  the  first  authentick  intelli- 
gence he  had  received  of  the  affair,  and  that  he  had  begun  to  grow 
uneasy,  and  almost  to  suspect  that  the  previous  accounts  were  pre- 
mature. And  it  was  not  until  the  2d  of  November  that  Gates  deigned 
to  communicate  to  the  commander-in-chief  a  word  upon  the  sub- 
ject, _  and  then  only  incidentally,  as  though  it  were  a  matter  of 
secondary  importance." 

Although  Schuyler  had  no  command,  he  had  never  ceased  his  ser- 
vices, and  was  with  the  American  army.  Gen.  Burgoyne  gives  this 
testimonial  of  Schuyler's  gentlemanly  deportment :  "  I  positively  as- 
sert that  there  was  no  fire  by  order  or  countenance  of  myself  or  any 
other  officer,  except  at  Saratoga.  That  district  is  the  property  of 
General  Schuyler.  There  were  large  barracks  built  by  him  :  they 
took  fire  by  accident,  when  filled  with  my  sick  and  wounded  sol- 
diers. General  Schuyler  had  likewise  a  very  good  dwelling-house, 
exceeding  large  storehouses,  great  saw-mills,  and  other  out-build- 
ings, to  the  value,  perhaps,  of  ten  thousand  pounds.  A  few  days 
before  the  negotiation  with  General  Gates-,  the  enemy  were  ap- 
proaching to  pass  a  small  river  preparatory  to  a  general  action,  and 
were  covered  from  the  fire  of  my  artillery  by  those  buildings.  I 
gave  the  order  to  set  them  on  fire  :  that  whole  property  I  have 
described  was  consumed.  One  of  the  first  persons  I  saw  after  the 
convention  was  signed,  was  General  Schuyler.  I  expressed  my 
regret  at  the  event  which  had  happened,  and  the  reasons  which  had 
occasioned  it.  He  desired  me  to  think  no  more  of  it ;  said  that 
the  occasion  justified  it,  according  to  the  rules  and  principles  of 
war,  and  he  should  have  done  the  same.  He  did  more — he  sent 
an  aid-de-camp  to  conduct  me  to  Albany,  in  order,  as  he  express- 
ed, to  procure  me  better  quarters  than  a  stranger  might  be  able  to 
find.  This  gentleman  conducted  me  to  a  very  elegant  house,  and, 
to  my  great  surprise,  introduced  me  to  Mrs.  Schuyler  and  her 


GENTLEMANLY  DEPORTMENT  OF  SCHUYLER.      129 

femily ;  and  in  this  general's  house  I  remained  during  my  whole 
stay  at  Albany,  with  a  table  of  more  than  twenty  covers  for  me 
and  my  friends,  and  every  other  demonstration  of  hospitality." 

The  Baroness  Riedesel  says,  "  when  I  drew  near  the  tent,  a 
good-looking  man  advanced  towards  me,  and  helped  the  children 
from  the  calash,  and  kissed  and  caressed  them  ;  he  then  offered 
me  his  arm,  and  tears  trembled  in  his  eyes.  '  You  tremble,'  said 
he  ;  'do  not  be  alarmed,  I  pray  you.'  '  Sir,'  cried  I,  *  a  coun- 
tenance so  expressive  of  benevolence,  and  the  kindness  which  you 
have  evinced  towards  my  children,  are  sufficient  to  dispel  all  appre- 
hension.' He  then  ushered  me  into  the  tent  of  General  Gates. 
The  gentleman  who  had  received  me  with  so  much  kindness,  came 
and  said  to  me,  '  You  may  find  it  embarrassing  to  be  the  only  lady 
in  such  a  large  company  of  gendemen ;  will  you  come  with  your 
children  to  my  tent,  and  partake  of  a  frugal  dinner  offered  with  the 
best  will  ?'  '  By  the  kindness  you  show  to  me,'  returned  I,  '  you 
induce  me  to  believe  that  you  have  a  wife  and  children.'  He  in- 
formed me  that  he  was  General  Schuyler.  Never  did  a  dinner  give 
me  so  much  pleasure  as  this." 

Burgoyne  did  not  receive  intelligence  of  the  success  of  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  at  the  forts  in  the  Highlands  until  after  his  surren- 
der. This  may  be  attributed  to  the  failure  of  a  message  despatched 
by  the  English  commander-in-chief,  who  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
American  Clinton,  by  one  of  those  apparent  accidents  that  rule  the 
fate  of  men  and  armies.  The  messenger  bore  a  letter  enclosed  in 
a  silver  ball,  with  only  the  words  "  nous  y  void  :  and  nothing  be- 
tween us  but  Gates."  The  unfortunate  bearer  had  to  pass  the 
American  posts  in  disguise,  and  would  probably  have  done  so  in 
safety,  but  that  a  New  England  regiment  under  Colonel  Webb  had 
joined  Governour  Clinton,  who  was  at  ^ew  Windsor  collecting 
troops,  and  the  soldiers  were  clothed  in  red  coats,  which  had  been 
taken  in  an  English  store  ship  :  some  of  them  were  on  guard  at  an 
out-post,  and  the  spy  mistaking  them  for  friends,  put  himself  in 
their  power  and  betrayed  his  quality.  He  swallowed  the  silver 
ball,  but  too  late  :  an  emetic  revealed  his  errand,  and  the  poor 
wretch  was  sacrificed  to  the  policy  (perhaps  the  justice)  of  war. 
To  this  circumstance  was  owing  the  ignorance  of  Burgoyne,  that 
the  southern  British  army  was  on  its  way  to  his  relief.  Had  this 
messenger  reached  him,  he  might  not  have  risked  the  fatal  en- 
counter on  Behmus's  Heights;  but  it  is  vain  to  indulge  in  surmises 
of  what  might  have  been — the  duty  of  history  is  to  record  that 
which  we  know  hccs  been. 

Wilkinson,  as  we  have  seen,  was  entrusted  with  the  despatches 
of  Gates  to  congress,  announcing  an  army's  surrender,  and  loitering 
by  the  way,  a  member  proposed  as  his  reward  for  his  news  a  pair 
of  gold  spurs. 

VOL.  II.  17 


130  CONSTITUTION  OF  NEW  YORK. 

This  year  (1777)  cannot  be  passed  over  without  noticing  the 
formation  of  a  written  Constitution v  for  what  was  now  declared  to 
be  the  State  of  PSew  York.  The  convention  held  at  Kingston, 
declared  that  no  authority  should  on  any  pretence  whatever,  be 
exercised  over  the  people  or  members  of  this  state,  but  such  as 
should  be  derived  from  or  granted  by  them  ;  and  it  vested  the 
supreme  legislative  power,  in  two  distinct  bodies  constituting  col- 
lectively the  legislature.  It  is  dated  at  Kingston,  20th  April,  1777, 
and  signed  Leonard  Gansevoort,  Pres,  pro.  tem.  Among  the 
members  of  this  convention  we  find  some  of  the  most  illustrious 
names  in  our  state  history — John  Jay,  Gouverneur  Morris  and 
others.  Of  the  patriotism,  intelligence  and  integrity  of  those  who 
formed  the  old  constitution  there  can  be  no  question — nor  is 
there  a  question  but  that  it  contained  its  faults  and  imperfections. 
But  those  might  have  been  gradually  healed  by  some  few  gentle 
applications,  or  what  were  better,  the  slow  but  steady  and  salutary 
influence  of  time  and  usage.  This  venerable  monument  of  the 
wisdom  of  our  hia:h  minded  ancestors  has  been  stricken  to  the 
dust.  Not  content  with  mildly  lopping  off  some  few  excresences, 
or  some  limbs  which  drew  away  too  much  of  the  nutriment  from 
the  other  branches,  we,  mad  and  reckless  have  destroyed  the 
whole  tree  ;  and  by  the  Constitution  of  November  10,  1S21, 
substituted  a  new  system,  which  has  yet  to  run  its  career  of  ex- 
periment— perhaps  of  mischief :  which  reduces  the  people  to  a 
populace,  and  concedes  to  the  populace  the  right  of  legislating  upon 
the  most  momentous  subjects — the  power  of  making,  altering  or 
abrogating  the  fundamental  laws — the  constitution  'itself — almost 
without  restraint.* 


*  See  New  Const,  of  N.  Y.  Art.  2,  Sect.  I.  The  value  of  the  electoral  fran- 
chise has  been  still  further  lowered.  And  see  Art.  8,  as  to  amendments.  Numbers 
of  those  who  voted  for  the  convention  which  formed  the  new  Constitution  thought 
of  nothing  more  than  to  get  rid  of  the  councils  of  appointment  and  revision.  One 
bad  feature  of  the  old  constitution  is  retained,  the  inability  of  the  highest  judicial 
officers  to  continue  in  the  exercise  of  their  duties  after  sixty  years  of  age;  (James 
Kent !  Ambrose  Spencer  !  Smith  Thompson  !  I  will  not  travel  beyond  the  limits 
of  our  own  state.)  They  may  be  removed  by  joint  resolution  of  the  two  houses 
of  the  legislature,  if  two  thirds  of  the  members  elect  of  the  Assembly,  and  a  ma- 
jority of  the  members  elect  of  the  Senate  concur. — Art.  I,  Sect.  13.  Was  not 
this  last  provision  enough  for  all  beneficial  purposes  ? 


INTRIGUES  AGAINST  WASHINGTON.  131 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Intrigues  against  Washington — France  becomes  a  party  in  the  war 
— Alarming  situation  of  Washington — Noble  conduct  of  Colonel 
William  Duer — Conway — Lafayette — Falsehood  and  meanness 
of  Gates. 

1777  On  the  17th  of  October,  Burgoyne  surrendered.     Gates 

imitated,  on  the  meeting  with  his  humbled  adversary,  the 
conduct  of  the  Black  Prince,  when  from  real  or  affected  humility 
he  entered  London  with  the  captive  King  of  France. 

How  he  deigned  to  communicate  the  news  of  his  success  to  the 
commander-in-chief,  has  already  been  stated  ;  yet  he  was  carrying 
on  a  correspondence  with  his  Irish  friend,  Conway,  in  which 
Washington  was  treated  with  contempt. 

This  slight  put  upon  Washington  was  premeditated,  as  is  proved 
by  a  letter  from  Wilkinson  to  Gates,  of  November  the  4th,  saying 
that  he  is  often  asked  the  cause  of  this  omission.  It  is  further  re- 
lated, respecting  Morgan,  that  when  the  conquerour  entertained 
the  British  officers  who  were  prisoners,  and  invited  his  own  to  meet 
them,  Morgan  was  omitted ;  but  accidentally  coming  into  the  ge- 
neral's quarters  on  business,  when  he  departed,  his  name  w^as  men- 
tioned, and  all  the  Britons  eagerly  rose  and  followed  to  see  the 
man  to  whom  they  attributed,  in  a  great  measure,  their  defeat. 

The  flatteries  that  poured  in  upon  him  w^ere  such  as  his  mind 
could  not  bear.  His  cabal  openly  declared  that  he  alone  was  fit 
for  the  supreme  command.  As  a  step  towards  it,  on  the  27th  of 
November,  he  was  appointed  president  of  the  board  of  war,  and  his 
friend  Mifflin  was  one  of  his  council.  The  board  appointed  Con- 
way inspector-general,  with  the  rank  of  major-general,  and  powers, 
"  in  effect,"  says  Marshall,  "  paramount  to  those  of  the  comman- 
der-in-chief," A  majority  of  congress  confirmed  this  appointment, 
although  this  man  had  been  recently  detected  in  an  infamous  cor- 
respondence with  Gates,  and  was  denounced  by  Washington  as  a 
*' dangerous  incendiary."  Happily,  General  Greene  and  a  num- 
ber of  field-officers  would  not  submit  to  the  indignity  of  seeing  this 
upstart  foreign  officer  placed  in  such  an  office  in  defiance  of  the 
commander-in-chief.  They  remonstrated ;  Conway  was  obliged 
to  retire  ;  and  the  cabal  was  defeated  in  this  part  of  their  intrigue. 
Of  General  Gates  as  president  of  the  board  of  war,  I  will  only  ob- 


132  ALARMING  SITUATION  OF  WASHINGTON. 

serve,  that  none  of  his  plans  were  successful,  or  any  of  his  measures 
efficacious. 

I  must  limit  myself  to  events  in  our  state,  or  those  immediately 
adjoining,  and  refer  to  Marshall's  history,  to  Washington's  let- 
ters, and  other  works,  for  the  movements  more  to  the  south.  Great 
was  the  necessity  in  which  the  commander-in-chief  stood  for  re- 
inforcements, and  urgent  his  call  for  the  troops  which  the  conven- 
tion of  Saratoga  left  available.  But  Gates  seemed  disposed  to 
withhold  them  as  much  as  possible.  Intoxicated  by  the  applauses 
of  congress  and  the  country,  he  felt  that  the  supreme  command  of 
the  armies  of  the  continent  was  within  his  grasp. 

The  hints  and  insinuations  of  Lee,  the  calumnies  of  Gates  and 
his  adherents,  had  produced  a  party  in  congress  that  amounted  to 
a  majority.  The  Irish  officer  who  had  been  in  the  French  ser- 
vice, Conway,  soon  became  one  of  Gates's  faction,  and  violently 
opposed  to  Washington  and  his  friends,  particularly  to  the  Baron 
de  Kalb  and  the  Marquis  Lafayette.  This  Conway,  became  dis- 
agreeable to  Washington,  first  by  presumption,  and  then  in  con- 
sequence of  a  disclosure  made  of  a  paragraph  in  a  letter  from  him  to 
Gates,  in  which  he  says,  ''^  Heaven  has  been  determined  to  save  your 
country^  or  a  weak  general  and  had  counsellors  would  have 
ruined  it.^^ 

France  had  secretly  encouraged  the  discontent,  and  joyfully  seen 
the  rebellion  of  the  subjects  of  her  great  rival.  Now  that  an  army 
had  surrendered,  the  mask  was  thrown  off,  and  war  was  proclaimed, 
and  an  army  was  promised  the  United  States.  The  motive  was  not 
considered,  and  gratitude  filled  every  American  breast. 

General  Washington  attributed  the  successes  of  Sir  William 
Howe  in  Pennsylvania,  and  his  own  consequent  disasters,  to  the 
apathy  and  disaffection  of  the  people  of  that  state.  In  one  of  his 
letters  on  the  subject,  he  says — "  The  northern  army,  before  the 
surrender  of  General  Burgoyne,  was  reinforced  by  upwards  of 
twelve  hundred  mihtia,  who  shut  the  only  door  by  which  Bur- 
goyne could  retreat,  and  cut  off  all  his  supplies.  How  different 
our  case !  The  disaffection  of  a  great  part  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
state,  the  languor  of  others,  and  the  internal  distraction  of  the  whole, 
have  been  among  the  great  and  insuperable  difficulties  which  I 
have  met  with,  and  have  contributed  not  a  little  to  my  embarrass- 
ments this  campaign."* 

Many  other  letters  from  the  commander-in-chief,  written  du- 
ring the  winter  and  spring  of  1778,  complain  of  the  con- 
duct of  the  people  of  Pennsylvania,  in  supplying  the  enemy  in 
Philadelphia  with  provisions  —  particularly  from  Bucks  County. 


Letter  of  Washington  to  Landon  Carter— October  27th,  1777. 


COLONEL  WILLIAM  DUER.  133 

In  a  letter  to  Major-general  Armstrong,  of  that  state,  dated  at  Val- 
ley Forge,  March  27th,  he  says — "  The  situation  of  matters  in  this 
state  is  melancholy  and  alarming.  We  have  daily  proof  that  a  ma- 
jority of  the  people  in  this  quarter  are  only  restrained  from  supply- 
ing the  enemy  with  horses  and  every  kind  of  necessary,  through 
fear  of  punishment ;  and,  although  I  have  made  a  number  of  se- 
vere examples,  I  cannot  put  a  stop  to  the  intercourse." 

The  legislature  met  at  Kingston,  on  the  1st  of  September,  1777, 
but  did  not  form  a  quorum  until  the  10th  ;  when  Govenour  Clin- 
ton, in  his  speech,  applauded  the  garrison  of  Fort  Schuyler,  spoke 
of  the  brave  General  Herkimer,  and  praised  the  miilitia  of  Tryon 
county.  He  mentions  in  terms  of  exultation  the  complete  victory 
near  Bennington,  gained  by  the  militia  of  ^ew  Hampshire,  Mas- 
sachusetts and  the  northeastern  counties  of  New  York.  At  this 
time  the  legislature  appointed  delegates  to  the  continental  congress. 
They  were,  Philip  Livingston,  James  Puane,  Francis  Lewis,  Wil- 
liam Duer,  and  Governeur  Morris.  The  assembly  was  interrupted 
in  its  work  of  peace  by  the  attack  upon  the  Highlands,  and  was  dis- 
solved October  7th;  but  on  the  oth  of  January,  1778,  they  met 
again  at  Poughkeepsie. 

The  commander-in-chief  passed  the  winters  of  1777  and  '8,  in 
the  cantonment  of  Schuylkill,  his  best  troops  mutinous  from  want 
of  necessaries,  he  says,  the  want  of  provision,  clothing,  and  other  es- 
sentials, is  charged  to  my  account,  not  only  by  the  vulgar,  but  by 
those  in  power. 

The  board  of  war  consisted  of  General  Gates,  president ;  Ge- 
neral Mifflin,  quarter-master-general ;  Joseph  Trumbull,  commis- 
sary-general;  and  Pickering,  Folsom,  etc. 

Gates,  Mifflin,  and  Trumbull,  were  all  absent  from  Little  York 
where  congress  sate,  the  enemy  being  at  Philadelphia. 

The  confederacy  of  sovereign  states  had  before  1777,  been  in 
many  instances,  found  wanting.  In  July,  1778,  the  confederacy 
was  signed,  but  October  the  14th,  1777,  congress  resolved,  that 
no  state  should  be  represented  by  more  than  seven  members  nor  less 
than  two.  New  York  had  but  two  members  present,  barely  suffi- 
cient to  give  her  a  vote  ;  one  of  those  was  lying  sick ;  this  was  a 
situation  which  rendered  her  a  nullity,  and  a  day  was  appointed  by 
the  cabal,  to  nominate  a  committee  to  arrest  Washington  at  the  Val- 
ley Forge,  they  having  a  majority  owing  to  the  absence  of  New 
York. 

Francis  Lewis,  the  only  member  from  New  York  capable  of 
taking  his  place,  sent  to  the  absentee.  Colonel  William  Duer 
sent  for  his  physician.  Doctor  Jones,  and  demanded  whether  he 
could  be  removed  to  the  courthouse,  (or  place  of  meeting.)  "  Yes, 
but  at  the  risk  of  your  life."  "  Do  you  mean  that  I  should  expire 
before  reaching  the  place  .'*"    "  No  ;  but  I  would  not  answer  for  your 


134  Conway's  intrigues. 

life,  twenty-four  hours  afterward."  "  Very  well,  sir  ;  you  have 
done  your  duty,  prepare  a  litter  foi;me — if  you  refuse — some  one 
else  shall — but  I  prefer  your  care  in  this  case." 

The  litter  was  prepaied,  and  the  sick  man  ready  to  sacrifice  his 
life  for  his  country,  when  the  faction,  baffled  by  the  arrival  of  Go- 
verneur  Morris,  and  by  the  certainty  of  New  York  being  against 
them,  gave  up  the  attempt,  and  the  hazardous  experiment  on 
the  part  of  Colonel  Duer,  was  rendered  unnecessary. 

General  Gates  and  suite,  of  whom  Colonel  Lewis  was  one, 
were  detained  at  the  Susquehanna  three  days,  during  which  Gover- 
neur  Morris  joined  them.  On  their  arrival  at  Little  York,  Colonel 
Lewis  and  Gouverneur  Morris,  immediately  repaired  to  the  quarters 
of  the  New  York  delegation;  and  found  Colonel  Duer  on  the  lit- 
ter surrounded  by  blankets,  attended  by  his  physician  and  carriers, 
ready  to  go  to  the  court-house  where  congress  met. 

After  the  surrender  of  an  army,  few  of  the  military  events  which 
passed  in  New  Yoik  seem  worthy  of  history.  Uqtil  1778,  the  per- 
secutions of  the  commander-in-chief  continued. 

The  expressions  of  Conway  were  repeated  to  Washington,  and 
(as  Mifflin  informed  Gates  by  letter)  were  enclosed  by  the  general 
to  Conway  without  remarks,  who,  says  Mifflin,  supported  the  opin- 
ion he  had  given,  "the  sentiment  was  not  apologized  for."  Gates, 
on  receiving  this  information  from  Mifflin,  wrote  to  Conway,  en- 
treating to  know  which  of  the  letters  w^as  copied  off,  and  to  Mifflin, 
expressing  his  uneasiness  and  anxiety  to  discover  the  villain  who 
had  "  played  him  this  treacherous  trick."  He  likewise  immedi- 
ately wrote  a  letter  to  General  Washington,  conjuring  him  to  as- 
sist, as  he  says,  in  "tracing  out  the  author  of  the  infidelity  which 
put  extracts  from  General  Conway's  letters  to  me  into  your  hands." 
He  says,  the  letters  have  been  "  stealingly  copied."  This,  instead 
of  being  sent  direct  to  the  general,  was  enclosed  to  congress.  Upon 
hearing  of  this  discovery,  Lafayette  wrote  to  Washington,  inform- 
ing him  of  Conway's  endeavours  by  flattery  to  gain  his  confidence, 
and  to  make  a  breach  between  him  and  the  general,  so  as  to  in- 
duce Lafayette  to  leave  the  country. 

There  are  documents  extant  in  which,  at  this  very  time,  he  ex- 
presses his  enmity  to  Lafayette.  But  a  just  estimate  of  this  at- 
tempt upon  General  Wasliington  can  only  be  formed  by  reading  all 
the  letters  published  by  Mr.  Sparks.  I  will  only  say  further,  that 
as  Gales  had  enclosed  his  letter  to  the  commander-in-chief  in  one 
to  congress,  he  sent  his  answer  in  the  same  manner.  Washington 
tells  Gates  that  he  had  viewed  Conway  as  a  stranger  to  him,  and 
had  no  thought  that  they  were  correspondents,  "  much  less  did  I 
suspect  that  I  was  the  subject  of  your  confidential  letters."  He 
says,  that  on  receiving  this  extract,  he  considered  it  as  a  friendly 
warning  from  Gates  to  forearm  him  "  against  a  secret  enemy,  or  in 


FALSEHOOD  AND  MEANNESS  OF  GATES.  135 

Other  words,  a  dangerous  incendiary  ;  in  which  character,  sooner 
or  later,  this  country  will  know  General  Conway :  but  in  this,  as 
in  other  matters  of  late,  I  have  found  myself  mistaken."  Gates 
then  endeavoured  to  persuade  the  general  that  the  extract  was  a 
forgery.  The  answer  of  Washington  exposed  the  falsehood  of  the 
assertion,  and  showed  the  contradiction  in  which  this  weak  man's 
own  statements  had  involved  him.  Gates  replied  by  a  mean  apo- 
logy on  the  19th  of  February,  1778,  filled  with  such  falsehoods  as 
these  :  "  As  to  the  gentleman,"  Conway,  "  1  have  no  personal  con- 
nexion with  him,  nor  had  I  any  correspondence  previous  to  his 
writing  the  letter  which  has  given  offence.  I  solemnly  declare  I 
am  of  no  faction."  He  disavows  any  intention  of  giving  offence 
to  his  "  Excellency,"  and  concludes  humbly  "  with  great  respect." 
I  make  use  of  the  word  falsehood,  because  in  the  papers  left  by 
Gates,  and  now  in  a  publick  library,  are  the  proofs  that  these  as- 
sertions are  void  of  truth.  Washington  answered  this  apology 
very  coldly,  thus:  "Your  repeatedly  and  solemnly  disclaiming 
any  offensive  views,  in  those  matters  which  have  been  the  subject 
of  our  past  correspondence,  makes  me  willing  to  close  with  the  de- 
sire you  express,  of  burying  them  hereafter  in  silence,  and,  as  far 
as  future  events  will  permit,  oblivion.  I  am,  sir  your  most  obe- 
dient servant." 

In  the  meantime  General  Washington  received  information, 
from  various  quarters,  of  the  efforts  made  to  overthrow  him,  and  a 
most  positive  indication  of  their  success,  by  the  appointment,  as  we 
have  seen,  of  this  Conway,  notwithstanding  the  known  opinions  of 
Washington  and  Lafayette,  to  the  office  of  inspector-general  and 
the  rank  of  major-general,  to  the  excessive  disgust  of  the  American 
brigadiers.  The  whole  of  this  infamous  proceeding  on  the  part  of 
the  faction  in  congress,  of  Gates,  Conway  and  others,  can  only  be 
appreciated  by  reading  all  the  documents  published,  and  some  yet 
unpublished,  in  the  library  of  the  Historical  Society. 

When  Sir  William  Howe  was  recalled  from  the  command  in 
America,  the  British  officers  and  Philadelphia  ladies,  gave  him  a 
great  fete,  and  Sir  Henry  Clinton  took  the  command  of  the  troops. 
He  evacuated  the  city,  and  embarked  his  army  at  Monmouth  for 
New  York,  but  not  before  Charles  Lee  had  so  behaved  at  the  bat- 
tle of  Monmouth,  as  to  relieve  Washington  from  one  of  his  greatest 
open  enemies. 

The  British  fleet  and  army  arrived  in  the  harbour  of  New  York 
in  time  to  escape  an  action  with  the  French  fleet,  who  finding  they 
were  too  late,  sailed  to  the  north.  The  commander-in-chief,  and 
the  main  army  were  so  disposed,  as  to  prevent  Sir  Henry  from 
making  any  attempt  on  the  Hudson. 


136  PRISONERS  AND  PRISON  SHIPS. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Prisoners  and  Prison  Shij^^s, 

1776  The  prisoners  taken  on  Long  Island  and  at  Fort  Wash- 

ington, were  at  first  shut  up  in  the  College,  and  in  the 
1780  "  new,  or  middle  Dutch  church,  in  Nassau  and  Cedar 
streets."  An  old  gentleman  living  in  1837,  who  was  one 
of  Captain  Vandyke's  grenadiers,  and  made  prisoner  on  the  27th 
of  x\ugust,  says,  he  saw^  the  "great  fire"  from  the  College  windows. 
Another  gentleman,  Mr.  John  Pintard,  who  is  still  with  us,  and 
who  as  a  young  man  was  an  assistant  to  his  uncle,  Mr.  Lewis 
Pintard,  appointed  by  congress  to  supply  necessary  clothing  for 
the  American  prisoners  during  a  part  of  the  war,  gives  us  some 
particulars  which  are  very  valuable,  as  he  was  in  New  York,  and 
had  an  opportunity  for  acquiring  knowledge  respecting  his  sufl?ering 
countrymen-  He  tells  us,  in  a  published  document,  that  in  the 
church  above  mentioned,  "  the  sick,  the  wounded,  and  well,  were 
all  indiscriminately  huddled  together  by  hundreds  and  thousands — 
large  numbers  of  whom  died  by  disease — and  many  undoubtedly 
poisoned  by  inhuman  attendants,  for  the  sake  of  their  watches  or 
silver  buckles." 

We  must  remember  that  he  speaks  of  the  time  immediately  fol- 
lowing the  battle  of  Brooklyn  :  the  recent  occupancy  of  the  city  by 
the  victors,  the  conflagration  of  a  great  portion  of  it,  and  the  capture 
of  the  brave  men  at  Fort  Washington — all  tending  to  create  disor- 
der in  every  department  of  the  then  conquering  army.  The  writer 
proceeds  to  mention  circumstances  witnessed  and  remembered  by 
myself.  He  says,  *'  This  church  (the  middle  Dutch)  was  after- 
ward converted  into  a  riding  school  for  training  dragoons.  The 
extensive  sugar-house  in  Liberty  street,  and  the  north  Dutch 
church,  were  also  used  as  prisons.  The  new  Quaker  meeting- 
house, formerly  in  Pearl  street,  was  appropriated  as  a  hospital. 
The  seamen  were  confined  on  board  the  prison-ships,  where  they 
suffered  every  hardship  to  compel  them  to  enter  into  the  British 
service,  and  were  consigned  to  disease  and  death  by  hundreds. 
The  provost  was  destined  for  the  more  notorious  rebels,  civil,  naval, 
and  military.  An  admission  into  this  modern  bastile  was  enough 
to  appal  the  stoutest  heart.     On  the  right  hand  of  the  main  door 


PRISONERS  AND  PRISON  SHIPS.  137 

was  Captain  Cunningham's  quarters,  opposite  to  which  was  the 
guard-room.  Within  the  first  barricade  was  Sergeant  Keefe's 
apartment.  At  the  entrance-door  two  sentinels  were  ahvays  posted 
by  day  and  night ;  two  more  at  the  first  and  second  barricades, 
which  were  grated,  barred,  and  chained ;  also  at  the  rear  door, 
and  on  the  platform  at  the  grated  door  at  the  foot  of  the  second 
flight  of  steps,  leading  to  the  rooms  and  cells  in  the  second  and 
third  stories.  When  a  prisoner,  escorted  by  soldiers,  was  led  into 
the  hall,  the  whole  guard  was  paraded,  and  he  was  delivered  over, 
with  all  formality,  to  Captain  Cunningham  or  his  deputy,  and  ques- 
tioned as  to  his  name,  rank,  size,  age,  etc.,  all  of  which  were  en- 
tered in  a  record  book.  What  with  the  bristling  of  arms,  unbolting 
of  bars  and  locks,  clanking  of  enormous  iron  chains,  and  a  vestibule 
as  dark  as  Erebus,  the  unfortunate  captive  might  well  sink  under 
this  infernal  sight  and  parade  of  tyrannical  power,  as  he  crossed  the 
threshold  of  that  door  which  probably  closed  on  him  for  life.  But 
it  is  not  our  wish  to  revive  the  horrours  attendant  on  our  revolution- 
ary war;  grateful  to  Divine  Providence  for  its  propitious  issue,  we 
would  only  remark  to  the  existing  and  rising  generation,  that  the 
independence  of  the  United  States,  and  the  civil  and  religious  lib- 
erty they  now  enjoy,  were  achieved  and  purchased  by  the  blood 
and  sufferings  of  their  patriotic  forefathers.  May  they  guard  and 
transmit  the  boon  to  their  latest  posterity. 

"  The  northeast  chamber,  turning  to  the  left,  on  the  second  floor, 
was  appropriated  to  officers,  and  characters  of  superiour  rank  and 
distinction,  and  was  called  Congress  Hall.  So  closely  were  they 
packed,  that  when  they  lay  down  at  night  to  rest,  when  their  bones 
ached  on  the  hard  oak  planks,  and  they  wished  to  turn,  it  was  alto- 
gether by  word  of  command,  ^^  right — /c/?,"  being  so  wedged  and 
compact  as  to  form  almost  a  solid  mass  of  human  bodies.  In  the 
day  time  the  packs  and  blankets  of  the  prisoners  were  suspended 
around  the  walls,  every  precaution  being  used  to  keep  the  rooms 
ventillated,  and  the  walls  and  floors  clean,  to  prevent  jail  fever;  and, 
as  the  provost  was  generally  crowded  with  American  prisoners,  or 
British  culprits  of  every  description,  it  is  really  wonderful  that  in- 
fection never  broke  out  within  its  walls. 

"  In  this  gloomy  terrifick  abode,  were  incarcerated  at  different 
periods,  many  American  officers  and  citizens  of  distinction,  awaiting 
with  sickening  hope  and  tantalizing  expectation  the  protracted  pe- 
riod of  their  exchange  and  liberation.  Could  these  dumb  walls 
speak,  what  scenes  of  anguish,  what  tales  of  agonizing  woe,  might 
they  disclose  ! 

*'  Among  other  characters,  there  were,  at  the  same  time,  the  fa- 
mous Colonel  Ethan  Allen,  and  Judge  Fell,  of  Bergen  county. 
New  Jersey.  When  Captain  Cunningham  entertained  the  young 
British  officers,  accustomed  to  command  the  provost  guard,  by  dint 

VOL.  II.  IS 


138  *  JERSEY  PRISON  SHIP. 

of  curtailing  the  prisoner's  rations,  exchanging  good  for  bad  pro- 
visions, and  other  embezzlements  practised  on  John  Bull,  the  cap- 
tain, his  deputy,  and  indeed  the  commissaries  generally,  were  ena- 
bled to  fare  sumptuously.  In  the  drunken  orgies  that  usually  ter- 
minated his  dinners,  the  captain  would  order  the  rebel  prisoners  to 
turn  out  and  parade,  for  the  amusement  of  his  guests — pointing 
them  out — "  this  is  the  damned  rebel.  Colonel  Ethan  Allen — that  a 
rebel  judge,  an  Englishman,"  etc.  etc. 

The  writer  well  remembers  the  Rev.  Thomas  Andros,  a  presby- 
terian  clergyman,  who,  when  a  youth,  shipped  himself  as  a  priva- 
teersman  from  New  London.  He  was  taken,  and  confined  in  this 
sepulchre,  where  the  living,  the  dying,  and  the  dead,  formed  one 
mass,  of  which  the  latter  description  was  the  most  enviable.  I  am 
far  from  charging  upon  the  deputy  commissaries  the  misery  w^hich 
my  countrymen  suffered  in  the  prison  ships ;  but  I  must  think  that 
there  was  culpable  neglect  or  designed  cruelty  on  the  part  of  the 
commander-in-chief  of  the  British  army,  or  a  criminal  thirst  for 
riches  on  the  part  of  Sprout.     Mr.  Andros  says  : 

"  We  were  captured  on  the  27th  August,  by  the  Solebay  frigate, 
and  safely  stowed  away  in  the  old  Jersey  prison  ship,  at  New  York. 
This  was  an  old  sixty-four  gun  ship,  which  through  age  had  be- 
come unfit  for  further  actual  service.  She  was  stripped  of  every 
spar  an-d  all  her  rigging.  After  a  battle  with  the  French  fleet,  her 
lion  figure-head  was  taken  away  to  repair  another  ship  ;  no  appear- 
ance of  ornament  was  left,  and  nothing  remained  but  an  old,  un- 
sightly, rotten  hulk.  Her  dark  and  filthy  external  appearance 
perfectly  corresponded  with  the  death  and  despair  that  reigned 
within  ;  and  nothing  could  be  more  foreign  from  truth  than  to  paint 
her  with  colours  flying,  or  any  circumstance  or  appendage  to  please 
the  eye.  She  was  moored  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  to  the 
eastward  of  Brooklyn  Ferry,  near  a  tide-mill,  on  the  Long  Island 
shore.  The  nearest  distance  to  land,  was  about  twenty  rods.  And 
doubtless  no  other  ship  in  the  British  navy  ever  proved  the  means 
of  the  destruction  of  so  many  human  beings.  It  is  computed  that 
not  less  than  eleven  thousand  American  seamen  perished  in  her. 
But  after  it  was  known  that  it  was  next  to  certain  death  to  confine 
a  prisoner  here,  the  inhumanity  and  wickedness  of  doing  it,  was 
about  the  same,  as  if  he  had  been  taken  into  the  city  and  deliber- 
ately shot  on  some  publick  square.  But  as  if  mercy  had  fled  from 
the  earth,  here  we  were  doomed  to  dwell.  And  never  while  I  was 
on  board  did  any  Howard  or  angel  of  pity  appear  to  inquire  into 
or  alleviate  our  woes.  Once  or  twice,  by  the  order  of  a  stranger 
on  the  quarter-deck,  a  bag  of  apples  was  hurled  promiscuously 
into  the  midst  of  hundreds  of  prisoners  crowded  together  as  thick 
as  they  could  stand,  and  life  and  limbs  were  endangered  by  the 
scramble.     This,  instead  of  compassion,  was  a  cruel  sport.    When 


JERSEY  PRISON  SHIP.  139 

I  saw  it  about  to  commence,  I  fled  to  the  most  distant  part  of  the 
ship. 

''  On  the  commencement  of  the  first  evening,  we  were  driven 
down  to  darkness  between  decks,  secured  by  iron  gratings  and  an 
armed  soldiery.  And  now  a  scene  of  horrour,  which  baffles  all 
description,  presented  itself.  On  every  side,  wretched,  despond- 
ing shapes  of  men,  could  be  seen.  Around  the  well-room  an  armed 
guard  were  forcing  up  the  prisoners  to  the  winches,  to  clear  the 
ship  of  water,  and  prevent  her  sinking  ;  and  little  else  could  be 
heard  but  a  roar  of  mutual  execrations,  reproaches,  and  insults. 
During  this  operation,  there  was  a  small  dim  light  admitted  below, 
but  it  served  to  make  darkness  more  visible,  and  horrour  more  ter- 
rifick.  In  my  reflections  I  said,  this  must  be  a  complete  image  and 
anticipation  of  hell. 

*'  When  I  first  became  an  inmate  of  this  abode  of  suffering,  des- 
pair, and  death,  there  were  about  four  hundred  prisoners  on  board, 
but  in  a  short  time  they  amounted  to  twelve  hundred.  And  in 
proportion  to  our  numbers,  the  mortality  increased. 

"  All  the  most  deadly  diseases  were  pressed  into  the  service  of 
the  king  of  terrours,  but  his  prime-ministers  were  dysentery,  small- 
pox, and  yellow  fever.  There  were  two  hospital  ships  near  to  the 
old  Jersey,  but  these  w^ere  soon  so  crowded  with  the  sick,  that 
they  could  receive  no  more.  The  consequence  was,  that  the  dis- 
eased and  the  healthy  were  mingled  together  in  the  main  ship.  In 
a  short  time  we  had  two  hundred  or  more  sick  and  dying,  lodged 
in  the  fore  part  of  the  lower  gun-deck,  where  all  the  prisoners  were 
confined  at  night.  Utter  derangement  was  a  common  symptom  of 
yellow  fever,  and  to  increase  the  horrour  of  the  darkness  that  shroud- 
ed us,  (for  we  were  allowed  no  light  betwixt  decks,)  the  voice  of 
warning  would  be  heard — *  Take  heed  to  yourselves ;  there  is  a 
mad  man  stalking  through  the  ship  with  a  knife  in  his  hand.'  I 
sometimes  found  the  man  a  corpse  in  the  morning  by  whose  side  I 
laid  myself  down  at  night.  At  another  time  he  would  become  de- 
ranged, and  attempt  in  darkness  to  rise  and  stumble  over  the  bodies 
that  every  where  covered  the  deck.  In  this  case  I  had  to  hold  him 
in  his  place  by  main  strength.  In  spite  of  my  efforts  he  would 
sometimes  rise,  and  then  I  had  to  close  with  him,  trip  up  his  heels, 
and  lay  him  again  upon  the  deck.  While  so  many  were  sick  with 
raging  fever,  there  was  a  loud  cry  for  water,  but  none  could  be  had 
except  on  the  upper  deck,  and  but  one  allowed  to  ascend  at  a  time. 
The  suffering  then  from  the  rage  of  thirst  during  the  night  was  very 
great.  Nor  was  it  at  all  times  safe  to  attempt  to  go  up.  Provoked 
by  the  continual  cry  for  leave  to  ascend,  when  there  was  already 
one  on  deck,  the  sentry  would  push  them  back  with  his  bayonet. 
By  one  of  these  thrusts,  which  was  more  spiteful  and  violent  than 
common,  I  had  a  narrow  escape  of  my  life.     In  the  morning  the 


140  JERSEY  PRISON  SHIP. 

hatchways  were  thrown  open,  and  we  were  allowed  to  ascend,  all 
at  once,  and  remain  on  the  upper  deck  during  the  day.  But  the 
first  object  that  met  our  view  in  the  morning  was  a  most  appalling 
spectacle.  A  boat  loaded  with  dead  bodies,  conveying  them  to  the 
Long  Island  shore,  where  they  were  very  slightly  covered  with 
sand.  I  sometimes  used  to  stand  to  count  the  number  of  times  the 
shovel  was  filled  with  sand  to  cover  a  dead  body  ;  and  certain  I 
am,  that  a  few  high  tides  or  torrents  of  rain  must  have  disinterred 
them.  And  had  they  not  been  removed,  I  should  suppose  the 
shore,  even  now,  would  be  covered  with  huge  piles  of  the  bones  of 
American  seamen.  There  were,  probably,  four  hundred  on  board 
who  had  never  had  the  small-pox — some,  perhaps,  might  have  been 
saved  by  inoculation. 

"  But  humanity  was  wanting  to  try  even  this  experiment.  Let 
our  disease  be  what  it  would,  we  were  abandoned  to  our  fate. 
Now  and  then  an  American  physician  was  brought  in  as  a  captive, 
but  if  he  could  obtain  his  parole  he  left  the  ship,  nor  could  we 
much  blame  him  for  this;  for  his  own  death  was  next  to  certain, 
and  his  success  in  saving  others  by  medicine,  in  our  situation,  was 
small.  I  remember  only  two  American  physicians  who  tarried  on 
board  a  few  days.  No  English  physician,  or  any  one  from  the 
city,  ever,  to  my  knowledge,  came  near  us.  There  were  thirteen 
of  the  crew  to  which  I  belonged,  but  in  a  short  time  all  but  three  or 
four  were  dead.  The  most  healthy  and  vigorous  were  first  seized 
with  the  fever,  and  died  in  a  few  hours.  For  them  there  seemed 
to  be  no  mercy.  My  constitution  was  less  muscular  and  plethorick, 
and  I  escaped  the  fever  longer  than  any  of  the  thirteen  except  one, 
and  the  first  onset  was  less  violent. 

*'  There  is  one  palliating  circumstance  as  to  the  inhumanity  of 
the  British,  which  ought  to  be  mentioned.  The  prisoners  were 
furnished  with  buckets  and  brushes  to  cleanse  the  ship,  and  with 
vinegar  to  sprinkle  her  inside.  But  their  indolence  and  despair 
were  such  that  they  would  not  use  them,  or  but  rarely.  And,  in- 
deed, at  this  time,  the  encouragement  to  do  it  was  small — for  the 
whole  ship,  from  her  keel  to  the  tafFrail,  was  equally  infected,  and 
contained  pestilence  sufficient  to  desolate  a  world.  Disease  and 
death  were  wrought  into  her  very  timbers.  At  the  time  I  left,  it  is 
to  be  presumed,  a  more  filthy,  contagious,  and  deadly  abode  for 
human  beings,  never  existed  among  a  christianized  people.  It  fell 
but  little  short  of  the  Black  Hole  at  Calcutta.  Death  was  more 
lingering,  but  almost  equally  certain. 

"  If  there  was  any  principle  among  the  prisoners  that  could  not 
be  shaken,  it  was  the  love  of  their  country.  I  knew  no  one  to  be 
seduced  into  the  British  service.  They  attempted  to  force  one  of 
our  prize  brig's  crew  into  the  navy,  but  he  chose  rather  to  die  than 
perform  any  duty,  and  he  was  again  restored  to  the  prison-ship." 


JERSEY  PRISON  SHIP.  141 

In  addition  to  the  testimony  of  Mr.  Andros,  I  have  that  of  an 
aged  gentleman  still  residing  with  us,  who  confirms  the  statement 
made  in  the  book.  He  says,  he  was  an  officer  on  board  of  the 
United  States  frigate  Confederacy,  and  was  captured  by  two  Eng- 
lish frigates.  Being  at  the  time  of  capture  sick,  he  was  put  on 
board  one  of  the  hulks  in  the  Wallabout,  that  served  as  a  hospital 
ship  for  convalescents,  but  was  as  soon  as  somewhat  restored,  trans- 
ferred to  the  "Old  Jersey,"  to  make  room  for  others  more  help- 
less. Here  he  experienced  all  the  sufferings,  and  witnessed  the 
horrours  described  by  Andros,  for  five  months.  The  confinement 
in  so  crowded  a  place,  the  pestilential  air,  the  putrid  and  damaged 
food  given  to  the  prisoners,  (procured  by  the  commissaries  for  little 
or  nothing,  and  charged  to  the  English  government  at  the  prices  of 
the  best  provisions,)  soon  produced  a  fever,  under  which  this  young 
man  suffered  without  medicine  or  attendance,  until  nature,  too 
strong  for  even  such  enemies,  restored  him  to  a  species  of  health, 
again  to  be  prostrated  by  the  same  causes.  He  says,  he  never  saw 
given  to  the  prisoners  one  ounce  of  wholesome  food.  The  loath- 
some beef  they  prepared  by  pressing,  and  then  threw  it,  with  da- 
maged bread,  into  the  ketde,  skimming  off  the  previous  tenants  of 
this  poisonous  food  as  they  rose  to  the  top  of  the  vessel. 

And  these  commissaries  became  rich,  and  revelled  in  luxuries, 
hearing  the  groans  of  their  victims  daily,  and  seeing  the  bodies  of 
those  who  were  relieved  from  torture  by  death,  carried  by  boat 
loads  to  be  half  buried  in  the  sands  of  the  Wallabout.  The  testi- 
mony proving  these  atrocities,  cannot  be  doubted.  Yet,  in  answer 
to  the  remonstrances  of  General  Washington,  Admiral  Arbuthnot 
denied  the  charge  altogether. 

To  save  his  life,  the  officer  referred  to  consented  to  become  deputy 
to  the  purser,  and  was  then  removed  from  the  darkness,  filth,  stench, 
and  horrible  sounds,  which  assailed  him  in  the  dungeons  of  this  float- 
ing hell.  In  the  office  of  deputy-purser  he  fared  well,  and  recovered 
health.  He  witnessed  a  mode  of  cheating  practised  by  the  clerks 
and  underlings,  less  criminal  than  that  of  the  commissaries  of  priso- 
ners. Such  of  the  captives  as  had  money  were  liberated  by  bar- 
gain with  these  officials,  and  returned  on  the  report  as  dead ;  and 
the  deaths  were  so  many,  that  this  passed  without  inquiry. 

Many  of  the  prisoners  had  saved  their  money  by  sewing  it  in 
pieces  of  canvass,  and  fastening  them  in  the  inner  parts  of  their 
trowsers.  A  boat  would  be  brought  to  the  ship  at  night,  and  by  a 
system  of  collusion,  the  person  who  had  bought  his  liberty  would 
be  removed  on  some  specious  pretence.  Faith  was  kept  with  them 
to  encourage  others  in  the  same  process. 

The  writer  went  to  school  in  Little  Queen  street,  now  Cedar 
street,  and  my  seat  at  the  desk,  in  an  upper  room  of  a  large  store- 
house kind  of  building,  placed  me  in  full  view  of  the  Sugar-house, 


149  PRISONERS  AND  THEIR  TREATMENT. 

corner  of  Crown,  now  Liberty  street,  and  Nassau  street.  The 
reader  may  have  noticed  the  tall  pile  of  building  with  little  port- 
hole windows  tier  above  tier.  In  that  place,  crowds  of  American 
prisoners  were  incarcerated,  pined,  sickened,  and  died.  During 
the  suffocating  heat  of  summer,  wh(^n  my  school-room  windows 
were  all  open,  and  I  could  not  catch  a  cooling  breeze,  I  saw  oppo- 
site to  me  every  narrow  aperture  of  those  stone  walls  filled  with 
human  heads,  face  above  face,  seeking  a  portion  of  the  external 
air.  What  must  have  been  the  atmosphere  within  ?  Andros's 
description  of  the  prison  ship  tells  us.  Child  as  I  was,  this  spec- 
tacle sunk  deep  in  my  heart.     I  can  see  the  picture  now. 

In  Rivington's  Gazette,  may  be  seen  several  controversial  letters 
between  the  commissaries  of  prisoners,  Sprout  and  Skinner, 
respecting  the  treatment  of  prisoners. 


CITY  OF    NEW  YORK.  143 


CHAPTER  XL 

City  of  New   York  from  1776  to  1780 — Battle  of  Monmouth — 
Indian  Hostilities  on  the  MoJiawk — Massacre  at  Cherry  Valley. 

The  Walton  House  in  the  city  of  New  York,  is  now  No.  326  Pearl 
street.  This  family  mansion  was,  in  its  time,  a  thing  to  wonder  and 
gaze  at.  It  was  erected  in  1754  by  Wilham  Walton,  a  prosperous 
English  merchant,  w^ho  resided  in  Hanover  Square,  (now  part  of 
Pearl  street,)  and  this  splendid  dwelling  w^as  built  otit  of  town.  It  was 
bequeathed  by  the  founder,  who  died  a  bachelor,  to  his  nephew 
William,  who  was  one  of  the  king's  or  governour's  council  before 
the  revolution ;  and  it  still  remains  family  property.  Built  of  bricks 
imported  from  Holland,  and  ornamented  by  brown  stone  water-tables, 
lintels,  and  jambs,  it  stands  a  monument  of  ancient  English  archi- 
tecture. The  staircase  in  the  ample  hall,  the  carved  work  in  various 
parts  without  and  within,  (I  presume  all  imported,)  give  it  an  air  of 
aristocratick  grandeur  which  our  modern  palaces  are  deficient  in. 
During  the  war  of  the  revolution,  the  commanders  of  the  British 
army  and  navy  occupied  the  Kennedy  House,  now  a  part  of  No. 
1  Broadway,  the  Beekman  House  in  Hanover  Square,  the  Ver- 
plank  House  in  Wall  street,  and  others  ;  but  the  Walton  House 
was  the  residence  of  its  hospitable  owner. 

In  Gaine's  Gazette  of  December,  1776,  the  repetition  of  the 
word  rebels  in  every  paragraph,  becomes  ludicrous.  Of  Wash- 
ington's force  he  says,  *'  such  a  miserable  set  of  ragged  creatures 
were  never  scraped  together  before,  as  those  w^ho  form  the  rebel 
army  in  Pennsylvania."  Rivington  had  advertised,  "price  one 
shilling.  The  Battle  of  Brooklyn,  a  farce  in  two  acts,  as  it  was 
performed  on  Long  Island,  on  Tuesday,  the  27th  of  August,  1776, 
by  the  representatives  of  the  Tyrants  of  America,  assembled  at 
Philadelphia." 

The  rebel  army  was  supposed  to  be  annihilated.  Their  great 
General  Lee,  was  safe  in  the  old  City  Hall,  in  Wall  street,  with 
sentinels  in  his  apartment,  and  before  its  door.  He  was  confined 
in  one  of  those  dungeon-like  places  which  had  been  crowded  with 
the  victims  of  the  negro  plot.  The  English  army  was  cantoned 
on  the  banks  of  the  Delaware,  ready  to  cross  when  the  ice  made 
a  bridge.     General  Washington  had  secured  the  boats,  and  had 


144  BATTLE  OF    MONMOUTH. 

feeble  detachments,  under  the  command  of  Lord  Stirling,  stationed 
at  the  passes  down  the  river,  towards  Philadelphia.  The  troops, 
now  fortunately  commanded  by  Sullivan  instead  of  Lee,  joined 
the  commander-in-chief;  but  most  ®f  them  were  unfit  for  action. 
Those  under  Gates,  likewise  arrived  ;  but  their  term  of  service 
had  expired,  (owing  to  the  short  enlistments,  so  fatally  adopted  by 
their  general,)  and  only  by  the  great  exertions  of  Washington, 
were  a  part  of  them  persuaded  to  re-enlist  for  six  weeks.  Gates 
pleaded  sickness,  and  left  head-quarters  to  recruit  for  himself  in 
Philadelphia.  With  this  shadow  of  an  army,  the  commander-in- 
chief  meditated  the  blow  that  was  to  save  Philadelphia,  and  per- 
haps the  continent.  He  had,  however,  with  him,  "  good  men  and 
true,'*  Greene,  Knox,  Sullivan,  Stirling,  Cadwalader,  and  other 
native  Americans,  to  w^hom  we  must  add  the  good  old  Scotch  phy- 
sician. General  Mercer. 

Sir  William  How^e  affected  to  treat  Lee  as  a  deserter,  and  threat- 
ened to  try  him  as  such  ;  but  Washington,  having  in  his  power  the 
field-officers  taken  at  Trenton,  and  others,  let  Howe  understand 
that  as  Lee  was  treated  they  must  be  treated,  and  ofiiered  to  ex- 
change a  certain  number  of  them  for  him.  Li  the  meantime,  as 
the  garrison  of  New  York  had  been  weakened  by  the  troops  thrown 
into  New  Jersey,  Washington  ordered  General  Heath,  with  such 
militia  as  could  be  commanded,  to  make  a  movement  on  to  the 
British  line  at  Kingsbridge.  Heath  invested  Fort  Independence, 
summonned  the  garrison  to  surrender,  and  then,  (perhaps  very 
prudently,  considering  the  kind  of  force  he  had,)  as  they  refused, 

marched  away  again. 
1778         On  the  2Sth  of  June,  1778,  occurred  the  memorable 

battle  of  Monmouth,  which,  although  occurring  in  New 
Jersey,  is  too  intimately  connected  with  the  history  of  New  York, 
to  be  passed  over  in  silence.  For  the  following  account,  I  am 
indebted  to  Mr.  Stone.* 

"  No  sooner  had  Great  Britain  been  apprized  of  the  aUiance 
between  France  and  her  revolted  colonies,  than  it  was  determined 
to  evacuate  Philadelphia,  and  concentrate  the  royal  army  at  New 
York.  Accordingly,  on  the  ISth  of  June,  the  British  troops  crossed 
the  Delaware  into  New  Jersey,  and  commenced  their  march  for 
New  York,  ascending  the  east  bank  of  the  river  to  Allentown,  and 
thence  taking  the  lower  road  leading  through  Monmouth  to  Sandy 
Hook.  General  Washington,  anticipating  this  movement,  had 
previously  detached  a  division  of  the  army  under  General  Maxwell, 
to  impede  the  enemy's  march.  It  was  known  that  General  Gates 
was  approaching  with  the  army  from  the  north,  and  the  enemy's 


Life  of  Brant,  Vol.  I.  pp.  343  to  346. 


BATTLE  OF  MONMOUTH.  145 

motions  were  no  sooner  ascertained,  than  General  Wayne  was 
despatched,  with  one  thousand  chosen  men,  to  strengthen  thehnes. 
The  Marquis  de  Lafayette  was  directed  to  take  command  of  the 
whole  force  thus  sent  in  advance,  while  Washington  himself  moved 
rapidly  forward  with  the  main  army.  It  was  his  design  to  bring  on 
a  general,  and,  if  possible,  decisive  engagement.  The  result  of 
his  movements  for  that  object  was  the  battle  of  INIonmouth,  fought 
on  the  2Sth  of  June.  The  dispositions  for  this  engagement  were 
admirably  arranged  on  the  night  of  the  27th,  the  position  of  the 
enemy  being  such  as  to  aftbrd  the  best  adv^antages  for  an  attack 
upon  his  rear  the  moment  he  should  get  in  motion.  Such  being 
the  intentions  of  the  commander-in-chief,  they  were  communicated 
to  General  Lee,  who  was  ordered  to  make  his  dispositions  accord- 
ingly, and  to  keep  his  troops  lying  upon  their  arms  to  be  in  readi- 
ness at  the  shortest  notice.  At  five  in  the  morning  of  the  2Sth,  the 
front  of  the  enemy  was  observed  to  be  in  motion,  and  orders  were 
instantly  despatched  to  General  Lee  to  move  on  and  attack,  "  un- 
less there  should  be  very  powerful  reasons  to  the  contrary."  Lee 
was  also  advised  that  Washington  was  himself  advancing  to  sup- 
port him.  After  marching  about  five  miles,  '  to  the  great  surprise 
and  mortification'  of  the  commander-in-chief,  he  met  the  whole 
advanced  corps  retreating,  by  the  orders  of  Lee,  '  without  having 
made  any  opposition,  except  one  fire  given  by  a  party  under  Colo- 
nel Butler,  on  their  being  charged  by  the  enemy's  cavalry,  who 
were  repulsed.'*  Lee  was  sharply  rebuked,  and  placed  in  arrest. 
Hurrying  to  the  rear  of  the  retreating  corps,  which  the  commander- 
in-chief  found  closely  pressed  by  the  enemy,  he  arrested  their  flight, 
re-formed  them,  and  with  the  aid  of  some  well  served  pieces  of 
artillery,  at  once  checked  the  enemy's  advance,  and  gained  time 
for  making  such  dispositions  as  the  emergency  of  the  case  required. 
The  battle  soon  became  general,  and  was  obstinately  contested  at 
various  points  through  the  whole  day,  until  dark — Sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton and  General  Washington  heading  their  respective  armies  in 
person.  By  the  misconduct  of  Lee,  however,  and  an  errour  of 
General  Scott  in  the  morning,  advantages  had  been  lost  which 
entirely  disconcerted  the  views  of  the  commander-in-chief,  and 
deprived  the  American  arms  of  a  victory  which  was  all  but  certain. 
Still,  the  fortunes  of  the  day  were  so  far  recovered,  that,  from  being 
the  pursued,  'the  Americans  drove  the  enemy  back  over  the  ground 
they  had  followed,  and  recovered  the  field  of  batde,  and  possessed 
themselves  of  their  dead;  but,  as  they  retreated  behind  a  morass 
very  difficult  to  pass,  and  had  both  flanks  secured  with  thick  woods, 


*  Letter  of  Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  July  J,  1778. 
VOL.  II.  19 


146  BATTLE  OF  MONMOUTH. 

it  was  found  impracticable  for  the  Americans,  fainting  with  fatigue, 
heat,  and  want  of  water,  to  do  any  thing  more  that  night.'* 

"  Both  armies  encamped  in  the  field,  and  lay  upon  their  arms  ; 
Washington  himself  sleeping  in  his  bloak  under  a  tree  in  the  midst 
of  his  soldiers.  His  intention  was  to  renew  and  end  the  battle  on 
the  following  morning,  not  doubting  as  to  the  issue.  Indeed,  the 
result  of  that  day's  fight  was  justly  considered  a  victory  by  the 
American  officers,  and  but  for  the  conduct  of  Lee  in  the  morning, 
it  would  almost  beyond  question  have  been  decisive. t  But  the 
purpose  of  the  commander-in-chief  to  renew  the  engagement  was 
frustrated  by  a  silent  midnight  retreat  of  the  enemy — so  silent,  in- 
deed, that  his  departure  was  not  known  until  the  morning.  A 
variety  of  circumstances  concurred  to  render  a  pursuit  by  the  Ame- 
ricans unadvisable  ;  among  the  principal  of  which  were,  the  extreme 
heat  of  the  weather,  the  fatigue  of  the  army,  from  its  march  through 
a  deep  sandy  country,  almost  entirely  destitute  of  water,  and  the 
distance  the  enemy  had  gained  by  his  midnight  march.  A  pursuit, 
it  was  believed,  would  answer  no  valuable  purpose,  and  would  cer- 
tainly be  fatal  to  numbers  of  the  men,  several  of  whom  had  perished 
of  heat  on  the  preceding  day.  The  American  commander  there- 
upon drew  off  his  army  to  the  Hudson,  crossed  over,  and  once 
more  established  his  head-quarters  at  White  Plains.  Meantime, 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  proceeded  to  Sandy  Hook,  and  thence  passed 
his  troops  over  to  New  York.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  this 
battle  was  eight  officers  and  sixty-one  privates  killed,  and  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  wounded.  That  of  the  enemy  was  three  hundred 
and  sixty-eight  in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  and  about  one 
hundred  taken  prisoners.  One  thousand  of  their  men  deserted  on 
their  march.  Both  parties  claimed  the  victory,  which  was  in  fact 
won  by  neither.  The  advantages,  in  the  earlier  part  of  the  day, 
were  in  favour  of  the  British ;  in  the  after  part,  of  the  Americans. 
The  stealthy  retreat  of  the  former,  moreover,  covered  by  the  dark- 
ness, left  no  doubt  as  to  which  army  was  best  prepared  to  renew  the 
conflict  with  the  return  of  daylight." 

The  Indian  hostilities  on  the  Mohawk  are  among  the  important 
transactions  of  this  year,  for  the  particulars  of  which,  I  am  again 
indebted  to  Mr.  Stone,|  whose  language  I  have,  as  on  other  occa- 
sions, borrowed,  with  little  or  no  variation. 


*  Letter  of  Washington  'to  his  brother,  John  Augustine  Washington,  July  4th, 
1778 

t  In  a  letter  to  General  Gansevoort  from  Colonel  Willett,  who  was  on  a  visit  to 
head-quarters  at  the  time  of  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  the  colonel  says:  "I  have 
had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  American  army,  under  the  great  General  Washing- 
ton, triumph  over  the  haughty  British,  in  the  battle  of  Monmouth.  The  action 
was  grand,  and  ended  gloriously." — Manuscript  letter  of  Col.  Willett. 

I  Stone's  Life  6f  Brant,  Vol.  L  pp.  362  to  368. 


INDIAN  HOSTILITIES.  147 

"  The  position  of  Fort  Schuyler  was  o(  the  fct  importance,  as 
the  key  to  the  western  entrance  of  the  Mohawk  country  ;  but  it  was 
nevertheless,  too  remote  from  the  upper  German  settlements  of  the 
valley,  to  afford  them  protection  from  sudden  irruptions  of  the  ene- 
my, avoiding  that  fortress  in  tlieir  approach.  The  consequence 
was,  that  the  work  of  destruction  was  actively  prosecuted  among  the 
settlements  referred  to,  during  the  summer  of  this  year.  The  first 
blow  was  struck  upon  a  small  and  rather  secluded  hamlet,  called 
Andrus-town,  situated  about  six  miles  south-east  of  the  German 
Flatts,  on  the  ISth  of  July,  by  a  small  party  of  Indians,  led  by 
Brant  in  person.  This  settlement  consisted  of  seven  families, 
planted  upon  a  lot  of  one  thousand  acres.  They  were  in  affluent 
circumstances  for  borderers,  and  the  object  of  the  invasion  was 
plunder.  The  settlement  was  utterly  destroyed — every  thing  of 
value  that  could  be  removed,  was  carried  away — the  houses  and 
other  buildings  was  reduced  to  ashes — an  aged  man  named  Bell, 
with  his  son  and  two  others,  was  killed — one  other  inhabitant 
perished  in  the  flames  of  his  own  house — and  the  remainder  of  the 
little  colony  were  carried  into  captivity.  Advices  of  this  catastro- 
phe had  no  sooner  reached  the  Plaits,  than  a  party  of  resolute 
Whigs  determined  to  pursue  the  marauders,  among  whom  was 
John  Frank,  one  of  the  committee  of  safety.  Arriving  at  the  scene 
of  desolation,  they  hastily  buried  the  dead,  and  continued  their 
march,  accompanied  by  six  or  seven  friendly  Indians,  to  the  Little 
Lakes — where,  also,  was  a  small  white  colony  known  as  "Young's 
Settlement,"  from  the  name  of  its  founder.  Here  it  was  discovered 
that  the  enemy  was  so  far  in  advance  that  the  chase  was  relin- 
quished. But  as  Young,  the  head  man  of  the  settlement,  was  a 
Tory,  as  also  was  his  next  neighbour,  a  man  named  Collyer,  the 
exasperated  Whigs  avenged,  to  a  small  extent,  the  destruction  of 
Andrus-town,  by  plundering  and  burning  their  habitations. 

"  But  the  most  considerable  event  of  the  season  in  that  vicinity, 
was  the  entire  destruction  of  the  comparatively  extensive  and  popu- 
lous settlement  of  the  German  Flatts.  This  settlement,  originally 
called  Burnetsfield,  from  the  circumstance  that  the  patent  had  been 
granted  by  Governour  Burnet,  extended  over  the  richest  and  most 
beautiful  section  of  the  Mohawk  Valley,  comprehending  the  broad 
alluvial  lands  directly  beyond  the  junction  of  the  West  Canada 
creek  and  the  river,  and  including  about  ten  miles  of  the  valley 
from  east  to  west.  Midway  of  the  settlement,  on  the  south  side  of 
the  river,  yet  stands  the  ancient  stone  church,  the  westernmost  of 
the  line  of  those  structures  built  under  the  auspices  of  Sir  William 
Johnson.  A  short  distance  east  of  the  church  stood  the  large  and 
massive-built  stone  mansion  of  the  Herkimer  family,  which,  like 
the  church  itself,  was  used  as  a  fort.  Hence  it  was  called  Fort 
Herkimer.     On  the  north  side  of  the  river,  upon  a  gravelly  plain, 


148  INDIAN  HOSTILITIES. 

elevated  some  ten  or  fifteen  feet  above  the  surrounding  flatts,  stood 
Fort  Dayton. 

"At  the  time  of  which  we  are v writing,  the  settlement  on  the 
south  side  of  the  river  numbered  thirty-four  dwelling-houses,  and 
there  were  about  an  equal  number  upon  the  north  side,  together 
with  as  many  barns  and  other  out-buildings,  and  several  mills.  The 
population,  for  the  number  of  houses,  was  numerous.  The  lands, 
rich  by  nature,  and  well  cultivated,  had  that  year  brought  forth  by 
handfuls  ;  so  that  the  barns  were  amply  stored  with  their  products. . 

"  It  was  at  the  close  of  August,  or  early  in  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember, that  this  fine  district  was  laid  waste  by  the  Indians  under 
the  direction  of  Brant.  Most  providentially,  however,  the  invasion 
was  attended  with  the  loss  of  but  two  lives — one  man  being  killed 
outright,  and  another,  named  M'Ginnis,  perished  in  the  flames. 
The  particulars  of  this  hostile  irruption  were  these  : — Entertaining 
some  suspicions  of  Brant,  who  was  at  Unadilla,  a  scout  of  four 
men  had  been  despatched  into  that  vicinity  for  observation.  Three 
of  these  men  were  killed  at  the  Edmeston  settlement.  The  fourth, 
John  Helmer,  succeeded  in  making  his  escape  to  the  flatts  at  half 
an  hour  before  sundown,  just  in  time  to  announce  that  Brant,  with 
a  large  body  of  Indians,  was  advancing,  and  would,  in  a  few  hours, 
be  upon  them.  All  was,  of  course,  terrour  and  alarm  through  the 
settlement ;  and  the  inhabitants — men  women  and  children — were 
gathered  into  Forts  Dayton  and  Herkimer  for  security.  In  flying 
to  those  defences,  they  gathered  up  the  most  valuable  of  their  stuff, 
and  by  means  of  boats  and  canoes  upon  the  river,  succeeded,  in 
the  course  of  the  evening,  in  collecting  a  large  portion  of  their  best 
articles  of  furniture.  But  they  had  no  time  to  look  after  their  flocks 
and  herds. 

"  Early  in  the  evening.  Brant  arrived  at  the  edge  ol  the  settle- 
ment, but  as  the  night  came  on  excessively  dark  and  rainy,  he 
halted  with  his  forces  in  a  ravine,  near  the  house  of  his  Tory  friend, 
Shoemaker,  where  the  younger  Butler  and  his  party  were  captured 
the  preceding  year.  Here  the  chieftain  lay  with  his  warriours  un- 
til the  storm  broke  away  toward  morning — unconscious  that  his 
approach  had  been  notified  to  the  people  by  the  scout  in  season  to 
enable  them  to  escape  the  blow  of  his  uplifted  arm.  Before  the 
dawn  he  was  on  foot,  and  his  warriours  were  sweeping  through  the 
settlement ;  so  that  the  torch  might  be  almost  simultaneously  ap- 
plied to  every  building  it  contained.  Just  as  the  day  was  breaking 
in  the  east,  the  fires  were  kindled,  and  the  whole  section  of  the  val- 
ley was  speedily  illuminated  by  the  flames  of  houses  and  barns, 
and  all  things  else  combustible.  The  spectacle,  to  the  people  in 
the  forts,  was  one  of  melancholy  grandeur.  Every  family  saw  the 
flames  and  smoke  of  its  own  domicil  ascending  to  the  skies,  and 


INDIAN  HOSTILITIES.  149 

every  farmer  the  whole  product  of  his  labour  for  the  season  dissolv- 
ing into  ashes. 

"  Having  no  fire-arms  larger  than  their  rifles,  the  Indians  avoided 
even  a  demonstration  against  the  forts,  notwithstanding  their  chagrin 
that  neither  scalps  nor  prisoners  were  to  grace  their  triumph.  But 
as  the  light  of  day  advanced,  their  warriours  were  seen  singly,  or 
in  small  groups,  scouring  the  fields,  and  driving  away  all  the  horses, 
sheep,  and  black  cattle  that  could  be  found.  Nothing  upon  which 
they  could  lay  their  hands  was  left ;  and  the  settlement,  which,  but 
the  day  before,  for  ten  miles  had  smiled  in  plenty  and  in  beauty, 
was  now  houseless  and  destitute.  Happily,  however,  of  human 
life  there  was  no  greater  sacrifice  than  has  already  been  mentioned. 
After  the  Indians  had  decamped  with  their  booty,  a  force  of  be- 
tween three  and  four  hundred  militiamen  collected,  and  went  in 
pursuit — following  as  far  as  Edmeston's  plantation  on  the  Unadilla 
river,  where  the  bodies  of  the  three  scouts  were  found  and  buried. 
But  no  other  results  attended  this  expedition.  A  party  of  the  Onei- 
da Indians  was  more  successful.  They  penetrated  into  one  of  the 
Unadilla  settlements,  burnt  several  houses,  retook  some  of  the  catde 
driven  from  the  German  Flatts,  and  brought  off  a  number  of  priso- 
ners. 

"  But  the  acquisitions  of  booty  by  the  Indians  at  the  German 
Flatts  were  more  than  counterbalanced,  a  few  days  afterward,  by 
their  losses  in  their  own  chief  towns,  Unadilla  and  Oghkwaga, 
which  were  invaded,  and  in  turn  laid  waste,  by  Colonel  William 
Butler,  with  the  4th  Pennsylvania  regiment,  a  detachment  of  Col. 
Morgan's  riflemen,  then  recently  stationed  at  Schoharie,  and  a  corps 
of  twenty  rangers.  Having  marched  from  Schoharie  to  the  head 
waters  of  the  Delaware,  and  descended  that  stream  two  day's  march, 
Colonel  Butler  struck  off  thence  to  the  Susquehanna,  upon  which 
he  emerged  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Unadilla.  He  approached  the 
setdement  with  great  caution ;  but  the  enemy  had  left  the  place 
several  days  before.  Two  of  the  white  settlers,  Tories,  were  made 
prisoners,  however,  one  of  whom  was  compelled  to  guide  the  forces 
of  Butler  to  Oghkwaga,  which  service  he  performed.  The  town 
was  taken  possession  of  without  interruption,  the  Indians  having 
fled  the  day  before  in  the  greatest  confusion — leaving  behind  a 
large  quandty  of  corn,  their  dogs,  some  catde,  and  a  great  part  of 
their  household  goods.  The  march  of  Buder's  troops  had  been 
fatiguing,  and  the  vegetables  and  poultry,  which  they  found  here  in 
great  abundance,  enabled  them  to  fare  sumptuously  during  their 
stay.  The  town  was  uncommonly  well  built  for  an  Indian  settle- 
ment, there  being  a  considerable  number  of  good  farm-houses  on 
either  side  of  the  river.  These  were  all  destroyed,  together  with 
the  Indian  castle  three  miles  farther  down  the  river,  as  also  large 
quantities  of  provisions,  intended  for  their  winter's  supply.     They 


150  MASSACRE  AT  CHERRY  VALLEY. 

saw  nothing  of  the  enemy,  and  lost  only^one  man  at  that  place,  who 
was  shot  by  an  Indian  straggler,  lurking  in  ambush.  Returning  to 
Unadilla,  that  settlement,  upon  both  sides  of  the  river,  was  burnt, 
as  also  a  grist-mill  and  saw-mill — the  only  ones  in  the  Susquehanna 
valley." 

We  now  come  to  the  melancholy  tragedy  of  Cherry  Valley,  in 
November  of  this  year.  In  consequence  of  the  exposed  situation  of 
that  place.  General  Lafayette  had  ordered  the  erection  of  a  forti- ' 
fication  there  early  the  preceding  spring.  The  command  of  the 
post  was  solicited  by  Colonel  Gansevoort,  but  it  was  given  to  Co- 
lonel Ichabod  Alden,  at  the  head  of  an  eastern  regiment,  unfortu- 
nately but  litde  accustomed  to  Indian  warfare.  I  borrow  the  details 
from  Mr.  Stone.* 

"  On  the  Sth  of  November,  Colonel  Alden  received  a  despatch 
from  Fort  Schuyler  by  express,  advising  him  that  his  post  was  to 
be  attacked  by  the  Tories  and  Indians.  The  intelligence  had  been 
conveyed  to  Fort  Schuyler  by  an  Oneida  Indian,  reporting  that  he 
received  it  from  one  of  the  Onondagas,  who  had  been  present  at  a 
great  meeting  of  the  Indians  and  Tories  at  Tioga,  at  which  the  de- 
termination was  formed.  In  consequence  of  the  lateness  of  the 
season,  the  inhabitants,  not  anticipating  any  further  hostilities  before 
spring,  had  removed  their  effects  from  the  fortification,  where,  du- 
ring the  summer,  they  had  been  deposited  for  safety,  back  to  their 
own  dwellings.  On  the  receipt  of  this  intelligence,  they  requested 
permission  to  remove  once  more  into  the  fort,  or  at  least  to  be 
allowed  again  to  deposite  their  most  valuable  property  within  its 
walls.  But  Colonel  Alden,  discrediting  the  intelligence  as  an  idle 
Indian  rumour,  denied  their  solicitations,  assuring  the  people  that 
he  would  use  all  diligence  against  surprise,  and  by  means  of  vigi- 
lant scouts,  be  at  all  times  prepared  to  warn  them  of  approaching 
danger.  Accordingly,  scouts  were  despatched  in  various  direc- 
tions on  the  9th.  The  party  proceeding  down  the  Susquehanna, 
as  it  were  in  the  very  face  of  the  enemy,  very  wisely  kindled  a  fire 
in  the  evening,  by  the  side  of  which  they  laid  themselves  down  to 
sleep.  The  result  might  have  been  forseen.  They  were  all  priso- 
ners when  they  awoke  ! 

*'  Extorting  all  necessary  information  from  the  prisoners  so  op- 
portunely taken,  the  enemy  moved  forward  on  the  10th — Butler 
with  his  rangers,  and  Thayendanegea  with  his  Indians — encamping 
for  the  night  on  the  top  of  a  hill,  thickly  covered  with  evergreens, 
about  a  mile  south-w^est  of  the  fort  and  village  of  Cherry  Valley. 
The  snow  fell  several  inches  during  the  night — the  storm  turning 
to  rain  in  the  morning,  with  a  thick  and  cloudy  atmosphere.     The 


•  Life  of  Brant,  Vol.  I.  pp.  372  to  378. 


MASSACRE  AT  CHERRY  VALLPIY.  151 

officers  of  the  garrison  were  accustomed  to  lodge  about  among  the 
families  near  the  fort;  and  from  the  assurances  of  Colonel  Alden, 
the  apprehensions  of  the  people  were  so  much  allayed,  that  they 
were  reposing  in  perfect  security.  Colonel  Alden  himself,  with 
Stacia,  his  lieutenant-colonel,  lodged  with  Mr.  Robert  Wells,  a 
gentleman  of  great  respectability,  recently  a  judge  of  the  county, 
who  was,  moreover,  an  intimate  friend  of  Colonel  John  Butler,  as 
he  had  also  been  of  Sir  William  Johnson.*  Havino-  ascertained 
the  localities  in  which  the  officers  lodged,  the  enemy  approached 
the  unsuspecting  village  in  the  greatest  security,  veiled  by  the  haze 
which  hung  in  the  atmosphere.  An  alarm  was,  however,  given, 
before  the  enemy  had  actually  arrived  in  the  village,  by  the  firing 
of  an  Indian  upon  a  settler  from  the  outskirts,  who  w^as  riding 
thither  on  horseback.  He  was  wounded,  but  nevertheless  pushed 
forward,  and  gave  instant  information  to  the  vigilant  colonel. 
Strange  as  it  may  seem,  this  officer  still  disbelieved  the  approach 
of  an  enemy  in  force — supposing  the  shot  to  have  proceeded  from 
a  straggler.  But  he  was  soon  convinced  of  his  errour ;  for  even 
before  the  guards  could  be  called  in,  the  Indians  were  upon  them. 
Unfortunately,  probably,  for  the  inhabitants,  the  rangers  had  halted 
just  before  entering  the  village  to  examine  their  arms,  the  rain 
having  damaged  their  powder.  During  this  pause,  the  Indians 
sprang  forward ;  and  the  Senecas,  being  at  that  period  the  most 
ferocious  of  the  Six  Nations,  were  in  die  van.  The  house  of  Mr. 
Wells  was  instantly  surrounded  by  the  warriours  of  that  tribe,  and 
several  Tories  of  no  less  ferocity,  who  rushed  in  and  massacred  the 
whole  family,  consisting  at  diat  time  of  himself,  his  mother,  his 
wife,  his  brother  and  sister,  John  and  Jane,  three  of  his  sons,  Sam- 
uel, Robert,  and  William,  and  his  daughter,  Eleanor.  The  only- 
survivor  of  the  family  was  John,  who  was  then  at  school  in  Sche- 
nectady. His  father  had  taken  his  family  to  that  place  for  safety- 
some  months  before,  but  his  fears  having  subsided,  they  had  just 
removed  back  to  their  home.  Colonel  Alden,  having  escaped  from 
the  house,  was  pursued  some  distance  down  a  hill  by  an  Indian, 
who  repeatedly  demanded  of  him  to  surrender.  This,  however, 
he  refused  to  do,  turning  upon  his  pursuer  repeatedly,  and  snapping 
his  pistol,  but  without  eftect.  The  Indian  ukimately  hurled  his 
tomahawk  with  unerring  direcUon  at  his  head,  and  rushing  forward, 
tore  his  scalp  from  him  in  the  same  instant.  Thus,  in  the  very  out- 
set of  the  batde,  fell  the  commander,  who,  had  he  been  as  prudent 
as  he  was  brave,  might  have  averted  the  tragick  scenes  of  that  hap- 
less day.     Lieutenant-colonel  Stacia  was  made  prisoner  ;  and  the 


*  Robert  Wells  was  the  father  of  the  late  distinguished  counsellor,  John  Wella, 
of  New  York. 


152  MASSACRE  AT  CHERRY  VALLEY. 

American  guards,  stationed  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Wells,  were  all 
either  killed  or  taken. 

"  The  destruction  of  the  family  of  Mr.  Wells  was  marked  by- 
circumstances  of  peculiar  barbarity.  It  was  boasted  by  one  of  the 
Tories,  that  he  had  killed  Mr.  Wells  w^hile  engaged  in  prayer — 
certainly  a  happy  moment  for  a  soul  to  wing  its  flight  to  another 
state  of  existence  ;  but  what  the  degree  of  hardihood  that  could 
boast  of  compassing  the  death  of  an  unarmed  man  at  such  a  mo- 
ment !  His  sister,  Jane,  was  distinguished  alike  for  her  beauty, 
her  accomplishments,  and  her  virtues.  As  the  savages  rushed  into 
the  house,  she  fled  to  a  pile  of  wood  on  the  premises,  and  endea- 
voured to  conceal  herself.  She  was  pursued  and  arrested  by  an 
Indian,  who,  with  perfect  composure,  wiped  and  sheathed  his  drip- 
ping knife,  and  took  his  tomahawk  from  his  girdle.  At  this  instant 
a  Tory,  who  had  formerly  been  a  domestick  in  the  family,  sprang 
forward  and  interfered  in  her  behalf — claiming  her  as  a  sister.  The 
maiden,  too,  who  understood  somewhat  of  the  Indian  language, 
implored  for  mercy.  But  in  vain.  With  one  hand  the  Indian 
pushed  the  Tory  from  him,  and  with  the  other  planted  his  hatchet 
deep  into  her  temple  ! 

"  The  fort  was  repeatedly  assaulted  during  the  day,  and  at  times 
with  spirit ;  but  Indians  are  not  the  right  description  of  troops  for 
such  service,  and  being  received  by  a  brisk  fire  of  grape  and  mus- 
ketry from  the  garrison,  they  avoided  the  fort,  and  directed  their 
attention  chiefly  to  plundering  and  laying  waste  the  village,  having 
sated  themselves  in  the  onset  with  blood.  In  this  work  of  destruc- 
tion they  were  unmolested,  since,  numbering  more  than  twice  as 
many  as  the  garrison,  a  sortie  was  felt  to  be  unwarrantable. 

"Among  the  families  which  suffered  from  the  tomahawks  of 
the  Indians  and  Tories — for  the  latter,  as  at  Wyoming,  were 
not  to  be  outdone  by  their  uncivilized  allies — were  those  of  the 
Rev.  Samuel  Dunlop,  and  a  Mr.  Mitchell.  Mrs.  Dunlop  was 
killed  outright,  and  thus  shared  the  fate  of  Mrs.  Wells,  who  was 
her  daughter.  Mr.  Dunlop  and  another  daughter  would  likewise 
have  been  murdered  but  for  the  interposition  of  Little  Aaron,  a 
chief  of  the  Oghkwaga  branch  of  the  Mohawks,  who  led  the  old 
gentleman,  tottering  beneath  the  weight  of  years,  to  the  door,  and 
stood  beside  him  for  his  protection.  The  Indians  attempted  to 
plunder  him  of  some  of  his  attire,  but  the  sachem  compelled  them 
to  relinquish  that  portion  of  their  spoil.  The  venerable  servant  of 
God,  shocked  by  the  events  of  that  day  beyond  the  strength  of  his 
nerves,  died  within  a  year  afterward. 

"The  case  of  Mr.  Mitchell  was  still  more  painful.  He  was  in 
the  field  at  work  when  he  beheld  the  Indians  approaching ;  and 
being  already  cut  off  from  his  house,  his  only  course  was  to  betake 
himself  to  the  woods.     On  returning  to  his  home,  after  the  enemy 


MASSACRE  AT  CHERRY  VALLEY.  153 

had  retired,  he  found  his  house  on  fire,*  and  within  its  plundered 
walls  the  murdered  bodies  of  his  wife  and  three  of  his  cliildren. 
The  fourth,  a  iitde  girl  often  or  twelve  years  of  age,  had  been  left 
for  dead.  But  signs  of  life  appearing,  the  parent,  having  extin- 
guished the  fire,  which  had  not  yet  made  much  progress,  brought 
his  little  mangled  daughter  forth  to  the  door,  and  while  bending 
over  her,  discovered  a  straggling  party  of  the  enemy  approaching. 
He  had  but  just  time  to  conceal  himself,  before  a  Tory  sergeant, 
named  Newberry,  rushed  forward,  and  by  a  blow  of  his  hatchet 
extinguished  what  Iitde  growing  hope  of  life  had  been  left,  by  a 
darker  though  less  savage  enemy  than  himself.  It  is  some  conso- 
lation, while  recordiu":  this  deed  of  blood,  to  be  able  to  anticipate 
the  course  of  events,  so  far  as  to  announce  that  this  brutal  fellow 
paid  the  forfeit  of  his  life  on  the  gallows,  by  order  of  General  .James 
Clinton,  at  Canajoharie,  in  the  summer  of  the  following  year.  On 
the  next  day,  Mr.  Mitchell  removed  his  dead  to  the  fort  with  his 
own  arms,  and  the  soldiers  assisted  in  dieir  interment.  Several 
other  families  were  cut  off — the  wliole  number  of  the  inhabitants 
slain  being  thirty-two,  mostly  women  and  children.  In  addition  to 
these,  sixteen  soldiers  were  killed.  Some  of  the  inhabitants  es- 
caped, but  the  greater  proportion  were  taken  prisoners.  Among 
the  former  were  Mrs.  Clyde,  the  wife  of  Colonel  Clyde,  who  was 
absent,  and  her  family.  She  succeeded  in  reaching  the  woods  with 
her  children,  excepting  her  eldest  daughter,  whom  she  could  not 
find  at  the  moment ;  and  although  the  savages  were  frequently 
prowling  around  her,  she  yet  lay  secure  in  her  concealment  until 
the  next  day.  The  eldest  daughter,  likewise,  had  made  a  success- 
ful flight,  and  returned  in  safety.  Colonel  Campbell  was  also 
absent  ;  but  hastening  home  on  hearing  the  alarm,  he  arrived  only 
in  time  to  behold  the  destruction  of  his  property  by  the  conflagra- 
tion of  the  vdlage,  and  to  ascertain  that  his  wife  and  children  had 
been  carried  into  captivity.  The  torch  was  applied  indiscrimi- 
nately to  every  dwelling-house,  and,  in  fact,  to  every  building  in 
the  village.  The  barns,  being  filled  with  the  combustible  products 
of  husbandry,  served  to  render  the  conflagration  more  fierce  and 
terrifick  ;  especially  to  the  fugitive  inhabitants  who  had  escaped  to 
the  woods  for  shelter,  and  whose  sufferings  w-ere  aggravated  by  the 
consi  iousness  that  their  retreating  footsteps  were  lighted  by  the 
flames  of  their  own  households. 

"  The  prisoners  taken  numbered  between  thirty  and  forty.  They 
were  marched,  on  the  evening  of  the  massacre,  down  the  valely 
about  two  miles  south  of  the  fort,  where  the  enemy  encamped  for 
the  night.  Large  fires  were  kindled  round  about  tlie  camp,  into 
the  centre  of  which  the  prisoners,  of  all  ages  and  sexes,  were  pro- 
miscuously huddled,  and  there  compelled  to  pass  the  hours  till 
morning — many  of  them  half  naked,  shivering  from  the  inclemency 

VOL.  II.  20 


154  MASSACRE  AT  CHERRY  VALLEY. 

of  the  weather,  with  no  shelter  but  the  frowning  heavens,  and  no 
bed  but  the  cold  ground.  It  was  a  dismal  night  for  the  hapless 
group — rendered,  if  possible,  still  mbre  painful  by  the  savage  yells 
of  exultation,  the  v/ild,  half-frantick  revelry,  and  other  manifestations 
of  joy  on  the  part  of  tiie  victors,  at  the  success  of  their  bloody  en- 
terprize.  In  the  course  of  the  night,  a  division  of  the  spoil  was 
made  among  the  Indians,  and  on  tlie  following  morning  the  march 
was  resumed  ;  aUhougli  parties  of  the  Indians  returned  to  prowl 
among  the  ruins  of  the  village  or  hang  upon  its  outskirts,  during  the 
greater  part  of  the  day,  and  until  reinforcements  of  militia  from  the 
Mohawk  Valley  began  to  arrive,  when  they  dispersed. 

"  The  retiring  enemy  had  not  proceeded  far  on  their  way,  before 
the  prisoners,  with  few  exceptions,  experienced  a  change  in  their 
circumstances,  as  happy  as  it  vvas  unexpected.  They  had  been 
separated,  for  the  convenience  of  travelling,  into  small  groups,  in 
charge  of  different  parties  of  the  enemy.  On  coming  to  a  halt, 
they  were  collected  togedier,  and  informed  that  it  had  been  deter- 
mined to  release  all  tlie  women  and  cliildren,  excepting  Mrs.  Camp- 
bell and  her  four  children,  and  Mrs.  Moore  and  her  children. 
These  it  was  resolved  to  detain  in  captivity  as  a  punishment  to  their 
husbands,  for  the  activity  they  had  displayed  in  the  border  wars. 
Witii  these  exceptions,  the  v.'omxen  and  their  little  ones  were  imme- 
diately sent  back. 

"  Having  thus,  in  a  great  measure,  disencumbered  themselves  of 
their  prisoners,  the  enemy  proceeded  on  their  journey  by  their  usual 
route  at  that  period,  down  the  Susquehanna  to  its  confluence  with 
the  Tioga,  thence  up  that  river  into  the  Seneca  country,  and  thence 
to  Niagara.  Mrs.  Cannon,  an  aged  lady,  and  the  mother  of  Mrs. 
Campbell,  vvas  likewise  held  in  captivity;  but  being  unfitted  for 
travelling  by  reason  of  her  years,  the  Indian  having  both  in  charge 
despatched  the  mother  with  his  hatchet,  by  the  side  of  the  daughter, 
on  the  second  day  of  tlieir  march.  INIrs.  Campbell  was  diiven 
along  by  the  uplifted  haichet,  having  a  child  in  her  arms  eighteen 
months  old,  with  barbarous  rapidity,  until  the  next  day.  when  the 
was  favoured  widi  a  more  humane  master.  In  the  course  of  the 
march  a  straggling  party  of  the  Indians  massacred  an  English 
family  named  Buxton,  residing  on  the  Butternut  Creek,  and  reduced 
their  buildings  to  ashes. 

*'  Thus  terminated  the  expedition  of  Walter  N.  Butler  and  Jo- 
seph Brant  to  Cherry  Valley.  Nothing  could  exhibit  an  aspect  of 
more  entire  desolation  than  did  the  site  of  that  village  on  the  fol- 
lowing day,  when  the  militia  from  the  INIohawk  arrived,  too  late  to 
aflbrd  assistance.  '  The  cocks  crowed  from  the  tops  of  the  forest 
trees,  and  the  dogs  howled  through  the  fields  and  woods.'  The 
inhabitants  who  escaped  the  massacre,  and  those  who  returned  I'l-om 
captivity,  abandoned  the  settlement,  until  the  return  of  peace  should 


MASSACRE  AT  CHERRY  VALLKr.         .    165 

enable  ihem  to  plant  themselves  down  once  more  in  safety  ;  and  in 
the  succeeding  Summer  the  garrison  was  withdrawn  and  the  post 
abandoned. 

*'  Next  to  the  destruction  of  Wyoming,  that  of  Cherry  Valley 
stands  out  in  history  as  having  been  the  most  conspicuous  for  its 
atrocity.  And  as  in  the  case  of  Vv'yoming,  both  in  history  and 
popular  tradition,  Josej)h  Brant  has  been  held  up  as  the  foul  fiend 
of  the  barbarians,  and  of  all  others  deserving  the  deepest  execra- 
tion. Even  the  learned  and  estimable  counsellor,  who  so  long 
reported  the  adjudicated  law  of  the  State  of  New  York,  in  the  tri- 
bute to  the  memory  of  the  late  John  Wells,  with  which  he  closed 
the  last  volume  of  his  juridical  labours,  has  fallen  into  the  sam.e 
popular  errour  ;  and  applies  the  second  stanza  in  the  striking  pas- 
sage of  *  Gertrude  of  Wyoming,'  which  called  forth  the  younger 
Brant  in  vindication  of  his  father's  memory,  to  the  case  of  his  de- 
parted and  eminent  friend.  It  wa§  indeed  most  true  as  applied  to 
the  melancholy  case  of  Mr.  Wells,  of  whose  kindred  '  nor  man, 
nor  child,  nor  thing  of  living  birth,'  had  been  left  by  the  Indians. 
But  it  may  be  fearlessly  asserted  that  it  was  not  true  as  coupled 
with  the  name  of  Joseph  Brant.  It  has  already  been  seen  that 
Brant  was  not  the  commander  of  this  expedition  ;  and  if  he  had 
been,  it  is  not  certain  that  he  could  have  compelled  a  different  re- 
sult. But  it  is  certain  that  his  conduct  on  that  fatal  day  was  neither 
barbarous  nor  ungenerous.  On  the  contrary,  he  did  all  in  his 
power  to  prevent  the  shedding  of  innocent  blood  ;  and  had  it  not 
been  for  a  circumstance  beyond  his  control,  it  is  more  than  proba- 
ble that  the  distingnished  counsellor  referred  to,  would  not  have 
been  left  '  alone  of  all  his  race.'  Captain  Brant  asserted,  and  there 
is  no  reason  to  question  his  veracity,  that  on  the  morning  of  the 
attack,  he  had  left  the  main  body  of  the  Indians,  and  endeavoured 
to  anticipate  their  arrival  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Wells,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  affording  protection  to  the  family.  On  his  way  it  was  ne- 
cessary to  cross  a  ploughed  field,  the  yielding  of  the  earth  in  which, 
beneath  his  tread,  so  retarded  his  progress,  that  he  arrived  too  late. 

"  But  this  is  not  all.  On  entering  one  of  the  dwellings,  he  found 
a  woman  employed  in  household  matters.  '  Are  you  thus  en- 
gaged,' inquired  the  chief,  'while  all  your  neighbours  are  mur- 
dered around  yon?'  The  woman  replied  that  they  were  in  favour 
of  the  king.  '  Tliat  plea  will  not  avail  you  to-day,'  replied  the 
warrlour.  '  They  have  murdered  Mr.  Wells's  family,  who  were 
as  dear  to  me  as  my  own.'  'But,'  continued  the  woman,  '  tlicre 
is  one  Joseph  Brant  :  if  he  is  with  the  Indians,  he  will  save  us.' 
'I  am  .loseph  Brant!'  was  the  quick  response:  '  but  I  have  not 
the  command,  and  I  know  not  that  I  can  save  you  ;  but  I  will  do 
what  is  in  my  power.'  At  the  moment  of  uttering  these  words,  he 
observed  the   Senecas  approaching.     '  Get   into   bed  quick,'  he 


166  MASSACRE  AT  CHERRY  VALLEY. 

commanded  her,  *  and  feign  yourself  sick.'  The  woman  obeyed, 
and  when  the  Indians  came  up,  he  put  them  off  with  that  pretext. 
Instantly  as  they  departed,  he  ralhe5  a  few  of  the  ^Mohawks  by  a 
shrill  signal,  and  directed  them  to  paint  his  mark  upon  the  woman 
and  her  children.  '  You  are  now  probably  safe,'  he  remarked — 
and  departed. 

*'  Another  instance,  from  the  same  authority,  will  serve  farther 
to  illustrate  the  conduct  and  bearinsf  of  this  distinouished  Indian 
leader  on  that  occasion.  After  the  battle  was  over,  he  inquired  of 
one  of  the  captives  for  Captain  M'Kean,  who  had  retired  to  the 
Mohawk  Valley  with  his  family.  '  He  sent  me  a  challenge  once,' 
said  the  chief;  '  I  have  now  come  to  accept  it.  He  is  a  fine  sol- 
dier thus  to  retreat!'  It  was  said  in  reply:  'Captain  M'Kean 
would  not  turn  his  back  upon  an  enemy  where  there  was  a  proba- 
bility of  success.'  '  I  know  it,'  rejoined  Brant :  '  he  is  a  brave 
man,  and  I  would  have  given  more  to  take  him  than  any  other  man 
in  Cherry  Valley  :  but  1  would  not  have  hurt  a  hair  of  his  head.'  " 


157 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Sullivan'' s  Exj)eJkion — Van  SchaicVs  Expedition  against  the 
Onondagas — Capture  and  Recapture  of  Stony  Point — Exploit 
of  Major  Lee — Other  niilitarij  operations — Hot  summer — Second 
great  fire  in  New  York — Explosion  in  the  Ilarhour — Severe 
Winter — Unsuccessful  attempt  on  Staten  Island. 

1779  This  murderous  aflliir,  and  a  similar  massacre  at  Wyoming, 
led  to  the  determination  of  sending  a  force  to  lay  waste  the 
Indian  settlements.  General  Sullivan  accepted  the  command,  refus- 
ed by  Gates,  and  marching  through  part  of  New  Jersey  and  Pennsyl- 
vania, arrived  at  the  desolated  Wyoming,  on  the  17th  of  June,  1779. 
Here,  every  thing  being  prepared,  on  the  last  of  July  the  army 
pushed  forward  upon  tlie  Indian  settlements,  the  stores  and  artil- 
lery passing  up  the  Susquehanna  in  one  hundred  and  fifty  boats. 
Having  destroyed  an  Indian  town,  and  built  a  fort,  Sullivan  awaited 
the  junction  of  another  portion  of  his  army,  which  approached 
(under  General  James  Clinton)  by  the  way  of  the  Mohawk.  The 
expedition  was  complete  in  its  effect.  The  Six  Nations  sustained 
a  signal  defeat,  with  the  loss  of  about  thirty  men  on  the  part  of  the 
Americans.  Eighteen  of  their  villages  were  destroyed,  and  their 
whole  territory  laid  waste.* 

About  the  same  time  a  spirited  and  successful  expedition  was 
led  by  Colonel  Van  Schaick  against  the  Onondagas,  of  which  I 
will  extract  an  account  from  the  work  of  an  anonymous  writer,! 
bearing  strong  marks  of  authenticity,  and  which  he  declares  to  be 
derived  from  a  source  known  by  him  to  be  correct,  and  by  access 
to  private  papers  of  a  most  interesting  kind  : 

"The  defeat  of  Burgoyne  did  not  free  the  frontier  of  this  state 
from  the  most  harassing  alarms.  Sir  John  Johnson  and  the  famous 
Brant,  assisted  by  the  Senecas  and  the  upper  nations,  were  con- 
stantly, during  this  year  and  the  following,  engaged  in  the  detesta- 
ble pursuit  of  plunder,  in  firing  settlements,  in  taking  scalps  and 
murdering  defenceless  women  and  children.     So  complete  was  the 


*  Marshall's  Washington,  Vol.  IV.  chap.  iii. 

t  The  Sexagenary  or  Reminiscences  of  the  American  Revolution,  pp.  136  to  147. 


158  VAX  SCilAICIv's  EXPEDITION. 

terroiir  excited  by  their  movements  that  at  one  time  our  disheartened 
citizens  were  on  the  point  of  abandoning  their  homes  forever,  and 
in  the  words  of  Colonel  Van  SchaicK,  in  an  official  letter  to  Gene- 
ral Washington,  '  Schenectady,  under  present  circumstances,  must 
inevitably  become  our  frontier  settlement.'  The  expedition  of  Ge- 
neral Sullivan  and  General  James  Clinton,  one  of  the  bravest  and 
most  resolute  of  soldiers,  had  their  effect  in  one  quarter,  wdiile  that 
of  Colonel  Van  Schaick  w^as  also  productive  of  the  best  conse- 
quences in  another.  The  Onondagas  had  become  so  faithless  as 
to  act  in  alliance  with  the  English,  and  from  their  position  were  of 
immense  detriment  to  our  cause.  On  the  morning  of  the  19th 
of  April,  1779,  Fort  Schuyler  was  a  scene  of  busy  preparation. 
After  long  continued  inaction,  which  was  only  interrupted  by  par- 
tial skirmishes  between  our  foragers  and  the  Indians  that  continu- 
ally hung  about  the  fort,  orders  were  given  to  the  men  to  prepare 
for  their  departure.  It  was  an  early  hour,  while  the  fog  and  grey  mist 
of  the  morning  in  some  measure  concealed  their  movements,  that 
the  detachment  sallied  forth,  consisting  of  553  men,  including  of- 
ficers. Colonel  Van  Schaick, — the  gallant  Marinus  Willet,  then 
Lieutenant  Colonel, — and  ^lajor  Cochran,  were  the  field  officers 
of  the  detachment.  They  were  accompanied  by  29  batteaux,  into 
which  were  placed  provisions  for  eight  days,  and  which  were  on 
the  previous  night  cautiously  and  skilfully  removed  over  the  carry- 
ing place  into  Wood  Creek.  A  sufficient  number  of  soldiers  with 
five  officers,  were  left  in  charge  with  them  to  assist  the  batteaux  men, 
and  hurry  them  on.  The  others  pushed  on  smartly  to  the  old 
"  scow  place,"  as  it  was  called,  twenty-two  miles  by  land  from  the 
fort.  They  reached  this  place  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
but  the  distance  being  greater  by  water,  the  boats  did  not  all  arrive 
until  ten  o'clock  at  night.  Indeed  the  numerous  obstructions  of- 
fered by  the  trees  that  had  fallen  into  the  creek,  were  of  themselves 
very  fornudable  difficulties,  overcome  only  by  the  determined  spirit 
of  the  men.  As  soon  as  the  boats  reached  the  place  of  rendezvous, 
the  troops  w^ere  all  instantly  embarked,  and  the  flotilla  moved  to- 
ward Oneida  Lake.  Once  in  the  night  the  boats  in  front  were  or- 
dered to  lie  too  while  those  in  the  rear  came  up.  A  cold  and 
dreary  head  wind  made  their  progress  slow  and  tedious,  but  the 
oars  were  plied  vvith  unremitting  diligence.  It  was  not  until  eight 
o'clock  in  the  morning  that  they  arrived  in  Desser's  Bay,  where  the 
batteaux  w^re  again  to  rendezvous.  The  detachment  then  moved 
forward  with  as  much  expcdidon  as  possible  for  the  Onondaga 
landing  at  the  head  of  the  lake  opposite  old  Fort  Brew^erton,  where 
they  arrived  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.  The  boats  were  then  left  at 
that  place  under  proper  guard,  and  the  detachment  pushed  forward 
towards  the  enemy.  Nine  miles,  how^ever,  was  all  the  distance 
achieved  during  the  remainder  of  the  day.     The  night  was  a  dark 


VAN  SCHAICIC'S  EXPEDITION.  159 

cold  one — the  heavens  gathered  blackness  around,  and  the  men 
could  fancy  without  the  aid  of  very  lively  imaginations,  that  the 
woods  teemed  with  savages,  ready  to  fall  upon  them.  Indeed  the 
movements  of  the  hostile  Indians,  aided  by  povrerful  bands  of  tories 
and  refugees,  under  the  command  of  Johnson  and  Brant,  had 
been  marked  by  such  fatal  celerity,  as  to  leave  room  for  apprehen- 
sions at  every  assailable  point  throughout  the  western  wilderness. 
The  troops,  therefore,  lay  on  their  arms  all  night,  and  were  not 
permitted  to  light  their  evening  fires.  Silenily  were  the  watches 
kept,  and  with  a  few  w^ords  the  weared  soldier  partook  of  his 
evening  meal.  Silence  and  secrecy  were  indeed  indispensable  to 
the  success  of  the  expedition,  and  the  soldier  of  two  v.ars,  who 
was  responsible  for  its  success,  made  every  arrangement  with  pro- 
found judgment. 

"  Early  the  next  day,  as  soon  as  it  was  practicable  to  proceed,  the 
detachment  moved  on  to  the  Salt  Lake,  siiice  so  celebrated  for  the 
villaires  that  adorn  its  shores,  the  wealth  poured  into  the  coffers  of 
individuals,  and  for  its  salines  more  precious  thnn  mines  of  gold. 
At  nine  o'clock  they  reached  an  arm  of  the  lake.  This  was  forded 
at  a  place  where  the  distance  was  two  hundred  yards  across,  and 
the  depth  of  the  water  was  for  most  of  the  distance  four  feet.  The 
men,  however,  marched  in  good  order  through,  and  pushed  on  with 
redoubled  speed  to  the  Onondaga  Creek.  Here  it  was  that  a  war- 
riour  of  that  celebrated  tribe  was  captured  by  Captain  Graham,  who 
commanded  a  light  infantry  company.  He  was  the  first  Indian  dis- 
covered, and  was  instantly  taken.  Had  he  escaped,  the  result  of 
the  expedition  would  have  been  somewhat  uncertain.  At  this  point 
it  was  that  arrangements  w^ere  made  to  effect  a  complete  surprise. 
Captain  Graham  was  ordered  on  in  advance  to  attack  the  nearest 
settlement  of  the  Indians  only  two  miles  distant,  while  the  old  Colo- 
nel hurried  his  men  by  companies  as  fast  as  they  could  cross  the 
creek  on  a  log,  (which  fortunately  served  as  a  bridge,)  where  the 
stream  was  not  fordable.  One  by  one  the  troops  passed  over  in 
safety.  The  circumstance  of  this  log  remaining  in  its  place  over 
the  stream,  is  a  remarkable  one;  it  was  of  immense  service  and  ob- 
viated the  delay  of  seeking  a  place  to  ford  at  a  critical  moment.  It 
was  the  redman's  Thermopylae.  On  this  occasion  a  few  could  have 
kept  off  our  troops,  for  a  time  at  least,  which  might  have  enabled  their 
warriours  to  rally  if  not  to  defeat  the  expedition.  It  allowed  the 
commander  to  get  into  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country  before  they 
were  apprised  of  his  coming.  The  careless  shouting  of  soldiers 
on  similar  occasions,  and  the  heedless  discharge  of  fire  arms,  would 
have  led  the  wary  and  powerful  Onondagas  to  a  knowledge  of  their 
impending  danger. 

"  The  advance  of  Captain  Graham  could,  however,  be  no  longer 
concealed  when  in  the  vicinity  of  the  castle  he  was  employed  in 


160  VAN  schaick's  expedition. 

making  prisoners.  When  the  whole  detachment  arrived  at  this 
place  which  was  the  principal  town  siluated  in  the  hollow,  and  was 
large  and  well  peopled,  the  alarm  spread.  Concealment  of  their 
purpose  was  no  longer  possible.  The  Indians  gave  way  on  all 
sides,  making  for  the  woods.  Colonel  Van  Schaick  then  despatched 
difterent  parties  by  different  routes  to  get  in  the  rear  of  the  other 
setdements,  which  were  scattered  over  in  different  directions  eight 
miles,  and  they  were  ordered  to  move  on  with  the  greatest  despatch. 
The  alarm  spread,  however,  in  spite  of  every  previous  precaution, 
but  such  was  the  haste  in  which  they  fied,  and  such  was  the  ardour 
with  which  they  w^ere  pursued,  that  they  had  not  time  to  carry  off 
a  sin!2;le  article.  Thirty-three  savages  w^ere  captured,  and  twelve 
killed  in  the  melee.  One  white  man  was  also  taken  prisoner.  The 
whole  of  their  settlements  were  destroyed,  and  upwards  of  fifty  of 
their  best  houses  burned.  A  large  quantity  of  corn  and  beans  w^as 
also  given  to  the  flames.  A  hundred  English  muskets,  a  few  rifles, 
and  some  uncommon  fine  horses,  together  with  some  other  animals, 
were  among  the  booty.  Hard  as  w^as  the  task,  and  severe  the 
punishment,  yet  it  was  judged  necessary  to  put  the  cattle  to  death, 
and  the  horses  were  shot  without  hesitation.  Tliis  act  of  severity 
was  a  blow  which  the  Onondagas  long  remembered.  A  conside- 
rable quantity  of  nmmunition  was  found  at  the  council-house.  Af- 
ter the  men  had  loaded  themselves  with  as  much  spoil  as  they 
could  carry,  the  residue  w^as  doomed  to  destruction,  and 

'The  wide  field,  a  waste  of  ruin  made.' 
The  detachment  then  drew  off  and  commenced  their  return.  In 
crossing  tlie  creek,  however,  a  party  of  Indians,  who  had  arrived 
there  during  their  absence,  fired  upon  them  unexpectedly  from  the 
opposite  side.  Lieutenant  Evans  was  ordered  to  beat  them  off 
with  his  riflemen,  which  he  effected  in  very  gallant  style  without 
any  loss. 

"  The  weather,  during  this  day,  was  propitious.  The  next  day 
the  troops  reached  the  place,  and,  finding  their  boats  in  good  order, 
sailed  to  the  Seven  Mile  Island,  where  the  troops  encamped,  and 
had  time  to  rest  themselves  after  their  great  fatigue.  A  more  pic- 
turesque bivouack  never  was  witnessed.  The  lake  was  quiet.  Its 
calmness  was  in  keeping  with  the  hour,  the  gratification  of  success 
and  the  anxiety  for  repose.  The  evening  fires  threw  their  blaze  of 
light  over  the  waters,  and  communicated  warmth  and  comfort  to  the 
sleeping  groupes  around.  There  was  one  who  surveyed  the  scene 
with  unmingled  satisfaction.  He  had  accomplished  the  desirable 
object  for  which  he  had  been  selected,  and  by  a  bold  stroke  had 
broken  down  die  strength  of  the  miOst  powerful  tribe  of  all  the  In- 
dian nations.  Numerous  and  warlike,  they  had  filled  the  country 
with  alarm,  and  the  cabins  of  the  white  man  with  blood.  It  was 
the  opinion  of  General  Schuyler  that  had  not  something  been  done 


I 


EMBASSY  OF  THE  ONEIDAS  TO  VAN  SCHAICK.  IGl 

at  this  crisis,  we  should  not  have  had  a  settlement  beyond  Schenec- 
tady. Nor  were  the  emotions  which  belonged  to  the  hour,  those 
of  the  more  obvious  feelings  of  conquest.  The  recollection  that 
all  had  been  accomplished  without  the  loss  of  a  single  man,  was  a 
source  of  pleasure  that  surpassed  the  excitement  of  pride  and  the 
flush  of  victory.  The  next  day  the  detachment  crossed  the  lake, 
and  landed  two  miles  from  the  mouth  of  Wood  Creek,  at  two 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  while  two  companies  were  left  to 
guard  the  batteaux  men  in  their  navagation  up  the  creek,  the  re- 
mainder of  the  detachment  marched  eight  miles  further  and  en- 
camped for  the  night  on  the  bank  of  Fish  Creek.  The  next  day 
several  showers  of  rain  impeded  their  progress  to  the  fort,  but  not- 
withstanding, the  troops  arrived  there  at  noon,  after  an  absence  of 
five  days,  and  a  journey  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  miles. 

"  The  tlianks  of  congress  were  voted  to  Colonel  Van  Schaick 
on  this  occasion,  and  to  his  brave  companions,  to  whom,  in  his  of- 
ficial report,  he  declared  he  was  '  under  peculiar  obligations'  for 
their  cheerfulness  'throughout  a  severe  and  laborious  march,  and 
for  the  truly  determined  spirit'  shown  by  them  on  the  occasion. 

*'  It  was  but  a  short  time  after  Colonel  Van  Schaick's  expedi- 
tion, that  the  Oneidas  appeared  in  all  the  pomp  and  circumstance 
of  an  embassy,  at  the  fort,  to  enquire  into  the  reasons  of  the  expedi- 
tion, and  perhaps  with  secret  instructions  from  the  Onondagas,  to 
threaten  or  conciliate  the  Americans,  as  circumstances  should  per- 
mit. Their  orator  was  priest  Peter,  as  he  was  called  ;  and  the 
famous  Skenandoah,  the  principal  sachem  was  present.  The  inter- 
preter, Mr.  Dean,  followed  the  speaker  with  these  words  : 

"  '  Brother,  you  see  before  you,  some  of  your  friends,  the  Onei- 
das, they  come  to  see  you. 

*'*  The  engagements  that  have  been  entered  into  between  us  and 
our  brothers,  the  Americans,  are  well  known  to  you. 

**'  We  were  much  surprised  a  few  days  ago,  by  the  news  which 
a  warriour  brought  to  our  castle  with  a  war-shout,  informing  us  that 
our  friends,  the  Onondagas,  were  destroyed. 

"*  We  were  desirous  to  see  ?you  on  the  occasion,  as  they  think 
you  might  have  been  mistaken  in  destroying  that  part  of  the 
tribe. 

*'  *  We  suppose  you  cannot  answer  us  upon  this  subject,  as  the 
matter  was  agreed  upon  below.  But  perhaps  you  may  know  some- 
thing of  this  matter. 

"  '  When  we  heard  of  this  account,  we  sent  back  word  to  our 
friends  remaining  among  them,  telling  them  not  to  be  pale  hearted, 
because  some  were  destroyed,  but  to  keep  up  with  their  former 
engagements. 

"  '  We  sent  off  some  of  our  people  to  Canasaraga,  to  invite  them 
to  our  village,  but  they  returned  an  answer  that  they  had  sent  some 

VOL.  II.  21 


162  STONY  POINT. 

of  ibelr  runners  to  Onondaga,  to  learn  the  particulars,  and  tliey 
waited  for  their  return. 

"  '  Oiu'  people  brought  for  answer,  that  they  were  much  obliged 
to  their  children,  the  Oneidas,  for  attending  to  them  in  their  dis- 
tresses, and  they  would  be  glad  if  they  would  speak  smoothly  to 
their  brethren,  the  Americans,  to  know  whether  all  this  was  done 
by  design  or  mistake. 

"  '  If  a  mistake,  say  they,  we  hope  to  see  our  brethren  the  prison- 
ers— if  by  design  we  still  will  keep  our  engagements  with  you  and 
not  join  the  king's  party.  But  if  our  brethren,  the  x\mericans, 
mean  to  destroy  us  also,  we  will  not  fly — we  will  wait  here  and  re- 
ceive our  death. 

"  *  Brother,  this  was  the  answer  of  the  Onondagas.  As  for  us,  the 
Oneidas  and  Tnscaroras,  you  know  our  sentiments.  We  have 
supposed  we  knew  yours. 

"  '  The  commissioners  promised  us  thatwhen  they  found  anv  thing 
wrong,  they  would  tell  us  and  make  it  right. 

"  '  Brother — If  we  have  done  anv  thins:  wronof,  we  shall  now  be 
glad  if  you  will  now  tell  us  so.'  " 

'•  The  grunt  of  the  sachems  echoed  back  their  approbation  of 
the  speaker,  as  he  gracefully  threw  his  mande  over  his  arm  and 
sat  down. 

"  Colonel  Van  Schaick  then  rose,  and  stepping  forward,  replied 
as  follows  : 

*'  '  I  am  glad  to  see  my  friends  the  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras. 
I  perfectly  remember  the  engagements  of  the  Five  Nations  entered 
into  four  years  ago,  and  that  they  promised  to  preserve  a  strict  and 
honourable  neutrality  during  the  present  war,  which  w^as  all  we 
asked  them  to  do  for  us. 

"  '  But  I  likewise  know  that  all  of  them,  except  our  brethren 
the  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras,  broke  their  ens^aijements  and  flunff- 
away  the  chain  of  friendship.  But  the  Onondagas  have  been  great 
nuu'derers,  we  have  found  the  scalps  of  our  brethren  at  their 
casde. 

" '  They  were  cut  off,  not  by  mistake,  but  by  design — I  was  or- 
dered to  do  it — and  it  is  done. 

"  '  As  for  the  other  matters  of  which  you  speak,  I  recommend  a 
deputation  to  the  connnissioners  at  Albany.  I  am  not  appointed 
to  treat  with  you  on  those  subjects. 

"  '  I  am  a  warriour — INIy  duty  is  to  obey  the  orders  which  they 
send  me.'" 

Stony  Point  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  British,  and  by 
them  was  strongly  fortified.  It  was  garrisoned  by  the  seven- 
teenth regiment,  a  company  of  grenadiers  of  the  seventy-first,  a 
corps  of  refugees  or  Tories,  with  adequate  artillerists  ;  the  whole 
commanded  by  Colonel  Johnson.     The  plan  of  this  enterprize  was 


EXPLOIT  OF  MAJOR  LEE.  163 

formed  by  the  commander-in-chief,  and  be  chose  Wayne  to  exe- 
cute it,  who  accompUshed  the  object  with  his  wonted  skill  and 
intrepidity,  and  witli  comparatively  a  trifling  loss.  But  such  was 
the  weakness  of  the  American  army,  that  a  sufficient  force  could 
not  be  spared  to  garrison  the  post,  and  it  was  soon  found  necessary 
to  abandon  it.     It  was  re-occupied  by  the  enemy.* 

A  very  short  time  after  this,  Major  Lee  performed  a  brilliant 
exploit,  still  nearer  to  the  city  of  New  York.  The  British  had  a 
garrison  at  Paul  us  Hook,  now  Jersey  City,  but  then  only  known 
as  the  ferry  and  first  stage  between  New  York  and  Philadelphia. 
Paulus  Hook  is,  by  nature,  almost  an  island,  and  the  British  had 
made  it  quite  so,  by  cutting  a  deep  ditch  through  the  marsh,  into 
which  the  tide  flowed,  and  rendered  it  impassable  except  at  low 
water.  They  had  a  diaw  bridge  over  this  ditch,  which,  of  course, 
was  only  let  down  for  their  own  use  ;  and  a  strong  gate  appeared 
to  secure  this  pass.  The  post  was  well  fortified  and  garrisoned, 
but  being  far  removed  from  the  nearest  American  station,  was  con- 
sidered out  of  danger.  Lee  had  observed,  or  gained  intelligence 
of  the  negligence  of  the  garrison,  and  formed  the  design  to  sur- 
prise them.  Lord  Stirling,  to  aid  the  enterprize,  ordered  a  detach- 
ment down  towards  the  Hackinsack  river  to  forage,  which  caused 
no  alarm,  and  followed  himself  with  five  hundred  men,  three  hun- 
dred of  whom  were  to  accompany  Lee  over  the  river,  and  to  the 
attack  of  the  point.  He  reached  the  creek  between  two  and  three 
in  the  morning,  crossed  the  ditch  undiscovered,  and  entered  the 
main  work  with  the  loss  of  two  killed  and  three  wounded.  A  few 
of  the  British  were  killed  at  the  first  charge,  and  one  hundred  and 
fifty,  including  three  officers,  made  prisoners.  They  were  borne 
off  with  the  standard  :  and  the  victors  arrived  at  tiackinsack  liver, 
where  boats  were  to  have  been  in  waiting.  These  had  been  with- 
drawn by  mistake,  and  the  men,  fatigued  with  a  march  of  many 
miles,  were  obliged  to  push  rapidly  up  the  river  fourteen  miles 
before  they  gained  the  bridge,  crossed,  and  were  met  by  their  friends. 
This  exploit  was  performed  within  sight  of  the  army  at  New  York, 
and  of  their  ships  of  war  in  the  harbour. 

During  the  summer  of  1779,  Sir  Henry  Clinton  received  a  re- 
inforcement from  England,  and  made  preparations  for  detaching 
troops  from  New  York,  by  fortifying  the  approaches  on  the  land 
side,  and  on  Long  Island.  The  inhabitants  were  enrolled  as  mi- 
litia, and  many  formed  volunteer  companies,  and  were  drilled  and 
uniformed.  These  were  principally  English  and  Scotch  merchants, 
and  refuo-ees  from  Boston  and  elsewhere.  I  have  seen  these  vo- 
lunteer  companies  acting  as  press-gangs  for  the  fleet,  and  arresthig 


Marshall's  Washington,  Vol.  IV.  chap.  ii. 


164  SECOND  GREAT  FIRE  IN  NEW  YORK. 

sailors,  and  sometimes  others,  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  It  ap- 
pears by  published  letters  that  Sir  Henry  Clinton  was  discontented 
with  the  service,  and  very  much  with  the  conduct  of  the  refugees, 
who  were  formed  into  a  "  board  of  loyalists"  under  Governour 
Franklin,  formerly  of  New  Jersey,  and  who  generally  interfered 
with  the  plans  of  the  general,  by  representations  to  the  ministry. 

In  the  month  of  Septem.ber,  the  British  forces  had  returned 
from  depredating  to  the  eastward,  and  two  large  columns 
moved  from  the  city  of  New  York  up  the  Hudson,  one  on  each 
side.  Cornwallis  commanded  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  with 
his  left  on  the  Hackinsack.  Knyphausen  led  the  column  on  the 
east  of  the  Hudson.  Colonel  Baylor  crossed  the  Hackinsack,  on 
the  27th  of  September,  with  his  cavalry,  and  took  post  at  a  place 
called  Herringtown,  where  a  party  of  militia  was  quartered. 
Cornwallis  saw  that  this  post  was  within  his  reach,  and  ordered  two 
detachments,  under  General  Gray  and  Colonel  Campbell,  to  ad- 
vance on  Baylor's  cavalry.  Guided  by  some  mercenary  wretches, 
inhabitants  of  the  neighbourhood,  the  British  eluded  the  patrols  of 
Baylor,  and  cut  off  his  advance  guard  without  alarming  the  main 
body  of  the  regiment,  who  were  asleep  in  a  barn.  The  orders  of 
General  Gray  were  to  charge  upon  his  enemy,  thus  taken  by  sur- 
prize, and  give  no  quarter.  The  inhuman  order  was  obeyed  almost 
to  the  letter.  Of  one  hundred  and  four  privates,  sixty-seven  were 
bayoneted,  while  demanding  quarter.  Baylor  was  wounded  with 
a  bayonet,  but  recovered  ;  his  major  died  of  his  wounds.  One  of 
Gray's  captains  disobeyed  the  order  of  his  commander,  and  made 
prisoners  of  about  forty,  choosing  rather  to  give  quarters  to  brave 
men  than  to  stab  them  defenceless  and  unresisting.  Three  days 
after  this,  the  gallant  Major  Lee,  with  his  cavalry,  and  Colonel 
Richard  Butler,  with  some  infantry,  fell  in  with  a  party  of  German 
yagers,  of  whom  they  killed  ten,  and  carried  off  eighteen,  with  the 
commanding  officer,  as  prisoners. 

I  have  alluded  to  the  sufferings  from  heat  at  the  battle  of  Monmouth, 
on  the  2Stli  of  June,  1778;  and  on  the  night  of  the  7th  of  August, 
I  remember  that  I  lay  panting  for  air  on  the  floor  near  a  window,  hav- 
ing left  my  bed,  when  I  was  roused  from  imperfect  sleep  by  the  cry  of 
fire,  and  the  ringing  of  alarm  bells.  In  those  days  such  alarms  were 
rarely  known,  and  it  was  probably  the  first  time  I  had  ever  heard 
the  terrifick  stroke.  I  started  up,  and  saw  every  thing  around  illu- 
minated by  the  blaze.  Three  hundred  houses  were  rapidly  con- 
sumed ;  all  Dock  street  and  Little  Dock  street,  w^ith  many  build- 
ings adjacent.  This  was  called  the  second  great  fire.  In  the 
morning  I  visited  the  ruins,  and  assisted  a  schoolmate  to  rescue 
and  guard  some  remaining  furniture  belonging  to  his  widow^ed  mo- 
ther. Well  I  remember  looking  at  the  sun  through  the  smoke, 
with  wonder  at  his  fiery  face  disfigured  by  the  curling  masses  of 


SEVERE  WINTER.  165 

black  and  red  smoke,  as  they  mounted  from  the  half  burnt  build- 
ings. There  were  no  fire  companies  organized,  as  had  previously 
been  ;  the  citizens  were  accustomed  to  form  ranks  from  a  pump  or 
reservoir,  and  each  to  bring  the  buckets  of  his  house  in  case  of  fire; 
but  on  this  occasion  the  military  interfered,  and,  perhaps  intending 
well,  aided  the  work  of  destruction.  The  heat  of  the  8th  of  August, 
1778,  was  intolerable,  and  the  spirits  of  the  people  of  New  York 
depressed  by  the  recent  conflagration.  About  one  o'clock,  masses 
of  black  clouds  overshadowed  us  from  the  west,  and  a  thunder- 
storm commenced  with  violence  ;  but  the  flashes  of  lightning,  or 
the  deafening  peals  of  thunder  did  not  prevent  my  father's  family 
from  setting  down  to  dinner,  for  it  was  while  thus  engaged  that  a 
crash  starded  every  one  from  his  seat;  the  house  appeared  to  shake  ; 
papers  which  had  been  left  near  an  open  chamber  w^indow  came  flutter- 
ing down  in  fantastick  gyrations — "  the  house  is  struck  !"  was  the 
cry,  which  seemed  to  be  confirmed,  as  the  tiled  roof  on  the  front 
ratded  to  the  pavement,  and  torrents  of  rain  poured  in  without 
impediment. 

On  running  into  the  street  it  was  seen  that  all  the  houses  with 
tiled  roofs  were  in  the  same  situation.  Consternation  was  gene- 
ral, and  the  cause  unknown  of  so  violent  and  extensive  a  concus- 
sion. But  soon  was  seen  a  black  column  of  smoke  rising  in  the 
east  far  over  the  houses,  and  while  gazing  at  this  new  phenomenon, 
one  arrived  from  the  east  river  side  of  the  town,  and  explained  the 
awful  appearances.  A  powder  vessel,  lying  off  in  the  stream,  had 
been  struck  by  the  lightning,  and  exploding,  produced  the  startling 
effects  we  had  witnessed.  Every  house  facing  the  river  was  un- 
covered, in  front,  exposed  to  pelting  rain,  and  every  face  that  was 
seen  looked  horrour  struck. 

A  brig  had  been  left  in  charge  of  a  boy,  who  was  the  only  per- 
son that  suffered  death.  Such  is  my  recollection  of  the  night 
and  day  of  the  second  great  fire.  I  remember  that  day  as  one  of 
gloom  and  darkness. 

The  winter  of  1779-80,  is  still  known  as  the  hardest  winter.  In 
New  York  great  efforts  were  made  to  increase  the  depreciation  of 
continental  money,  by  manufacturing  counterfeit  bills,  and  during 
this  winter  the  American  army,  quartered  in  their  own  country, 
were  in  a  state  of  extreme  suffering,  being  in  want  of  clothing  and 
food.  The  general,  describes  his  army  as  "men  half-starved,  im- 
perfectly clothed,  riotous,  and  robbing  the  country  people  of  their 
subsistance,  from  sheer  necessity."  The  soldiers  were  reduced 
to  half  allowance  of  rations,  and  the  general  to  the  necessity  of 
making  requisitions  upon  each  county  of  New  Jersey  for  a  stated 
quantity  of  meat  and  flour,  to  be  delivered  within  six  days ;  giving 
notice  of  the  necessity  which  would  oblige  him  to  resort  to  coer- 
cion.    "  To  the  honour  of  the  magistrates,  and  people  of  New 


166  UNSUCCESSFUL  ATTEMPT  OX  STATEN  ISLAND. 

Jersey/'  Ch.  J.  Marshall  says,  "  although  their  country  was  much 
exhausted,  the  supphes  required  were  instantly  furnished,  and  a 
temporary  relief  obtained."  Amidst  these  distresses,  a  blow  was 
aimed  at  the  enemy  on  Staten  Island.  A  bridge  of  ice  gave  oppor- 
tunity for  any  force  to  pass  from  the  ujain  land,  and  it  was  sup- 
posed that  the  state  of  the  harbour  of  Xew  Yoi'k  would  prevent  re- 
inforcements beino;  sent  from  thence.  General  Washiniiton  or- 
dered  a  detachment  of  two  thousand  men,  under  Lord  Stirling,  to 
attempt  a  surprise  of  the  troops  on  the  island,  principally  consisting 
of  Skinner's  new  corps,  computed  at  twelve  hundred  men.  The 
expedition  was  a  failure.  The  enemy  were  found  entrenched  and 
prepared.  The  tories  of  the  neighbourhood  would  not  allow  their 
friends  to  be  surprised.  It  was  likewise  found  that  a  passage  re- 
mained open  for  boats  from  New  York  to  Staten  Island,  and  that 
troops  could  be  thrown  across  the  bay.  Stirling,  under  these 
circumstances,  retreated  with  some  loss,  and  many  of  his  followers 
frostbitten.  His  army  had  been  followed  by  the  most  licentious  of 
the  New  Jersey  borderers  for  the  purpose  of  plunder,  and  the  of- 
ficers had,  after  their  return,  the  task  of  rescuing  part  of  the  spoil, 
and  returning  it  to  the  owners.  This  transaction  took  place  in 
January.  Afterward,  the  long  continuance  of  severe  cold  closed 
the  bay  of  New  York,  with  solid  ice,  so  that  I  remember  to  have 
seen  a  troop  of  horse  and  artillery  crossing  to  Staten  Island  on  this 
immense  bridge,  which  connected  all  our  islands,  one  with  the 
other,  and  wilh  the  main  land. 

This  occasioned  much  suffering  to  the  army,  more  to  inhabitants. 
Wood  w^as  cut  on  the  three  islands  by  the  military,  and  few  trees 
escaped  the  axe  that  winter.  But  fuel  and  provisions  were  scarce- 
ly to  be  purchased  by  the  citizens,  even  those  who  had  means  of 
paying  exorbitant  prices.  In  many  instances  household  furniture 
was  broken  up  to  supply  the  fire  necessary  to  support  life.  From 
Cortlandt  street  to  Paulus  Hook,  I  well  remember  the  beaten  track 
for  sleighs  and  waggons,  winding  occasionally  around,  and  between 
the  hills  of  ice  ;  and  a  similar  road  in  use  to  Hoboken,  from  whence 
some  wood  was  procured,  by  parties  of  soldiers  sent  over  for  the 
purpose.  On  the  17th  of  March,  I  saw  horsemen  crossing  the  bay 
on  the  ice,  but  it  was  then  considered  dangerous  to  make  their  road 
over  the  deeper  part,  or  channel. 


ARNOLD  COMMANDS  AT  PHILADELPHIA.  1G7 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Arnold  commamh  at,  Philadelphia — His  wisconduct  and  trial — 
Commands  at  West  Point — Intrigues  with  the  enemy  and  treason 
— Capture  and  execution  of  Andre — Escape  of  Arnold. 

1780  The  treason  of  General  Arnold  is  an  event  of  such  mag- 

nitude that  it  appears  necessary  to  recur  to  his  previous  histo- 
ry, from  tlie  memorable  battles  of  Behmus's  Heights,  in  which  he 
played  so  conspicuous  a  part,  to  the  moment  of  tlie  capture  of  Ma- 
jor John  Andre,  and  the  discovery  of  the  infernal  plot  in  which  both 
participated.* 

General  Arnold  appears  to  have  passed  the  early  part  of  the 
Spring  of  177S  in  his  native  state  of  Connecticut  ;  and  in  May,  he 
joined  the  main  army,  at  Valley  Forge,  in  Pennsylvania.  Not 
being  yet  sufficiently  recovered  from  his  wound  to  take  part  in  the 
active  operations  of  the  campaign,  General  Washington  gave  him 
the  command  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  upon  the  retreat  of  the 
enemy.  It  was  here  the  weak  points  of  this  unamiable  man's  cha- 
racter became  again  conspicuous  ;  and  here  he  was  prepared  for 
the  vile  and  odious  transaction  which  has  handed  down  his  name 
with  infamy  to  posterity. 

Even  a  prudent  man  might  have  found  himself  in  a  difficult  situ- 
ation as  commandant  of  a  city  which  had  been  eight  months  occu- 
pied by  the  enemy,  replenished  with  British  merchandize  of  doubtful 
ownership,  and  still  occupied  by  many  adherents  to  the  cause  of 
royalty,  either  known  or  suspected.  It  was  likewise  very  difficult 
to  find  the  line  to  which  his  military  jiower  was  to  extend,  without 
interfering  with  the  civil  authority  and  laws  of  the  state. 

By  a  resolve  of  congress,  the  removal  or  sale  of  all  goods  in 
Philadelphia  was  to  be  prevented  until  it  was  ascertained  whether 
any  of  the  property  in  them  belonged  to  the  king  of  Great  Britain, 


*  My  principal  authority  is  the  very  interesting  biography  of  Arnold  by  Mr. 
Sparks — not  omitting  to  consult  the  Gates' Papers,  in  niaiuistript — the  Journals  o>f 
Congress — the  American  Register — Marshall's  History — Joshua  II.  Smith — and 
other  sources  of  information.  Marshall  says,  he  received  Irom  Lafayette  the  infor- 
mation that  Arnold,  while  in  command  at  West  Point,  endeavoured  to  procure 
from  General  Washington  the  names  of  his  secret  emissaries  in  New  York.  He 
pressed  Lafayette  on  the  same  subject. 


168  TRIED  BY  A  COURT  MARTIAL. 

or  to  any  of  his  subjects.  On  Arnold's  entering  the  city,  he  issued 
a  proclamation  in  conformity  with  this  resolve.  This  prohibition 
appeared  arbitrary,  and  its  immediate  source  was  rendered  unpopu- 
lar. Shortly  after,  Arnold  either  had,  or  pretended,  a  wish  to 
serve  in  the  navy  rather  than  the  army,  and  wrote  to  General  Wash- 
ington on  the  subject.  His  wounds,  he  said,  prevented  active  ser- 
vice on  shore,  but  would  not  impede  usefulness  at  sea.  He,  per- 
haps, expected  the  sole  command  on  that  element,  and  his  habitual 
extravagance  rendered  the  prospect  of  riches,  from  captures  at  sear, 
desirable.  General  Washington  gave  no  opinion  on  the  subject, 
and  the  scheme  dropped.  In  the  meantime  Arnold  involved  him- 
self in  difficulties  with  the  president  and  council  of  Pennsylvania  ; 
which  at  length  drew  from  that  body  a  resolve  that  the  course  of 
his  military  command  in  Philadelphia  had  been  "  oppressive,  un- 
worthy of  his  rank  and  station,  highly  discouraging  to  those  who 
had  manifested  an  attachment  to  the  liberties  and  interests  of  Ame- 
rica, and  disrespectful  to  the  supreme  executive  authority  of  the 
state."  Her  attorney-general  was  authorized  to  prosecute  him  for 
such  "  illegal  and  oppressive  acts  as  were  cognizable  in  the  courts 
of  law." 

Charges  were  issued  against  him — some  implying  criminality, 
and  all,  wilful  abuse  of  power.  An  appeal  was  made  to  congress, 
and  these  charges,  with  divers  papers,  laid  before  that  assembly. 
Many  difficulties  arising  in  the  course  of  investigation,  it  was  agreed 
to  refer  the  affair  to  a  military  tribunal.  Four  charges  were  pro- 
nounced cognizable  by  a  court  martial,  and  these  were  transmitted 
to  the  commander-in-chief,  who  ordered  a  court  to  be  convened, 
appointed  the  time  of  trial,  and  gave  notice  to  the  parties  concerned. 

Highly  displeased  with  this  course,  Arnold  was  not  sparing  of 
complaints  and  accusations  of  injustice  ;  but  desired  a  speedy  trial, 
declaring  "  his  conviction  that  justice  would  be  rendered  to  him  by 
a  court  martial." 

It  ought  to  be  remarked,  that  during  this  controversy,  Riving- 
ton's  paper  (which  was  under  the  control  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  the 
ex-governour  William  Franklin,  and  other  leaders  of  the  English 
party,)  contained  a  succession  of  paragraphs  advocating  the  cause 
of  Arnold,  and  charging  the  rebels  with  ingratitude  to  their  best 
military  commander.* 

Difficulties  and  delays  occurred  in  respect  to  the  form  of  trial. 
Arnold  resigned  his  command  of  Philadelphia,  in  March,  1779. 
In  April,  he  was  married  ;  and  the  trial  was  appointed  for  the  1st 
of  June  :  but  the  indications  of  active  measures  taking  by  the  ene- 
my, called  for  the  services  of  the  officers  selected  for  the  court, 


•  See  Papers. 


AXD  REPRIMANDED  BY  WASHINGTON.  169 

and  a  further  delay,  much  to  the  displeasure  of  x\rnold,  was  the 
consequence. 

He  continued  to  reside  in  Philadelphia,  and  held  his  commis- 
sion, although  without  command.  But  his  character  and  manners 
were  so  unpopular  that  he  was  on  one  occasion  insulted  by  the 
populace,  and  he  applied  to  congress  for  a  guard,  but  they  referred 
him  to  the  government  of  Pennsylvania,  his  known  and  avowed 
enemies.  Again  he  applied  to  congress,  and  reminded  them,  as 
usual,  of  his  services,  patriotism,  etc.  etc.,  but  again  they  declined. 
In  this  disagreeable  situation  his  affairs  remained  until  the  cam- 
paign being  ended,  his  trial  commenced  at  Morristown,  in  Decem- 
ber, and  was  concluded  on  the  i26th  of  January,  17S0. 

The  court  dismissed  some  of  the  charges  against  him,  and  only 
found  that  in  two  instances  of  minor  importance  his  conduct  had 
been  imprudent  and  improper.  The  sentence  was,  that  on  these 
charges  he  should  be  reprimanded  by  the  commander-in-chief. 
This  duty  was  performed  by  that  great  man  with  his  characteristick 
delicacy,  and  in  a  manner  the  most  soodiing.  "  I  reprimand  you,'* 
he  said  "  that  in  proportion  as  you  had  rendered  yourself  formida- 
ble to  our  enemies,  you  should  have  shown  moderation  towards 
our  citizens.  Exhibit  again  those  splendid  qualities  which  have 
placed  you  in  the  rank  of  our  most  distinguished  generals.  As  far 
as  it  shall  be  in  my  power,  I  will  myself  furnish  you  with  opportu- 
nities for  regaining  the  esteem  which  you  have  formerly  enjoyed." 

But  before  these  words  fell  powerless  on  his  ear,  Arnold  had 
decided  on  the  step  which  was  to  free  him  from  the  difficulties  into 
which  his  profusion  and  ostentation  had  involved  him,  and  at  the 
same  time  consign  his  name  to  lasting  infamy.  He  had  already 
sold  himself,  and  the  lives  and  fortunes  of  his  countrymen,  as  far 
as  he  could  betray  them,  to  the  arrogant  and  merciless  enemy  who 
looked  for  that  conquest  from  treachery,  which  he  could  not  achieve 
by  arms. 

He  asked  permission  to  return  to  Philadelphia  to  arrange  his 
private  affairs.  In  that  city  he  had  lived  in  a  manner  to  which  his 
funds  were  utterly  inadequate.  One  of  the  first  houses,  furnished 
in  the  most  expensive  style,  corresponded  with  his  appearance  in 
publick,  riding  in  a  coach  drawn  by  four  horses  splendidly  capari- 
soned, and  attended  by  numerous  menials  suitable  to  such  arrogant 
pretensions.  His  marriage  with  a  fine  lady  who  had  been  the  belle 
of  the  British  beaux,  while  the  place  was  an  English  garrison,  and 
the  entertainments  given  to  correspond  w^ith  his  other  ambitious 
display,  all  increased  the  debts  he  necessarily  contracted.  To  sup- 
port in  part  this  splendour,  he  entered  into  partnerships  with  indi- 
viduals who  speculated  in  goods  purchased  clandestinely  upon  the 
enemy's  lines,  and  with  others  in  privateering  adventures  against 

VOL.  II.  22 


170  Arnold's  intrigues. 

those  with  whom  he  was  already  in  negociation  for  the  betraying 
of  his  country.  ^ 

Among  his  various  attempts  to  supply  that  extrav^agance  which 
he  had  not  the  courage  or  magnanimity  to  abandon,  he  persisted  in 
his  exorbitant  claims  upon  congress  for  balances  pretended  to  be 
due  for  advances  made  by  him  in  the  course  of  service.  Disgust- 
ing friends  and  enemies  by  his  pretensions  and  effrontery,  he  failed 
in  this  resource,  and  before  finally  concluding  his  bargain  of  blood 
with  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  through  the  knight's  agent,  Andre,  Arnold 
offered  himself  to  the  French  ambassador,  M.  de  Luzerne,  request- 
ing a  loan,  which  was  understood  to  be  a  bribe,  by  which  the  Ame- 
rican general  was  to  become  the  creature  of  France.  This  was 
declined,  and  now  the  only  calculation  was  to  inflict  as  much  injury 
on  his  country  as  possible  by  way  of  enhancing  the  price  he  was  to 
receive  from  the  enemy. 

AVith  this  vdew,  he  asked  and  obtained  the  command  of  West 
Point,  the  great  pass  of  the  Hi£;hlands — the  possession  of  which 
would  divide  the  Eastern  states  from  their  sisters,  open  the  commu- 
nication to  the  interiour  of  i\ew  York,  and  perhaps  Canada,  besides 
inflicting  a  wound  on  the  army  of  the  United  States,  both  in  respect 
to  the  brave  men  to  be  sacrificed,  and  the  warlike  material  that  would 
be  lost  to  the  country. 

Arnold's  wife,  a  lady  who  had  probably  been  captivated  with  that 
splendour  which  was  one  cause  of  his  baseness,  had  been  the  hero- 
ine of  the  Mischianza.,  a  mock  tournament,  in  theatrical  style,  got 
up  by  the  British  oflicers  in  compliment  to  Sir  William  Howe  on 
occasion  of  his  departure.  Andre  was  of  course  conspicuous  in 
this  mimick  display  of  chivalry  ;  and  his  intimacy  with  Miss  Ship- 
pen  was  continued  after  the  gallant  Major  had  been  driven  with  his 
brethren  back  to  New  York. 

He  corresponded  with  the  lady  by  letters,  and  through  this  chan- 
nel Arnold's  necessities,  which  laid  him  open  to  the  final  shafts  of 
corruption  were  undesignedly  communicated  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton, 
and  the  bargain  of  treason  and  murder  consummated.  There  can 
be  no  doubt  but  that  Arnold's  connection  with  this  woman  and  her 
friends,  all  attached  to  Great  Britain  and  enemies  of  his  country, 
added  the  last  and  deepest  shade  to  his  already  stained  and  dis- 
coloured character. 

Arnold  now  represented  to  General  Washington  that  his  wounds 
were  in  such  state  as  to  allow  his  active  exertion  for  his  country, 
though  not  on  horseback.  He  represented  to  General  Schuyler, 
who  duly  appreciated  his  military  talents,  that  he  might  be  of  ser- 
vice as  commandant  on  the  Hudson.  Schuyler  made  the  intended 
communication  to  General  Wasiiington,  without  its  appearing  to 
come  immediately  from  Arnold,  who  likewise  engaged  Robert  R. 
Livingston  to  suggest  the   appointment  of  commandant  of  West 


COMMANDS  AT  WEST  POINT.  171 

Point  to  the  commander-in-chief,  without  the  traitor  appearing 
anxious  for  it.  He  Hkewise  visited  camp,  and  expressed  his  wish 
to  be  in  service,  still  hinting  that  his  wounds  prevented  active  com- 
mand, but  avoided  mentioning  the  object  of  his  wishes.  He  passed 
on  to  Connecticut,  and  in  returning  again,  saw  General  Washing- 
ton ;  still  nothing  was  decided.  He  then  visited  West  Point,  and 
minutely  observed  the  works — still  avoiding  any  expression  of  his 
desire  for  a  command  at  that  post. 

It  must  be  held  in  mind  that  the  pass  of  the  Highlands  at  West 
Point  was  considered  as  the  link  which  held  the  states  to2:ether. 
After  the  loss  of  Forts  Montgomery  and  Chnton,  in  1777,  a  strong 
boom  had  been  thrown  across  the  Hudson  from  West  Point  to  the 
eastern  shore.  The  point  had  been  fortified,  and  Fort  Putnam, 
the  remains  of  which  testify  its  strength,  had  been  erected  on  the 
pinnacle  of  the  rock  and  was  deemed  impregnable.  It  was  con- 
structed of  rock,  was  bomb-proof,  and  unassailable. 

When  General  Washington,  in  consequence  of  the  preparations 
of  the  British  to  attack  Rhode  Island,  was  moving  his  army  towards 
New  York,  xVrnold  joined  him,  and  had  the  post  of  honour  assigned 
to  him,  as  commander  of  the  left  wing  ;  but,  to  the  general's  sur- 
prize, he  learned  that  this  officer,  who  had  ever  been  eager  for  the 
post  of  danger,  had  hinted  to  Colonel  Tilghman  his  wish  to  be 
placed  at  West  Point,  as  a  situation  better  suited  to  Itis  lameness. 

Clinton  having  debarked  his  troops,  and  the  plans  of  the  cam- 
paign changing,  General  Washington  complied  with  what  he  found 
to  be  the  wish  of  Arnold  ;  and  on  the  3d  of  August,  17S0,  the 
orders  and  instructions  were  accordingly  issued  at  Peekskill.  Ar- 
nold repaired  without  delay  to  the  Highlands,  and  established  his 
quarters  at  Robinson's  house,  two  or  three  miles  below  West  Point, 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 

The  main  army  recrossed  the  Hudson,  at  King's  Ferry,  moved 
down  towards  Hackinsack,  and  encamped  with  its  left  wing  near 
Dobbs's  Ferry.  The  right  wing  was  commanded  by  Greene,  and 
the  left  by  Lord  Stirling,  while  the  light  infantry,  commanded  by 
General  Lafayette,  were  six  miles  in  advance  of  the  main  body. 

An  incident  which  the  gallant  and  honest  Lafayette  tells  us,  marks 
the  character  of  Arnold  more  distincdy  than  even  the  denouement 
of  his  diabolical  plot.  Before  leaving  the  army  for  West  Point, 
he  went  to  the  marquis,  and  mentioning  his  knowledge  that  the 
noble  Frenchman  had  spies  in  New  York,  employed  at  his  own 
expense,  he  asked  their  luimcs  and  address  ;  suggesting  that  their 
intelligence  might  reach  him  more  certainly  and  expeditiously  by 
the  way  of  West  Point,  and  suggesting  that  if  he  was  in  possession 
of  their  names,  he  might  facilitate  the  intercourse.  The  gallant  and 
ever  honourable  Lafayette  escaped  the  snare  laid  by  the  arch  traitor, 
merely  through  his  honest  and  upright  sense  of  duty — replying  that 


172  CORRESPONDS  WITH  THE  ENEMY. 

those  individuals  had  confided  in  him,  and  he  could  not  divulge 
their  secret  to  any  person  whatever. 

We  have  seen  that  this  correspondence,  in  which  all  the  arts  of 
falsehood  and  deceit  v»'ere  exerted  for  the  purposes  of  treachery, 
was  begun  by  the  chivalrous  Major  Andre,  and  the  admired  Miss 
Shippen,  and  continued  by  Mrs.  Arnold  with  the  same  honourable 
gentleman.  Under  feigned  names  the  parties  communicated  for 
months  ;  while  the  man  in  whose  mouth  the  honour  of  the  soldier 
and  patriotism  of  the  citizen  were  ever  uppermost,  was  maturing 
the  plan  of  traitorous  mischief.  When  Andre  and  Arnold  corres- 
ponded, the  Briton  assumed  the  name  of  John  Anderson,  and  the 
traitor  that  of  Gustavais. 

We  are  told  that  in  the  first  letters  of  Arnold  to  Sir  Henry  Clin- 
ton, the  traitor  merely  expressed  his  dissatisfactioa  with  the  French 
alliance  ;  touched  on  topicks  that  he  knew  would  be  agreeable,  and 
gave  intelligence,  which  (as  it  proved  true)  excited  the  curiosity  of 
the  English  general  to  know  who  his  unknown  correspondent  was. 
From  the  nature  of  the  information  communicated,  it  was  evident 
that  the  person  held  a  post  of  consequence  ;  and  at  length  it  was 
obvious  that  the  American  General  Arnold  was  the  man,  although 
nothing  in  the  letters,  if  any  one  had  fallen  into  other  hands,  could 
have  discovered  the  writer.  iVrnold  thus  betrayed  the  confidence 
reposed  in  him  by  his  countrymen,  while  his  trial  was  going  on  ; 
and  he  was  at  this  time  pleading  his  patriotism,  honour,  and  servi- 
ces, to  prove  that  the  charges  made  against  him  must  be  false. 
When  he  had  been  restored  to  active  service  by  the  acquittal  of  the 
court  martial,  Clinton  saw  in  him  a  tool  worth  buying.  Gustavus 
(his  assumed  name  in  their  correspondence)  soon  let  the  English 
general  know  that  he  should  have  a  command  of  importance,  and 
when  Arnold  took  possession  of  West  Point,  the  English  general 
saw  the  importance  of  the  treachery  thus  put  in  the  power  of  his 
correspondent. 

A  French  army  and  fleet  were  at  Rhode  Island,  ready  to  co- 
operate with  General  Washington.  There  was  reason  to  think 
that  the  combined  forces  would  be  directed  against  New  York.  It 
was  to  be  expected  that  West  Point  would  be  made  the  depository 
of  vast  magazines  for  this  purpose,  in  addition  to  the  stores  already 
placed  there.  To  seize  upon  these,  would  defeat  the  plans  of  his 
enemies,  give  him  the  command  of  the  important  post  through,  and 
magazines  of,  the  Highlands,  and  would  terminate  the  campaign  with 
eclat ;  and  the  British  commander-in-chief  was  eager  to  complete 
the  advantageous  bargain  which  his  correspondent  Gustavus  oftered 
to  him. 

In  his  letter  to  Lord  George  Germain  as  published,  he  says,  the 
arrival  of  Sir  George  Rodney  with  a  fleet  at  New  York,  "rendered 
it  highly  probable,  that  Washington  would  lay  aside  all  thoughts 
against  this  place.     It  became  therefore  proper  for  me  no  longer 


MAJOR  ANDRE.  173 

to  defer  the  execution  of  a  project,  which  would  lead  to  such  con- 
siderable advantages,  nor  to  lose  so  fair  an  opportunity  as  was  pre- 
sented, and  under  so  good  a  mask  as  an  expedition  to  the  Chesa- 
peake, which  every  body  imagined  would  of  course  take  place. 
Under  this  feint  I  prepared  for  a  movement  up  the  North  River. 
It  became  necessary  at  that  instant,  that  the  secret  correspondence 
under  feigned  names,  which  had  been  so  long  carried  on,  should 
be  rendered  into  certainty,  both  as  to  the  person  being  General  Ar- 
nold, commanding  at  West  Point,  and  that  in  the  manner  in  which 
he  was  to  surrender  himself,  the  forts,  and  troops  to  me,  it  should  be 
so  conducted  under  a  concerted  plan  between  us,  as  that  the  King's 
troops  sent  upon  this  expedition  should  be  under  no  risk  of  sur- 
prise or  counterplot ;  and  I  was  determined  not  to  make  the  attempt 
but  under  such  particular  security.  I  knew  the  ground  on  which 
the  forts  were  placed,  and  the  contiguous  country,  tolerably  well — 
having  been  there  in  1777 — and  I  had  received  many  hints  respect- 
ing both,  from  General  Arnold.  But  it  was  certainly  necessary 
that  a  meeting  should  be  held  with  that  officer  for  settling  the  whole 
plan.  My  reasons,  as  I  have  described  them,  will,  I  trust,  prove 
the  propriety  of  such  a  measure  on  my  part.  General  Arnold  had 
also  his  reasons,  which  must  be  so  very  obvious,  as  to  make  it  un- 
necessary for  me  to  explain  them.  Many  projects  for  a  meeting 
were  formed,  and  consequently  several  attempts  made,  in  all  of 
which  General  Arnold  seemed  extremely  desirous  that  some  person, 
who  had  my  particular  confidence,  might  be  sent  to  him  ;  some 
man,  as  he  described  it  in  writing,  of  his  own  mensuration.  I  had 
thought  of  a  person  under  this  important  description,  who  would 
gladly  have  undertaken  it,  but  that  his  peculiar  situation  at  the 
time,  from  which  I  could  not  release  him,  prevented  him  from  en- 
gaging in  it.  General  Arnold  finally  insisted,  that  the  person  sent 
to  confer  with  him  should  be  Adjutant-General  Major  Andre,  who 
indeed  had  been  the  person  on  my  part,  who  managed  and  carried 
on  the  secret  correspondence."* 

Major  Andre  appears  to  have  been,  both  as  an  officer  and  man, 
highly  engaging  in  appearance  and  manners.  His  prompt  atten- 
tion to  military  duties  had  secured  him  the  favour  of  Sir  Henry 
Clinton,  who  received  him  as  an  aid,  and  on  the  resignation  of  the 
office  of  adjutant-general,  by  Lord  Rawdon,  Andre  received  the 
appointment,  with  the  rank  of  major — obtained  from  the  English 
minister,  by  the  commander-in-chief's  earnest  solicitation.  That 
he  was  a  man  of  amiable  disposition  and  fascinating  manners,  is 
testified  by  all,  and  confirmed  by  the  rapidity  of  his  military  advance- 
ment without  fortune  or  family  influence. 


*  Sparks's  Life  of  Arnold,  (Am.  Biog.  Vol.  III.)  pp.  168,  169. 


174 

It  having  been  decided  that  Andre  should  go  to  meet  Arnold 
and  make  a  final  bargain  for  the  post  he  was  entrusted  with,  and  for 
the  lives  he  was  sworn  to  protect,  the  first  consideration  was  to 
bring  about  an  interview  without  exciting  suspicion.  On  the  30th 
o{  August,  Arnold,  as  Gustavus,  wrote  to  his  correspondent,  John 
Anderson^  (Andre,)  that  he  expected  soon  to  be  able  to  meet  him 
and  settle  their  "commercial  plan"  satisfactorily  to  "both  parties" 
— ahuding  to  himself  as  a  tldrd  person,  he  says  :  "  He  expects,' 
when  you  meet,  that  you  will  be  fully  authorized  from  your  house" 
— that  is,  will  have  ample  powers  from  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  "  Spe- 
culation might  at  this  tiuie  be  easily  made" — intimating  that  cir- 
cumstances favour  the  dehvery  of  the  post  and  garrison — "  with 
rcadij  moticjf^ — thus  letting  Clinton  know  that  the  price  of  his  per- 
fidy must  he  paid  down,  and  that  he  would  not  trnat  him. 

Arnold's  plan  appears  to  have  been,  that  this  definitive  meeting 
should  take  place  at  his  own  head -quarters,  where  Andre  was  to  be 
introduced  as  one  of  those  persons,  who,  habitually  acted  as  spies 
upon  the  British.  By  letter  Andre  was  informed  of  the  arrange- 
ment, and  Arnold  sent  notice  to  Colonel  Sheldon,  (who  was  sta- 
tioned at  Salem,  some  miles  from  the  river,  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Hudson,)  that  a  person  was  expected  from  New  York  ;  and  should 
he  arrive,  immediately  to  send  information  to  head-quarters. 

Andre,  however,  did  not  choose  to  trust  his  correspondent  Gus- 
tavus,  quite  so  implicitly.  But  under  his  feigned  name  of  John 
Anderson,  and  in  a  disguised  hand,  wrote  to  Colonel  Sheldon, 
saying: — "  I  am  told  my  name  is  made  known  to  you,  and  that  I 
may  hope  your  indulgence  in  permitting  me  to  meet  a  friend  near 
your  outposts.  I  will  endeavour  to  obtain  permission  to  go  out 
with  a  flag,  which  will  be  sent  to  Dobbs's  Ferry  on  Monday  next, 
the  11th  instant,  at  twelve  o'clock,  where  I  shall  be  happy  to  meet 

Mr.  G .     Should  I  not  be  allowed  to  go,  the  officer  who  is 

to  command  the  escort,  between  whom  and  myself  no  distinction 
need  be  made,  can  speak  on  the  affair.  Let  me  entreat  you,  sir, 
to  favour  a  matter  so  interesting  to  the  parties  concerned,  and  which 
is  of  so  private  a  nature,  that  the  publick  on  neither  side  can  be  in- 
jured by  it." 

This  letter  Sheldon  enclosed  to  Arnold,  at  the  same  time  in- 
informing  him,  that  his  health  not  permitting  him  to  go  to  Dobbs's 
Ferry,  he  hoped  the  General  would  either  go  thither  himself,  or 
send  some  other  person  to  meet  the  spy.  It  may  be  remarked,  that 
Dobbs's  Ferry,  was  about  twenty  miles  from  Sheldon's  station,  which 
was  distant  from  head-quarters,  about  fifteen  miles,  and  that  Arnold 
by  the  nearest  route,  was  twenty-five  miles  from  the  ferry  ;  and 
must  on  the  route  cross  Croton  River.  It  appears  that  Sheldon 
did  not  fully  understand,  why  the  spy  was  to  be  accompanied  by 
an  escort,  and  Arnold  seemed  to  think  it  necessary  to  make  an  ex- 


175 

cuse  to  Sheldon  for  the  circumstance  ;  he,  therefore,  wrote  to  him 
that  he  had  been  obhged  to  express  himself  with  great  caution  to 
this  Mr.  Anderson,  and  to  use  the  signature  of  Gustavus,  to  prevent 
discovery  if  his  letter  fell  into  the  enemy's  hands :  he  noticed  that 
passages  in  Anderson's  letter  must  appear  mysterious  to  Colonel 
Sheldon,  and  said  he  would  himself,  as  he  had  business  at  Ver- 
plank's  Point,  proceed  to  Dobbs's  Ferry,  and  meet  the  flag.  Now, 
Verplank's  Point,  is  about  a  third  of  the  way  from  Arnold's  head- 
quarters to  the  ferry.  He  further  told  Sheldon,  that  should  the  ex- 
pected meeting  not  take  place,  and  Anderson  should  come  within 
the  lines,  he  wished  an  express  immediately  to  be  sent  to  him,  and 
the  visiter  to  be  forwarded  to  head-quarters,  with  an  escort  of  horse- 
men— he  gave  as  a  reason  for  not  meeting  Anderson  at  Shehion's 
quarters,  the  difficulty  which  attended  his  riding.  From  this  we 
infer,  that  his  visit  to  Dobbs's  Ferry  was  by  water :  Robinson's  house, 
or  Arnold's  head-quarters,  being  but  a  short  distance,  east  from 
the  Hudson.  Further  to  blind  the  eyes  of  Sheldon  and  others, 
he  requested  the  Colonel,  if  his  health  permitted,  to  accompany 
Mr.  Anderson  ;  and  if  General  Parsons  arrived,  as  he  was  ex- 
pected with  a  body  of  troops  from  Connecticut,  to  show  him  the 
letter  relative  to  Anderson. 

On  the  10th  of  September,  Arnold  proceeded  by  water  down 
the  river  from  Robinson's  house,  his  head-quarters,  to  King's  Fer- 
ry, thus  crossing  to  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson.  There  he  took 
up  his  quarters  for  the  night  at  Joshua  Helt  Smith's,  about  two  and 
a  half  miles  from  the  ferry,  on  the  Haverstraw  road. 

This  Mr.  Smith*  was  connected  with  men  of  respectabiHty  in 
the  city  of  New  York.  He  was  a  brotlier  to  the  King's  Chief  Justice 
William  Smith,  known  as  author  of  a  history  of  the  early  times  of  the 
province,  (to  which  frequent  reference  has  been  made  in  the  course 
of  this  work,)  and  subsequently,  as  Chief  Justice  of  Canada;  but 
the  property  of  .Joshua,  had  placed  him  (and  he  had  evinced  the 
wish  to  be)  on  the  part  adverse  to  his  brother.  The  predecessor 
of  Arnold  in  command  at  West  Point,  had  been  in  the  practice  of 
employing  this  Joshua  Smith  to  procure  intelligence  from  the  city, 
which  his  respectable  connexions  gave  hitn  opportunities  of  doing 
that  were  denied  to  meaner  agents.  Besides,  his  residence  so  near 
the  out-posts,  made  him  acquainted  with  the  people  on  both  sides 
of  the  lines,  and  on  the  neutral  ground.  His  standing  in  society  and 
education,  gave  him  influence  over  his  neighbours,  and  as  his  cha- 
racter and  connexions  were  communicated  to  Arnold,  he,  upon  his 
arrival  at  West  Point,  had  made  a  point  to  gain  INIr.  Smith's  fa- 
vour and  confidence,  seeing  in  him  a  valuable  tool  for  his  purposes. 


*  Smith  says,  he  was  suspected  of  favouring  the  British  cause. 


176  Arnold's  treason. 

He  visited  Smith  ;  appeared  to  confide  in  him  ;  invited  him  to 
head-(]uarters,  and  furnished  him  with  written  permission  to  pass 
the  guards  at  all  times.  Such  permissions  w^ere  used  by  many  to 
hold  communication  with  others  within  the  English  lines,  for  the 
purposes  of  obtaining  goods  for  their  own  profit,  and  intelligence 
for  the  officers  granting  the  passports. 

After  passing  the  night  at  Smith's,  Arnold  proceeded  down  the 
river  to  meet  x\ndre  and  Colonel  Beverley  Robinson,  at  Dobbs's 
Ferry,  but  as  his  barge  approached  the  place,  it  was  fired  upon  by 
the  British  gun  boats,  who  pursued  him  to  the  eminent  risque  of 
his  being  captured.  He  landed  on  the  west  side,  and  went  down 
to  the  Ferry,  but  the  previous  accident  seems  to  have  disconcerted 
the  plan  of  meeting,  and  he  returned  to  his  head-quarters.  With 
the  conspirator's  caution,  he  wrote  to  General  Washington,  and 
among  other  afl^airs  relative  to  the  post  entrusted  to  him,  mentioned 
that  he  had  gone  dow^n  the  river  to  give  orders  relative  to  precau- 
tions in  case  the  enemy  should  ascend. 

Another  appointment  was  now  to  be  made,  and  additional  pre- 
cautions w^ere  rendered  necessary,  as  Arnold  knew  that  the  com- 
mander-in-chief would  cross  the  Hudson  at  King's  Ferry,  on  his 
way  to  meet  Count  Rochambeau  at  Hartford.  Two  days  after  his 
disappointment,  he  found  an  opportunity  of  conveying  a  letter  to  An- 
dre, couched  in  the  phraseology  of  mercantile  transactions,  in  which 
he  warned  him  not  to  be  too  free  in  his  letters  to  Colonel  Sheldon, 
and  invited  him  to  come  to  the  landing  on  the  east  side  of  Dobbs's 
Ferry  on  Wednesday,  the  20th  of  September,  at  which  time  and 
place,  a  person  would  meet  him  and  conduct  him  to  the  writer, 
*'  It  will  be  necessary  for  you  to  be  in  disguise.  You  may  rest  as- 
sured, that,  if  there  is  no  danger  in  passing  your  lines,  you  will  be 
perfectly  safe  where  I  propose  a  meeting." 

Before  this  letter  reached  Andre,  the  anxiety  of  Clinton  to 
finish  this  negociation  had  induced  him  to  send  Beverley  Robinson 
up  the  river  in  the  Vulture  sloop  of  war  as  far  as  Teller's  Point,  to 
seek  an  opportunity  of  communication  with  Arnold.  Pretending 
to  believe  Putnam  still  at  West  Point,  the  emissary  wrote  a  letter 
directed  to  him  as  commanding  officer,  but  certain  of  being  opened 
by  Arnold.  It  expressed  a  desire  to  have  an  interview  on  private 
business.  A  flag  was  made  use  of  to  forward  this  design  of  trea- 
chery, and  these  letters  (for  there  was  an  enclosure  directed  to  Ar- 
nold, requesting  the  same  favour  of  Arnold,  if  Putnam  should  be 
gone)  were  signed  by  Robinson ;  and  if  intercepted  would  appear 
to  relate  to  his  former  property  in  that  part  of  the  country,  which 
was  very  extensive,  and  to  other  private  affairs.  The  house  in 
which  Arnold  resided  had  been  Robinson's,  but  was  confiscated  to 
the  state  of  New  York,  with  the  tract  of  land  adjoining. 

Arnold  received  Robinson's  letter  publickly,  and  communicated 


Arnold's  treason.  177 

the  contents  to  those  around  h'wn.  Colonel  Lamb  remarked,  that 
it  was  strange  Beverley  Robinson  should  open  a  correspondence 
with  a  military  officer  on  a  subject  to  which  the  civil  authority  was 
alone  competent.  This  remark  must  have  startled  the  guilty  con- 
science of  the  traitor.  But  Robinson's  intended  interview  was  em- 
barrassed by  a  circumstance  known  to  Arnold,  but  not  to  the 
Colonel;  which  was,  that  General  Washington  would  arrive  at 
King's  Ferry  to  cross  the  Hudson  on  his  way  to  Hartford,  and 
must  of  course  know  that  a  flas:  from  the  Vulture  had  been  sent  to 
Arnold  just  before  his  arrival.  To  guard  a^rainst  suspicion,  as  well 
as  to  meet  and  show  respect  to  a  commander  whose  confidence  he 
was  betraying,  the  traitor  proceeded  in  his  barge  to  meet  General 
Washington  and  convey  him  to  the  east  side  of  the  Hudson.  The 
Vulture  was  in  full  view  of  the  barge  in  crossing,  and  it  was  recol- 
lected afterwards  by  the  officers  in  the  suite  of  the  commander-in- 
chief,  that  while  he  was  looking  at  the  sloop  of  war  through  his 
glass,  and  speaking  in  a  low  voice  to  those  around  him,  Arnold 
manifested  uneasiness  and  emotion.  Another  circumstance  was 
at  a  future  time  called  to  mind.  Lafayette  said  in  a  tone  of  plea- 
santry, "  General  Arnold,  since  you  have  a  correspondence  with 
the  enemy,  you  must  ascertain  as  soon  as  possible  what  has  become 
of  Guichen" — a  French  admiral,  whose  squadron  was  anxiously 
looked  for.  Arnold  hastily  demanded  what  he  meant  ? — looked 
confused — controlled  the  hasty  impulse — and  was  relieved  by  the 
barge  at  the  moment  striking  the  shore. 

He  accompanied  General  Washington  to  Peekskill,  and  placed 
Robinson's  letter  in  his  hand.  Tnis  was  necessary  to  account  for 
the  arrival  of  the  flasf  from  the  Vulture.  The  General  advised  him 
to  avoid  the  requested  interview,  and  remarked,  as  Colonel  Lamb 
had  done,  that  the  subject  of  Robinson's  property  belonged  to  the 
civil  authority  of  the  state.  After  this  decision,  it  would  be  too 
hazardous  to  meet  the  agent  of  Sir  Henry,  as  had  been  intended. 
These  events  occurred  on  the  18th  of  September.  What  a  day  of 
wretchedness  this  must  have  been  to  the  traitor !  Fear  of  detec- 
tion— suspicion  that  he  was  already  detected,  and  permitted  by  the 
commander-in-chief  to  proceed  only  the  further  to  entangle  him- 
self in  his  own  snare — the  most  trifling  event  starded  him — for 
*'the  thief  does  fear  each  bush  an  officer."  The7'e  is  no  peace  for 
the  guilt  If. 

When  relieved  from  his  immediate  fears  by  the  departure  of 
Washington,  an  answer  was  openly  returned  to  Robinson's  letter 
by  the  flag  boat.  Arnold  said  that  the  general  disapproved  of  the 
interview.  But  an  enclosed  letter  made  an  appointment  for  the 
night  of  the  20th,  when  a  person  would  be  sent  to  Dobbs's  Ferry, 
or  "  o?i  hoard  the  Vulture'^''  who  would  be  furnished  with  a  boat 
and  a  flag,  and  whose  secrecy  and  honour  might  be  depended  upon. 

VOL.  II.  23 


178  ARNOJ.D*S  TREASON. 

He  advised  that  the  sloop  of  war  should  remain  stationary.  A  pre* 
cautionary  postscript  added  that  General  Washington  would  be  at 
West  Point  on  Saturday  next,  and  any  matter  communicated 
should  be  laid  before  him.  A  copy  of  the  previous  letter  to  Andre, 
appointing  the  time  of  meeting  at  Dobbs's  Ferry  was  likewise  en- 
closed, and  all  three  were  immediately  forwarded  by  Robinson  to 
his  employer. 

Sir  Henry  having  received  all  this  information,  despatched  Andre 
on  the  20th  of  September,  to  Dobbs's  Ferry,  who  in  his  way  stopped 
at  the  Vulture,  expecting  that  Arnold  might  himself  come  off  tp 
that  vessel.  At  7  o'clock  on  the  evening  of  the  20th,  he  reached 
the  sloop  of  war,  but  Arnold  had  already  contrived  another  mode 
of  meeting,  and  had  made  Joshua  H.  Smith  his  tool  to  bring  it 
about. 

We  have  already  seen  that  Smith  had  been  in  the  habit  of  con- 
veying intelligence,  as  well  as  other  profitable  merchantable  com- 
modities from  New  York,  and  that  Arnold  had  ingratiated  himself 
with  this  man  as  one  fit  for  his  clandestine  purposes.  He  now 
informed  him  that  he  expected  a  man  from  New  York,  with  whom 
it  was  necessary  to  have  a  personal  conference,  and  in  a  most  secret 
manner  ;  that  this  person  must  be  conducted  within  the  American 
lines,  and  a  man  of  Mr.  Smitli's  prudence  and  intelligence  could 
alone  manage  so  nice  an  afiair.  He  persuaded  Smith  to  consent 
that  this  expected  messenger  should  be  received  at  his  house,  and 
the  important  interview  take  place  there.  For  this  purpose,  Mrs. 
Smith  and  family  were,  (under  pretence  of  a  visit  to  friends  at 
Fishkill,)  removed. 

It  was  then  arranged  between  Arnold  and  Smith,  that  the  latter, 
should  go  on  board  the  Vulture,  or  to  Dobbs's  Ferry,  and  convey 
the  person  expected,  to  the  place  of  intended  meeting.  The  quar- 
ter-master at  Stony  Point,  had  previous  oiders  to  supply  Smith 
with  a  boat  whenever  required  ;  and  Arnold  gave  him  the  neces- 
sary passport,  with  orders  for  a  flag,  and  such  letters  as  w^ould 
be  understood  on  board  the  Vulture,  or  by  the  person  expected. 

Smith  had  relied  upon  one  of  his  tenants  as  a  boatman,  but  the 
man  refused  to  go  on  a  night  expedition,  for  fear  of  the  guard-boats. 
He  was  therefore,  despatched  with  an  express  letter,  to  Robinson's 
house,  to  let  Arnold  know  of  the  delay.  This  moved  the  general 
towards  Smith's  house  early  in  the  day,  to  concert  further  mea- 
sures. 

Andre,  disappointed  that  Arnold  did  not  meet  him  as  he  expect- 
ed on  board  the  English  ship  of  war,  wTote  to  his  friend  Clinton, 
and  expressed  his  fears,  that  his  frequent  journeys  up  the  river 
would  lead  to  suspicions  or  discoveries.  He  therefore  thought  it 
best  to  remain  for  a  time  under  pretence  of  sickness,  in  the  hope 
that  Arnold  might  find  means  of  communicating  with  him.     It  was 


Arnold's  treason.  ^  179 

his  earnest  wish  to  inform  the  traitor  that  he  awaited  him,  and  an 
opportunity  presented  the  day  after  his  arrival  on  ship-board. 

A  white  flag  was  di.^played  at  Teller's  Point  by  some  of  the 
country  people,  which  being  interpreted  as  they  ivished.  the  captain 
of  the  V^ulture  sent  off  a  boat  with  a  flag,  which  was  fired  at  as 
soon  as  it  approached  the  shore.  This  gave  Andre  the  opportunity 
he  desired,  as  it  was  a  proper  subject  for  a  remonstrance  to  the 
commanding  officer,  and  a  flag  with  a  letter  w-as  accordingly 
despatched.  The  letter  was  dated  on  the  21st  of  September;  it 
was  in  the  hand  writing  of  Andre,  signed  by  the  captain  of  the  ves- 
sel, and  countersigned  "  John  Anderson."  It  may  be  remarked 
that  the  flag  used  by  some  ignorant  boors  as  a  decoy  to  their  ene- 
mies, whose  presence  in  an  armed  vessel  annoyed  and  alarmed 
them,  was  considered  dishonourable :  but  to  use  a  flag  for  the 
purpose  of  basest  treachery,  by  the  accomplished  and  chivalrous 
gentleman,  loaded  w^ith  honours  by  the  source  of  all  honour — a 
king — was  strictly  within  the  rules  of  honourable  warfare.  This 
honourable  flag,  covering  dishonourable  treachery,  was  sent  to  Ver- 
planck's  Point,  and  Arnold,  on  his  way  to  Smith's,  arrived  at  that 
post,  as  the  boat  returned  to  the  Vulture. 

The  letter  was  handed  to  him,  and  by  him  was  fully  understood  ; 
he  therefore  hastened  to  prepare  Smith  for  a  visit  to  the  enemy's 
vessel  on  the  approaching  night. 

Crossing  from  Verplanck's  to  Stony  Point,  he  made  all  the 
requisite  arrangements  respecting  the  boat  Smith  would  want,  and 
then  proceeded  to  his  house  to  remove  the  difficulty  which  had 
occurred  respecting  boatmen.  The  guard-boats,  which  had  fright- 
ened Smith's  tenant  from  agreeing  to  accompany  him,  were  always 
stationed  to  prevent  communication  with  the  shore  when  English 
vessels  came  up  the  river.  These  boats  had  now  received  orders 
not  to  stop  Smith,  and  he  possessed  the  countersign  for  the  next 
nitjht,  which  was  "Cons^ress." 

In  the  evening.  Smith  brou2:ht  his  tenant,  Samuel  Colquhoun,  to 
a  conference  with  Arnold,  wlio  requested  him  to  accompany  his 
landlord  on  a  visit  that  nio-ht  to  the  V^dture.  The  man  refused. 
He  had  the  previous  night  rode  as  express  to  head-quarters — he 
wanted  sleep — he  would  go  by  daylight,  and  with  a  flag,  but  did 
not  like  the  night  service.  iVrnold  represented  the  necessity  of 
bringing  a  gentleman  on  shore  that  night  on  business  of  importance 
to  the  country  ;  and  as  a  friend  to  the  cause,  urged  Colquhoun  to 
waive  his  objection.  Smith  joined  in  the  same  strain,  asking  tlie 
man  if  he  did  not  think  it  his  duty  to  oblige  the  General,  for  the 
good  of  his  country,  and  especially  as  he,  Smith,  was  ready  to 
share  all  risks  by  going  with  him.  Still  the  plain  countryman  ob- 
jected. He  did  not  like  this  business  in  the  dark.  Arnold  assured 
him  that  the  officers  of  the  adjacent  posts  were  informed  of  the 


180 

visit  the  boat  was  to  make  to  the  sloop  of  war — the  quarter-master 
had  provided  the  boat — the  commanders  of  the  guard-boats  had 
due  notice,  and  all  was  made  safe.  Colquhoun  then  said  he  could 
not  row  the  boat  alone.  His  broftier  Joseph  was  then  mentioned, 
and  Samuel  sent  for  him.  They,  after  conferring,  both  determined 
not  to  go. 

After  trying  persuasion,  Arnold  used  threats.  He  should  look 
upon  them  as  disaffected,  if  they  persisted  to  refuse,  and  put  them 
under  arrest.  They  at  length  consented  to  obey  his  orders,  and 
repaired  to  the  place  of  embarkation.  They  were  directed  by 
Arnold  to  muffle  the  oars  ;  and  thus  prepared,  about  midnight,  the 
boat  arrived  at  the  Vulture.  The  noise  made  by  the  officer  on 
watch  and  the  sailors,  in  their  hailing  the  boat,  was  heard  below, 
and  a  boy  sent  up  with  orders  that  the  man  should  be  shewn  into 
the  cabin,  supposing  him  to  be  Arnold.  Smith  descended,  and 
found  his  old  acquaintance,  Beverley  Robinson.  A  letter  from 
Arnold  was  presented  to  the  Colonel,  in  which  he  said,  "  This 
will  be  delivered  to  you  by  Mr.  Smith,  who  will  conduct  you  to  a 
place  of  safety.  Neither  Mr.  Smidi  nor  any  other  person  shall  be 
made  acquainted  witli  your  proposals,  if  they  (which  I  doubt  not) 
are  of  such  a  nature  that  1  can  officially  take  notice  of  them,  I  shall 
do  it  with  pleasure.  I  take  it  for  granted,  Colonel  Robinson*  will 
not  propose  any  thing  that  is  not  for  the  interest  of  the  United  States 
as  well  as  of  liimself."  Smith  had  likewise  two  papers,  signed  by 
Arnold,  which  he  showed  to  Robinson — one,  a  permission  to  pass 
and  repass  with  a  boat  to  Dobbs's  Feriy — the  other,  a  "  permission 
to  Joshua  Smith,  Mr.  John  Anderson,  and  two  servants,  to  pass 
and  repass  the  guards  near  King's  Ferry,  at  all  times."  By  these 
papers.  Colonel  Robinson  understood  that  Arnold  expected  Andre 
to  come  on  shore.  Smith  was  left  with  the  captain  of  the  vessel 
for  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  when  Robinson  returned  with  a  per- 
son whom  he  introduced  as  Mr.  Anderson.  He  excused  himself 
from  going  ashore,  but  f/ns  f)crso?i  would  go  in  his  stead,  and  was 
competent  to  the  transaction  of  the  business.  Andre,  although  in 
his  uniform,  was  so  completely  enveloped  in  a  blue  great  coat,  that 
Smith  (if  we  believe  his  assertions)  did  not  suspect  his  real  name  or 
character. 

Smith  and  Andre  descended  into  the  boat  where  the  Colquhouns 
awaited  them.  They  were  landed  at  the  foot  of  a  mountain  called 
the  Long  Clove,  on  the  western  margin  of  the  river,  about  six  miles 
below   Stony   Point.     The   Vulture    lay  between  the  place  and 


*  This  gentleman  had  been  proprietor  and  resident  of  the  house  occupied  before 
his  flijjlit  by  Arnold  as  his  head-quarters. 


y 


Arnold's  treason.  181 

Teller's  Point.  Here  Arnold  was  in  attendance  on  horseback,  with 
another  horse  brought  by  a  servant  of  Smith's. 

It  was  now  perfectly  dark,  and  Smith  knowing  the  spot  desig- 
nated by  Arnold,  groped  his  way  up  the  bank,  and  found  the  com- 
mander of  West  Point  concealed  among  trees  and  bushes.*  What 
a  contrast  does  this  form  to  the  gallant  soldier  scorning  the  imbe- 
cility or  timidity  of  Gates,  and  though  deprived  of  legitimate  com- 
mand, leading  the  soldiers  who  hailed  his  appearance  with  accla- 
mations, and  followed  him,  on  Behmus's  Height,  into  the  redoubts 
of  the  enemy.  Here  a  sculking,  sneaking  conspirator,  awaiting 
the  approach  of  that  enemy,  to  close  a  bargain  for  the  lives  and 
liberties  of  those  soldiers. 

Smith  was  sent  back  for  his  companion,  and  having  introduced 
him,  was  requested  to  retire  to  the  boat,  where  he  remained,  ill  at 
ease  and  watchful,  while  the  Colquhouns,  conscience-free,  slept 
soundly  through  the  remainder  of  the  night.  The  conference  ap- 
peared unnecessarily  long  to  Mr.  Smith,  and  he  retraced  his  way 
to  give  notice  of  the  approach  of  morning,  and  the  necessity  of  de- 
parting before  daylight  appeared. 

The  conspirators  had  exhausted  the  night,  and  their  business 
was  not  yet  completed.  It  was  agreed  that  the  boat  should  be  dis- 
missed, and  sent  up  the  river.  Andre  consented  to  mount  a  led 
horse  brought  to  the  Clove  with  Arnold,  and  to  accompany  him  to 
Smith's  house,  there  to  remain  through  the  day,  and  return  to  the 
sloop  of  war  next  night.  It  was  still  dark,  and,  as  the  British  of- 
ficer asserts,  the  voice  of  the  sentinel  demanding  the  countersign, 
was  the  first  indication  to  the  adJMtant-general,  that  he  was  wiihin 
the  American  lines.  It  appears  strange  that  an  officer  having  ac- 
cess to  every  source  of  information,  and  long  contemplating  this 
attempt,  should  be  ignorant  of  the  ground  which  the  enemy's  posts 
occupied,  especially  as  he  had  been  on  board  the  Vulture  in  full 
view  of  the  Clove,  where  he  landed,  and  which  was  a  considerable 
distance  within  those  lines. 

About  the  break  of  day,  the  conspirators  arrived  at  Smith's 
house.  He  had  proceeded  with  the  boat  to  Crom  Island,  in  Haver- 
straw  Creek,  and  dismissing  the  Colquhouns,  joined  Arnold.  To 
the  alarm  of  the  groupe,  a  cannonade  was  very  soon  heard,  and 
from  the  window,  Andre  beheld  that  the  Vulture  was  in  peril  from 
the  guns,  and  saw  her  obliged  to  weigh  anchor  and  stand  down  the 
river.  In  an  upper  apartment  in  Smith's  house,  the  spy  and  the 
traitor,  viewed  this  unexpected  incident,  and  Sir  Henry  Clinton's 
adjutant-general,  no  doubt,  felt  for  a  time,  that  the  net  prepared  for 
others,  was  closing  around   him.     It  is  to  be  supposed,  that  the 


*  Smith's  words  are,  "  hid  among  the  firs. 


1S2  Arnold's  treason. 

commander  of  V/est  Point  re-assured  him,  and  after  breakfast 
Smith  left  them  to  finish  "  the  plot  of  treachery." 

The  details  of  this  infamous  proceeding,  have  not  been  fully 
brought  to  light.  Sir  Heni-y  Clikilon  has  said,  in  his  letter  to  the 
English  ministry,  that  he  thought  the  plan  of  such  importance, 
that  it  onght  to  be  pursued  "  at  every  risk,  and  any  expcnse.^^  Ar- 
nold knew  the  importance  of  the  post  he  was  entrusted  with,  and 
of  course  stipulated  for  an  adequate  price.  It  is  understood, 
that  the  day  also  was  fixed.  Andre  was  to  return  to  l^ew  York, 
and  the  British  troops  (already  embarked  under  the  pretence  of  an 
expedition  to  the  Chesapeake,)  w'ere  to  be  ready  to  ascend  the 
river.  Arnold  was  to  weaken  the  post  of  West  Point  by  such  a 
disposition  of  the  garrison,  as  would  yield  it  an  easy  prey  to  the 
troops  brought  against  it. 

Every  preliminary  was  settled,  and  the  spy  furnished  with  all  the 
papers  explanatory  of  the  condition  of  the  post,  and  the  manner  in 
which  its  force  was  to  be  rendered  unavailable,  and  its  garrison  be- 
trayed to  death  or  captivity.  iVndre  required  to  be  put  in  safety 
on  board  the  Vulture  :  to  this  Arnold  assented,  and,  although  a 
different  route  was  proposed,  it  appears  from  the  following,  (which 
Andre  wrote  after  his  capture,)  that  he  supposed  he  was  to  be  sent 
on  board  the  attending  sloop  of  war.  His  words  are,  "  Arnold 
quitted  me,  having  himself,  made  me  put  the  papers  I  bore,  between 
my  stockings  and  feet.  Whilst  he  did  it,  he  expressed  a  wish,  in 
case  of  any  accident  befalling  me,  that  they  should  be  destroyed  : 
w^hich  I  said  of  course  would  be  the  case,  as  when  I  went  into  the 
boat  I  should  have  them  tied  ab«ut  with  a  string  and  a  stone.  Be- 
fore we  parted,  some  mention  had  been  made  of  my  crossing  the 
river,  and  going  another  route  ;  but  I  objected  much  against  it, 
and  thought  it  was  settled,  that  in  the  way  I  came,  so  I  should 
return." 

Before  iVrnold  left  Smith's  house,  he  urged  him  to  go  with  An- 
dre on  board  the  Vulture  as  soon  as  it  was  dark  ;  but  as  if  to  pro- 
vide for  obstacles,  he  sent  two  passes  for  Smith,  the  one  a  permission 
to  go  "  with  a  boat,  three  hands  and  a  flag  to  Dobbs's  Ferry  on 
publick  business  and  return  immediately,"  the  other,  to  pass  the 
guards  to  the  White  Plains  and  return.  To  this  w^as  added  a  third, 
as  follows,  "  Head-quarters,  Robinson's  house,  September  22d, 
17S0. — Permit  Mr.  John  Anderson  to  pass  the  guards  to  the  White 
Plains,  or  below,  if  he  chooses.  He  being  on  publick  business  by 
my  direction. — B.  Arnold,  M.  Gen." 

A  miserable  day  was  passed  by  the  spy  in  solitude,  and  when 
evening  came,  Smith  positively  refused  to  go  again  on  board  the 
Vulture:  neither  had  he  engaged  any  person  to  row  the  boat. 
The  reason  he  gave,  was  an  attack  of  the  ague,  but  this  did  not 
prevent  him,  as  will  be  seen,  from  accompanying  Andre  on  horse 


183 

back  in  his  nocturnal  journey,  or  from  crossing  the  river  with  him. 
Smith's  reasons  for  not  takino-  the  spy  on  board  the  sloop  of  war, 
have  never  been  explained.  We  know  tliat  Andre  was  compelled 
to  take  the  route  Smith  pointed  out,  which  was  to  cross  the  river 
and  proceed  in  the  direction  of  White  Plains.  It  had  been  settled 
betvv^een  the  two  principals  in  the  treacherous  business,  that,  if  the 
adjutant-general,  should  be  obliged  to  return  to  New  York  by  land, 
he  should  exchange  his  military  garb,  for  a  citizens  dress.  Ac- 
cordingly Smith's  clothes  were  made  use  of,  and  we  must  suppose, 
that  this  circumstance  would  make  him  suspect,  if  it  did  not  make 
known  to  him,  the  quality  of  Arnold's  mysterious  visiter  ;  although 
it  is  pretended  that  the  military  habiliments  of  the  spy,  were  repre- 
sented to  Smith  as  merely  the  consequence  of  xVnderson's  vanity, 
who,  wishing  to  make  a  figure,  borrowed  them  from  an  acquaint- 
ance.    That  Joshua  was  so  credulous  is  not  lo  be  believed. 

The  uniform  coat  of  the  adjutant-2;eneral  was  left  at  Smith's 
house  :  and  with  a  coat  of  Joshua's,  covered  by  the  dark  great  coat 
with  a  wide  cape,  and  buttoned  close  to  his  neck,  Andre  was  equip- 
ped for  the  journey.  Accordingly,  in  the  evening,  he  and  Smith 
proceeded  to  King's  Ferry.  On  the  way  Smith  endeavoured  to 
draw  his  companion  into  conversation,  but  without  success.  He 
was  reserved  and  thoughtful.  On  the  contrary,  Joshua  accosted 
several  of  his  acquaintance  on  the  road,  and  even  stopped  at  a  sut- 
tlers  tent  and  joined  in  discussing  a  bowl  of  punch,  while  Andre 
walked  his  horse  slowly  to  the  ferry  alone  ;  and  there  waited  Smith's 
arrival. 

As  they  passed  through  the  works  at  Verplanck's  Point,  Smith 
rode  up  to  Colonel  Livingston's  tent,  while  Andre  and  a  servant 
who  attended  him,  (a  negro  of  Smith's,)  rode  on.  To  the  colonel's 
enquiries,  Smith  said,  he  was  going  up  the  country,  and  took  charge 
of  letters  for  General  Arnold  and  Governour  Clinton.  He  excused 
himself  from  stopping,  as  a  gentleman  waited  for  him,  whose  busi- 
ness was  urgent.  He  tiien  overtook  his  charge,  and  they  proceeded 
until  between  eight  and  nine  at  night,  when  they  were  stopped  by 
a  patroling  party,  whose  officer  appeared  suspicious,  asked  many 
questions  and  would  not  suffer  them  to  pass  until  he  had  guarded 
them  to  an  adjacent  house,  and  read  the  talismanick  pass  of  the 
commander  of  the  district.  All  this  was  gall  and  wormwood  to 
the  spy,  but  Smith  re-assured  him,  and,  by  lying  with  an  impudent 
face,  carried  him  through.  The  oflicer,  although  yielding  ©bedi- 
ence  to  his  general's  orders,  was  particularly  inquisitive  to  know  of 
Smith,  what  urgent  business  induced  him  and  his  companion  to  tra- 
vel so  late  at  night  near  the  enemies  lines  ;  expressed  his  fears  that 
they  would  fall  in  with  the  Cow-boys;  who,  he  assured  him,  were 
out.  These  were  the  refugee  plunderers,  attached  to  the  British 
part ;  called  themselves  loyalists  ;  and  were  particularly  active  in 


1S4 

making  prisoners  of  iinarined  rebels,  aad  carrying  off  rebel  cows 
or  any  other  article  animate  or  inanimate,  that  might  be  turned 
to  account  in  New  York  city,  ^f  he  Americans  had  a  set  of  rob- 
bers near  the  British  lines,  who,  were  as  notorious  for  licentious 
exploits  as  the  cow-boys,  and  passed  under  the  appellation  of 
SJchuiers.  Westchester  county  lay  between  the  lines  of  the  two 
hostile  armies,  and  was  the  field  on  which  these  worthies,  whether 
loyal  or  patriotick,  exhibited  their  atrocious  dexterity. 

To  the  queries  of  the  captain.  Smith  answered  that  he  and 
Mr.  Anderson,  were  employed  by  General  Arnold  to  meet  a 
person  near  White  Plains,  who  was  expected  to  give  intelli- 
gence of  importance.  Still  Captain  Boyd  advised  delay  till  morn- 
ing. He  represented  the  danger  of  travelling  by  night,  so  power- 
fully, that  Smith  was  alarmed  ;  but  Andre,  who  had  more  fears  of 
those  who  surrounded  him,  than  of  the  refugee  Cow-boys,  insisted 
upon  proceeding.  Smith  then  consulted  the  American  officer  as  to 
the  safest  road,  and  was  told  that  the  Tarrytown  road  was  most  in- 
fested by  Cow-boys,  but  both  exceedingly  dangerous :  his  repre- 
sentations induced  Smith  to  determine  upon  passing  the  night  at 
the  house  of  one  Andreas  Miller,  and  Andre,  much  against  his 
will  acquiesced.  They  were  hospitably  received,  but  could  only  be 
accommodated  with  one  bed,  and,  according  to  Smith's  account, 
bis  companion  passed  a  weary  and  restless  night.  In  this  we  may 
believe  Mr.  Smith. 

Andre  was  first  to  leave  the  bed  of  thorns,  as  it  must  have 
proved  to  him.  He  roused  the  servant — ordered  the  horses — 
and  by  dawn  of  day  the  party  took  the  road  to  Pine's  bridge,  which 
crosses  Croton  river  on  the  way  to  North  Castle.  Being,  as  he 
thought,  freed  from  the  American  patroles,  Andre  became  cheerful 
and  animated  ;  astonishing  his  companion  and  guide  by  the  sudden 
change  in  his  character,  from  gloom  and  taciturnity,  to  gaiety  and 
easy  conversation.  At  Pine's  bridge,  Smith  previously  determined 
to  leave  Mr.  Anderson,  as  the  Cow-boys  had  recently  been  above, 
and  the  region  below  was  considered  as  their  appropriate  domain. 
The  travellers  breakfasted  on  suppaicn  and  milk  at  the  house  of  a 
Dutch  woman  who  had  been  plundered  by  the  refugees,  and  then 
the  guide  left  his  charge,  who  heard  of  the  marauding  parties 
from  below  with  more  satisfaction  than  his  companion. 

Smith  returned  towards  his  home,  but  made  a  circuit  and  took 
Robinson's  house  in  his  way,  that  he  might  give  Arnold  an  account 
of  the  progress  Mr.  Anderson  had  made  in  his  return  to  the  city. 

The  Spy  had  now  to  pass  alone  through  the  neutral  ground  as 
it  was  called,  where  the  warfare  of  robbers  prevailed,  and  where 
Cow-hoys  or  Skinners  were  equally  feared  by  the  inhabitants  ;  but 
Mr.  Andre  had  the  American  general's  pass  to  produce  to  the 
one  party,  and  his  true  character  to  protect  him  from  the  other. 


Arnold's  treason.  185 

Still  he  could  not  but  feel  that  his  situation  was  one  of  peril.  The 
remarks  he  had  heard  from  the  captain  of  ihe  patrole  on  the  pre- 
ceding night  seems  to  have  induced  the  adjutant-general  to  take 
the  Tarrytown  road  as  the  one  most  frequented  by  the  Cow-boys; 
for  it  was  understood  by  Smith  that  he  would  proceed  towards 
White  Plains.  Upon  what  apparently  chance-circumstances  the 
fate  of  individuals  and  armies,  and  states,  appears  to  depend  !  Had 
this  bearer  of  ruin  to  thousands  proceeded  on  the  road  at  first 
intended,  he  probably  would  have  accomplished  the  treason  in 
safety  to  himself:  but  a  few  words  uttered  at  random  by  the 
American  officer  to  Smith,  respecting  the  danger  of  the  road 
nearest  the  Hudson,  determined  the  spy  to  turn  that  way  as  most 
frequented  by  his  friends — and  by  that  Heaven-directed  turn^  the 
impending  ruin  was  averted  and  the  lives  of  thousands  saved. 

From  Pine's  bridge  the  adjutant-general  of  the  British  army 
had  proceeded  about  eleven  miles,  and  approached  within  a  few 
hundred  yards  of  the  Hudson  without  interruption,  and  probably 
felt  himself  beyond  the  reach  of  detection.  About  half  a  mile 
north  of  Tarrytown  the  road  crosses  a  small  brook.  A  few  rods 
from  this  brook  a  i>eriod  w  as  put  to  the  journey  of  the  spy  and  the 
progress  of  the  treason. 

On  this  fated  morning,  seven  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  region 
had  by  agreement  taken  their  arms  and  proceeded  to  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  this  brook,  and  bridge,  to  prevent  cattle  from  being 
driven  towards  New  York  ;  and  to  seize  as  legal  prize,  any  such 
loyal  cows  or  oxen  as  might  be  destined  for  his  majesty's  troops  by 
their  friends.  Four  of  this  band  were  stationed  on  a  hill  com- 
mandlna:  a  view  of  the  road  :  the  others,  John  Paulding,  Isaac 
Van  Wart  and  David  Williams,  were  concealed  by  bushes  very 
near  the  road. 

At  Smith's  trial,*  which  was  by  a  court  martial,  and  commenced 
the  day  after  Andre's  examination,  Paulding  and  Williams  gave 
the  following  testimony.  Paulding  said,t  "  Myself,  Isaac  Van 
Wart,  and  David  Williams  were  lying  by  the  side  of  the  road 
about  half  a  mile  above  Tarrytown,  and  about  fifteen  miles  above 
Kingsbridge,  on  Saturday  morning,  between  nine  and  ten  o'clock, 
the  2-3d  of  September.  We  had  lain  there  about  an  hour  and  a 
half  as  near  as  I  can  recollect,  and  saw  several  persons  we  were 
acquainted  with,  whom  we  let  pass.  Presently  one  of  the  young 
men,  who  were  with  me,  said,  '  There  comes  a  gentlemanlike- 
looking  man,  who  appears  to  be  well  dressed,  and  has  boots  on, 


*  See  Spark's  Amer.  Biog.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  223. 

f  See  the  trial  and  Smith's  book,  published  in  London  1808,  called  "  An  Au- 
thentick  Narrative,"  &c.  &c. 

VOL.  II.  24 


186  CAPTURE  OF  ANDRE. 

and  whom  you  had  better  step  out  and  stop,  if  you  don't  know 
him.'  On  that  I  got  up,  and  presented  my  firelock  at  the  breast  of 
the  person,  and  told  him  to  stand  ;  and  then  I  asked  him  which 
way  he  was  going.  '  Gentlemen,^  said  he,  '  I  hope  you  belong  to 
our  party.'  I  asked  him  what  party.  He  said,  '  The  Lower  Party.' 
Upon  that  I  told  him  I  did.  Then  he  said,  '  I  am  a  British  officer 
out  of  the  country  on  particular  business,  and  I  hope  you  will  not 
detain  me  a  minute  ;'  and  to  show  that  he  was  a  British  officer  he 
pulled  out  his  watch.  Upon  which  I  told  him  to  dismount.  He 
then  said,  '  My  God,  I  nuist  do  any  thing  to  get  along,'  and  seemed 
to  make  a  kind  of  laugh  of  it,  and  pulled  out  General  Arnold's 
pass,  which  was  to  John  Anderson,  to  pass  alt  guards  to  Whhe 
Plains  and  below.  Upon  that  he  dismounted.  Said  he,  '  Gentle- 
men, you  had  best  let  me  go,  or  you  will  bring  yourselves  into 
trouble,  for  your  stopping  me  will  detain  the  General's  business  ;' 
and  said  he  was  going  to  Dobbs's  Ferry  to  meet  a  person  there  and 
get  intelligence  for  General  Arnold.  Upon  that  I  told  him  I  hoped 
he  would  not  be  oftended  ;  that  we  did  not  mean  to  take  any  thing 
from  him  ;  and  I  told  him  there  were  many  bad  people,  who  were 
going  along  the  road,  and  I  did  not  know  but  perhaps  he  might  be 
one." 

Mr.  Paulding  said  further,  that  he  asked  the  unknown  gentleman 
his  name,  and  he  answered  "  John  Anderson," — that  on  seeing 
General  Arnold's  pass  he  should  have  let  him  go,  if  he  had  not 
previously  said  he  was  a  British  officer ;  and  that  when  he  pulled 
out  his  watch,  he  understood  it  as  a  confirmation  of  that  asserdon, 
and  not  as  offering  it  to  him.  Mr.  Williams  confirmed  the  above 
statement,  with  these  particulars  : — 

"  We  took  him  into  the  bushes,  and  ordered  him  to  pull  off  his 
clothes,  which  he  did ;  but  on  searching  him  narrowly  w^e  could 
not  find  any  sort  of  writings.  We  told  him  to  pull  off  his  boots, 
which  he  seemed  to  be  indifterent  about ;  but  we  got  one  boot  off, 
and  searched  in  that  boot,  and  could  find  nothing.  But  we  found 
there  were  some  papers  in  the  bottom  of  his  stocking  next  to  his 
foot ;  on  which  we  made  him  pull  his  stocking  off,  and  found  three 
papers  wrapped  up.  Mr.  Paulding  looked  at  the  contents,  and 
said  he  was  a  spy.  We  then  made  him  pull  off  his  other  boot, 
and  there  we  found  three  more  papers  at  the  bottom  of  his  foot 
within  his  stocking. 

*'  Upon  this  we  made  him  dress  himself,  and  I  asked  him  what 
he  w^ould  give  us  to  let  him  go.  He  said  he  would  give  us  any 
sum  of  money.  I  asked  him  whether  he  would  give  us  his  horse, 
saddle,  bridle,  watch,  and  one  hundred  guineas.  He  said  'yes,' 
and  told  us  he  would  direct  them  to  any  place,  even  if  it  was  that 
very  spot,  so  that  we  could  get  them.  I  asked  him  whether  he 
would  not  give  us  more.     He  said  he  would  give  us  any  quantity 


CAPTURE  OF  ANDRE.  187 

of  dry  goods,  or  any  sum  of  money,  and  bring  it  to  any  place  that 
we  might  pitch  upon,  so  that  we  might  get  it.  Mr.  Paulding  an- 
swered, '  No,  if  you  would  give  us  ten  thousand  guineas,  you 
should  not  stir  one  step.'  I  then  asked  the  person,  who  had  called 
himself  John  Anderson,  if  he  would  not  get  away  if  it  lay  in  his 
power.  He  answered,  '  Yes,  I  would.'  I  told  him  I  did  not  in- 
tend he  shoidd.  While  taking  him  along  we  asked  him  a  few 
questions,  and  we  stopped  under  a  shade.  He  begged  us  not  to 
ask  him  questions,  and  said  when  he  came  to  any  commander  he 
would  reveal  all. 

"  He  was  then  dressed  in  a  blue  over-coat,  and  a  tight  body- 
coat,  that  was  a  kind  of  claret-colour,  though  a  rather  deeper  red 
than  claret.  The  button-holes  were  laced  with  gold  tinsel,  and  the 
buttons  drawn  over  with  the  same  kind  of  lace.  He  had  on  a 
round  hat,  and  nankeen  waistcoat  and  breeches,  with  a  flannel 
waistcoat  and  drawers,  boots,  and  thread  stockings." 

North  Castle  being  the  nearest  military  post,  the  prisoner  was 
escorted  thither  and  delivered  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Jameson,  the 
commander,  with  all  the  papers  :  1st,  The  orders  directing  each 
corps  where  to  be  stationed  on  an  alarm.  By  this  the  British  would 
know  how  to  proceed  in  the  work  of  death  without  danger  to 
themselves.  2d,  An  estimate  of  the  garrison.  3d,  An  estimate  of 
the  number  requisite  to  man  the  works.  4th,  A  return  of  the 
ordnance.  5th,  Remarks  on  the  construction  of  the  fortifications. 
6th.  Information  respecting  die  probable  operations  of  the  campaign 
as  far  as  the  traitor  had  been  enabled  to  gain  them.  These  papers 
in  Arnold's  hand  writing  were  delivered  to  Jameson  ;  he  examined 
them,  and  one  would  think  must  have  known  for  what  purpose  they 
were  given  to  the  spy  ;  and  yet  he  suffered  himself  to  be  persuad- 
ed by  Andre,  (who  saw  in  it  the  only  chance  of  escape,)  to  send 
him  back  to  Arnold.  The  sapient  lieutenant-colonel  of  dragoons 
wrote  to  the  traitor  a  letter  saying,  that  he  sent  to  him  '•  a  certain 
John  Anderson,  who  had  been  taken  while  going  towards  New 
York."  "  He  had  a  passport  signed  in  your  name,  and  a  parcel 
of  papers  taken  from  under  his  stockings,  ivhich  I  thin'k  of  very 
dangero2is  tendencij,''''  He  described  the  papers  and  added  that  he 
had  sent  them  to  General  Washington.  It  is  only  wonderful  that 
he  did  not  send  them  to  Arnold. 

Major  Talmadge,  who  was  second  in  command  at  North 
Casde,  and  had  been  absent  when  the  spy  was  brought  in, 
was  astonished  at  the  conduct  of  Jameson,  and  offered  to 
to  secure  Arnold,  whooe  treason  was  palpable.  This  was  not  per- 
mitted :  but  at  his  earnest  request  the  spy  was  remanded  by  an 
express  sent  after  his  conductors,  but  with  orders  for  the  officer  of 
the  escort  to  proceed  with  the  letter  to  Arnold.  The  spy  was 
brought  back  to  North  Castle,  and  for  further  security  sent  to 


188  CAPTURE  OF  ANDRE. 

Lower  Salem,  the  quarters  of  Sheldon  the  colonel  of  the  regiment : 
but  the  letter  went  lo  warn  the  traitor  of  his  peril. 

Andre  knowins^  that  the  papers  taken  on  his  person  had  been 
sent  to  General  Washins:ton,  and  of  course  that  all  hopes  of  escape 
or  concealment  were  at  an  end,  wrote  a  letter  to  the  American 
commander-in-chief,  which  he  handed  open  to  Major  Talmadge, 
under  whose  escort  he  had  been  guarded  from  North  Castle  to 
Salem.  In  it,  he  endeavours  to  excuse  the  duplicity  of  his  previous 
conduct,  and  avows  his  name  and  station.  He  says,  he  came  by 
agreement  to  meet  a  jierson  "  upon  ground  not  within  the  posts  of 
either  army,"  for  the  purpose  of  gaining  intelligence.  That  with- 
out his  knowledge  he  was  conducted  within  an  American  post. 
That  by  a  refusal  to  reconduct  him  back  as  he  had  been  brought, 
he  "  became  a  prisoner.''''  That  to  effect  his  escape  he  quitted  his 
uniform,  and  was  taken  at  Tarrytown  in  disguise  by  some  volun- 
teers. He  requests  decency  of  conduct  towards  him,  as  an 
acknowledgment  that  he  is  "  branded  with  notJiijig  dishonourable,^^ 
because  he  was  only  serving  his  king.  He  requests  permission  to 
write  an  open  letter  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  and  another  to  a  friend 
for  clothes  and  linen.  He  mentions  certain  gentlemen  prisoners 
with  the  British,  who  "  though  their  situation  is  not  similar"  may 
be  exchanged  for  him  or  treated  as  he  shall  be  treated. 

Having  written  thus,  the  adjutant-general  seemed  to  have  con- 
vinced himself  that  he  must  be  considered  merely  as  a  prisoner  of 
war,  and  he  became  cheerful,  and  soon  won  the  good  will  of  the 
officers  who  had  him  in  custody. 

It  is  the  momentous  consequences  that  this  affair  involved,  and 
not  a  participation  in  the  fictitious  admiration  of  this  young  gentle- 
man, which  was  created  principally  to  cast  odium  upon  General 
Washington  and  the  sacred  cause  of  an  insulted  people,  that  has 
caused  me  to  be  thus  particular.  If  Mr.  Andre,  instead  of  being 
honoured  by  a  court-martial  of  general  officers,  had  been  executed 
as  soon  as  detected,  it  is  probable  that  his  fate  would  have  attracted 
much  less  of  the  sympathy  that  has  been  expressed.  The  claim  to 
be  considered  a  prisoner  of  war,  taken  in  honourable  service,  and 
the  official  station  of  Andre,  probably  influenced  General  Washing- 
ton's conduct  towards  him,  which  was  still  more  marked  by  the 
characteristick  prudence  and  profound  consideration  for  the  publick 
good,  which  governed  all  his  actions. 

That  Mr.  Andre  should  not  feel  any  kindness  for  his  captors  is 
easily  imagined,  and  that  a  British  officer  would  feel  perfect  con- 
tempt for  mere  cultivators  of  the  earth,  especially  provincials,  and 
therefore  consider  them  as  acting  from  motives  purely  mercenary, 
is  highly  probable  :  accordingly,  he  asserted  his  conviction  that  if 
he  had  had  money  to  offer  these  young  men  as  the  price  of  liberty, 
when  they  stopt  him,  they  would   have  let  him  pass  :  and  Major 


K 


ESCAPE  OF  ARNOLD.  189 

Talmadge,  when  a  member  of  congress,  thirty-four  years  after,  ex- 
pressed his  conviction  of  the  justice  of  Andre's  opinion,  without 
considering  that  by  the  laws  and  customs  of  the  country,  the  money 
of  the  captive  was  already  the  property  of  the  captors.  Andre  had 
declared  himself  to  be  a  British  officer  when  unexpectedly  he  en- 
countered Paulding  with  a  musket  opposed  to  his  passage  :  he 
doubtless  took  him  for  a  Cow-boy  ;  when  he  found  himself  mis- 
taken, he  presented  Arnold's  pass.  The  Americans  had  reason  to 
believe  him  one  of  the  traders  who  carried  nioney  to  New  York  for 
illegal  and  selfish  purposes,  and  as  such,  they  knew  their  right  to 
seize  the  treasure.  They  ripped  the  hangings  of  his  saddle  and 
the  cape  of  his  coat,  as  Andre  asserted,  in  search  of  money,  but 
perhaps  for  that  which  they  found  in  his  boots — the  evidence  of  his 
true  quality — that  of  a  spy.  If  in  search  of  money,  it  was  their 
lawful  prize.  When  this  discovery  was  made,  Mr.  Williams,  evi- 
dently to  obtain  further  evidence  of  his  real  character,  asked  what 
he  would  give  them  to  let  him  go.  Andre  oiFered  to  give  them 
any  sum  of  money  or  quantity  of  dry  goods  that  they  would  name. 
This  convinced  the  yeomen  that  he  was  not  only  a  spy,  but  that  his 
detention  was  of  consequence  to  this  country.  "No!"  was  the 
reply,  "  not  for  ten  thousand  guineas." 

That  power  which  had  frustrated  the  designs  of  Arnold,  and  de- 
creed the  destruction  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  agent,  for  purposes 
beyond  our  ken,  interposed  to  preserve  the  arch-traitor,  Arnold, 
from  immediate  punishment.  General  Washington  was  on  his  way 
to  West  Point,  and  must  have  arrived  at  Arnold's  head-quarters 
before  the  letter  from  Jameson,  but  that  he  was  turned  back  by  an 
accidental  meeting  with  the  French  ambassador,  who,  having  mat- 
ters of  importance  to  communicate,  prevailed  on  the  Geneial  to 
pass  the  night  at  Fishkill.  The  messenger  who  had  been  sent 
with  the  papers  taken  on  Andre,  missed  the  General,  by  taking  a 
road  different  from  that  on  which  he  was  returning.  Next  morning 
he  despatched  his  baggage  to  Robinson's  house,  with  notice  that 
the  party  would  be  with  General  Arnold  to  breakfast.  When  they 
arrived  opposite  West  Point,  the  General  turned  from  the  direct 
road  to  Robinson's  house,  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  works 
below,  and  two  of  his  aids  rode  on  to  give  Mrs.  Arnold  notice  of  his 
detention.  Accordingly,  the  breakfast  being  ready,  the  aids  sat 
down  with  Arnold  and  his  family,  but  shortly  a  messenger  entered 
with  Jameson's  letter,  which  was  delivered  and  read  in  presence  of 
the  company.  Arnold  controlled  his  emotion,  and  told  the  com- 
pany that  his  immediate  attendance  was  required  at  West  Point, 
desiring  the  gentlemen  to  tell  General  Washington  that  he  was 
called  over  the  river,  but  would  immediately  return.  He  went  up 
stairs,  sent  for  his  wife,  and  after  a  short  interview,  descended,  and 
mounting  a  horse  which  stood  ready  saddled   at  the  door,  rode 


190  ESCAPE  OF  ARNOLD. 

alone  precipitately  to  the  river.  He  here  entered  the  first  boat 
found  ready,  and  ordered  the  oarsmen,  six  in  number,  to  push  off 
and  row  for  the  Vulture,  as  he  was  goin^  on  board  with  a  flag,  and 
must  be  back  to  meet  General  Washington.  Of  course  they 
obeyed,  and  he  hastened  them  by  a  promise  of  two  gallons  of  rum. 
As  they  passed  the  posts,  Arnold  displayed  a  white  handkerchief, 
and  without  impediment  reached  his  asylum.  Here  he  exhibited 
a  trait  of  baseness  of  so  mean  a  character  as  can  scarcely  be  believed, 
even  of  Benedict  Arnold — the  oarsmen  had  saved  his  Hfe,  and 
in  return,  he  informed  them  that  they  were  prisoners.  They,  or 
one  of  them,  remonstrated,  and  said  as  they  came  under  sanction 
of  a  flag,  they  were  at  liberty  to  return.  Arnold  insisted  upon 
their  remaining  as  prisoners.  The  captain  of  the  Vulture,  however, 
permitted  one  of  the  men  to  go  on  shore  on  parole  and  bring  off 
clothes  and  necessaries.  When  they  were  taken  to  New  York, 
Sir  Henry  Clinton,  justly  ashamed  of  the  meanness  and  infamy  of 
the  transaction,  liberated  them. 

General  Washington  having  inspected  the  works  below,  arrived 
at  Robinson's  house  very  shortly  after  Arnold's  precipitate  flight, 
and  taking  a  hasty  breakfast,  concluded  to  cross  and  meet  him  at 
West  Point,  and  return  to  dinner.  All  the  suite  attended  the  Ge- 
neral except  Colonel  Hamilton.  On  arriving  at  West  Point,  to 
the  surprize  of  the  commander-in-chief,  no  Arnold  appeared  or  had 
there  been  heard  of.  The  works  visited,  the  General  recrossed 
the  river  and  soon  after  landing  was  met  by  Colonel  Hamilton,  who 
presented  to  him  Andre's  letter  and  the  papers  found  on  him  when 
stopt  at  Tarrytown. 

The  mystery  of  Arnold's  non-appearance  at  West  Point,  and  the 
whole  plot,  were  unravelled.  Colonel  Hamilton  was  despatched  to 
Verplanck's  Point  to  arrest  the  traitor,  in  case  he  should  not  have 
passed  that  post.  This  done,  Washington  communicated  the 
papers  to  Lafayette  and  Knox,  saying,  "  Whom  can  we  trust, 
now  r 

Every  delicate  attention  was  paid  by  the  truly  great  man  to  Mrs. 
Arnold,  who  was  in  great  distress,  and  supposed  to  have  been  igno- 
rant of  her  husband's  baseness. 

When  Hamilton  arrived  at  Verplanck's  Point,  a  flag  w^as  coming 
from  the  Vulture  with  a  letter  to  General  Washington  from  the 
traitor,  which  was  immediately  forwarded  as  directed,  with  one 
from  the  Colonel,  mentioning  the  measures  he  had  taken  to  coun- 
teract any  movement  of  the  enemy.  But  Sir  Henry,  by  the  arrival 
of  the  Vulture  at  New  York,  knew  that  his  schemes  were  frustrated, 
and  of  course  nothing  of  a  hostile  nature  to  be  undertaken  in  this 
quarter. 

The  letter  brought  from  the  Vulture  was  to  solicit  protection  for 
Mrs.  Arnold  and  permission  to  go  to  Philadelphia  or  New  York. 


PROCEEDINGS  IN  REGARD  TO  ANDRE.  191 

For  himself,  he  said,  "  the  heart  conscious  of  its  own  rectitude," 
could  not  stoop  to  palliate  an  act  which  the  world  might  think 
wrong.  "  Honour,"  and  even  "  love  of  his  country,"  as  they 
had  heretofore  heen  ever  in  his  mouth,  were  foisted  into  this  impu- 
dent production  of  his  pen.  The  redeeming  parts  were,  consider- 
ation for  his  wife,  and  a  declaration  which  he  said  he  was  bound  in 
honour  to  declare,  that  his  aids-de-camp  Majors  Varick  and  Franks, 
and  Joshua  H.  Smith,  were  ignorant  of  his  transactions  with  the 
enemy.  The  two  aids  demanded  a  court  of  inquiry,  which  was 
granted,  and  the  result  was  in  every  respect  honourable  to  both. 

There  came  likewise  from  the  sloop  of  war  a  letter,  to  General 
Washington  from  Colonel  Beverley  Robinson,  little  less  extraordi- 
nary than  diat  from  Arnold  :  it  was,  in  fact,  a  sort  of  demand  for 
Andre's  release,  and  represented  him  as  a  nian  going  on  shore  with 
a  flag  of  truce  at  the  request  of  General  Arnold,  on  publick  husincss, 
and  having  his  permit  to  return  to  New  York.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances, he  said,  Washington  could  not  detain  Andre  without 
the  greatest  violation  of  flags,  and  contrary  to  the  custom  and  usa- 
ges of  all  nations. 

It  is  needless  to  say,  that  such  a  letter  had  no  weight  with  the 
American  hero,  whose  first  attention  was  to  give  such  orders  and 
directions  as  he  thought  necessary  for  the  security  of  the  garrison 
which  had  been  thus  bartered  and  sold  to  destruction,  by  the  honour- 
able transaction  which  a  power  beyond  the  control  of  man  had  frus- 
trated. General  Greene  Vv^as  ordered  to  move  with  the  left  wing  of 
the  American  army  towards  King's  Ferry.  The  necessary  instruc- 
tions were  given  to  the  officer  commanding  at  West  Point.  Deli- 
cate and  embarrassing  as  General  Washington's  situation  was,  not 
knowing  who  was,  or  was  not,  implicated  in  the  treachery  just 
brought  to  his  knowledge,  it  only  increased  his  vigilance ;  but  in 
respect  to  the  officers  commanding  all  the  posts  in  the  vicinity,  he 
acted  as  though  his  confidence  was  unshaken  in  them,  and  his  reli- 
ance unbounded  upon  their  honour  and  patriotism.  To  Jameson 
an  order  was  sent  for  the  immediate  removal  of  the  prisoner,  under 
a  strong  guard,  to  Robinson's  house,  where  he  arrived  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  26th  of  September  in  custody  of  Major  Talmadge.  Ge- 
neral Washington  made  many  inquiries  respecting  the  prisoner,  but 
declined  seeing  him.* 

Major  Talmadge  whose  admiration  of  the  handsome  and  accom- 
plished prisoner  appears  to  have  influenced  his  opinions  respecting 
the  plain  and  unpretending  virtues  of  his  captors,  has  left  an  inter- 


*  Andre  was  taken  over  to  West  Point  on  the  evening  of  the  26th,  and  remained 
there  until  the  evening  of  the  28th  of  September,  when  he  was  removed  under  the 
f  Hard  of  the  same  officer,  first  in  a  barge  to  Stony  Point,  and  thence  to  Tappan. 


192  CONTRAST  WITH  THE  FATE  OF  HALE. 

esting  account  of  his  removal  from  West  Point  to  Tappan,  which 
Mr.  Sparks  has  given  in  full  as  appropriate  lo  his  biographical  work. 
When  in  the  barge  and  on  the  Hudson,  to  inquiries  of  the  Ame- 
rican officer  who  had,  while  Andre  was  at  Salem,  become  familiar 
with  him,  he  answered  that  he  was  to  have  had  the  leading  of 
a  select  body  of  troops,  and  pointed  to  the  spot  where  he  was  to 
have  landed,  and  described  the  route  he  was  to  have  taken  up  the 
mountain  to  the  rear  of  Fort  Putnam,  which,  as  every  tourist  now 
knows,  commands  all  the  area  below.  As  he  knew  Arnold's  dis- 
position of  the  troops,  he  supposed  that  opposition  on  the  American 
part  would  have  been  ineffectual,  and  that,  sword  in  hand,  he  would 
have  gained  possession  of  the  all-impcrtant  key  which  commanded 
the  northern  continent,  and  the  glory  of  the  splendid  achievement 
would  have  been  his.  To  the  question  of  the  reward  promised 
him,  he  talked  of  a  course  of  military  glory  being  what  he  wished, 
but  owned  that  he  was  to  have  been  made  a  brigadier-general.  The 
glory  of  taking  possession  of  a  fortress  that  was  already  bought, 
and  by  agreement  to  be  delivered  into  his  hands  by  the  <  omman- 
dant,  is  not  so  easily  understood.  The  reward  was  certainly  stimu- 
lating. 

At  King's  Ferry  they  left  the  barge,  and  with  an  escort  of  cav- 
alry proceeded  to  Tappan,  where,  by  the  commander-in-chief's 
orders,  the  prisoner  w^as  to  be  confined,  but  every  civility  accorded 
to  him. 

Joshua  H.  Smidi,  who,  as  Mr.  Sparks  remarks,  "  writes  with 
much  asperity  against  Washington  and  nearly  all  the  American  offi- 
cers," says,  that  Major  Andre  was  comfortably  lodged,  and  every 
attention  was  paid  to  him  suitable  to  his  rank  and  character.  In- 
deed, the  youth  and  demeanour  of  the  prisoner,  operating  with  the 
detestation  felt  for  Arnold,  created  an  interest  and  sympathy  which 
was  shown  and  expressed  universally  by  those  whom  his  plans  had 
doomed  to  destruction,  for  the  reward  of  military  promotion. 

The  contrast  in  the  conduct  and  fate  of  Major  John  Andre  and 
Captain  Nathan  Hale,*  occurs  to  us  in  every  stage  of  this  business. 
The  youthful  patriot  volunteered  to  risk  his  life  to  encounter  death 
in  its  worst  form,  for  the  service  of  his  country,  without  promise  or 
wish  for  individual  reward.  He  was  detected — avowed  his  pur- 
pose and  his  rank — was  turned  over  to  the  brutal  provost,  Cunning- 
ham— denied  the  privilege  of  writing  to  his  relations — and  amidst 
taunts  consigned  to  the  gallows  which  he  had  braved  from  the  purest 
motives.  His  enemies  felt  no  sympathy  or  pity  ;  and  when  the 
author  of  the  "  Conquest  of  Canaan,"  years  after,  commemorated 
his  virtues,  it  was  to  be  asked,  what  was  meant  by  "  Hale,  brave 


*  Ante  p.  76. 


TREATMENT  OF  ANDRE.  19S 

and  generous,"  and  the  English  reviewers  of  the  poem,  not  under- 
standing that  "  Hale"  was  the  name  oi"  an  incjividual,  censured  tlie 
poet  for  his  ignorance  of  grammar  ! 

Andre  was  a  hired  soldier,  belonging  to  an  invading  army,  and 
in  the  transaction  we  are  considering,  did  not  intend  to  risk  his  life 
in  any  way,  bat  in  personal  safety  to  bring  about  a  great  national 
injury,  and  sacrifice  many  lives — the  victims  of  a  treachery  matured 
by  him — and  his  reward  was  promised  by  his  commander — he  was 
to  be  while  yet  a  youth,  brigadier-general  in  the  armies  of  a  king. 
His  treatment  when  the  discovery  was  made  of  the  long  meditated 
mischief,  and  his  person  in  possession  of  tliose  whose  injury  was 
plotted,  is  notoriously  a  contrast  to  that  inflicted  on  Captain  Hale, 
and  must  occupy  a  kw  more  lines  before  we  return  to  Benedict 
Arnold. 

On  the  29th  of  September,  General  Washington  having  returned 
to  head-quarters,  summoned  a  board  of  general  officers,  (not  as  a 
court-martial)  to  enquire  into  the  case  of  Major  Andre,  and  report 
their  opinion  of  the  liglit  in  which  he  ought  to  be  regarded  and  the 
punishment  that  should  be  inflicted. 

Six  major-generals  and  brigadiers  met.  General  Greene  acted 
as  president.  The  papers  above  mentioned  and  two  letters  from 
Sir  Henry  Chnton  and  Arnold  were  submitted  to  them.  Clinton 
requested  that  tlie  king's  adj atafit-general  might  have  permission 
to  return  to  his  orders,  and  Arnold  assumed  that  as  Andre  had 
acted  by  his  direction,  he  as  commander  at  West  Point  was  alone 
responsible. 

When  Andre  was  brought  before  the  board  of  general  officers, 
the  president  told  him  he  was  at  liberty  to  answer  any  questions, 
or  not,  and  might  take  his  own  time.  He  in  a  frank  manner  avowed 
the  circumstances  already  known  beyond  contradiction — confessed 
that  the  papers  shown  to  him  had  been  concealed  in  his  boots — 
acknowledged  the  pass  given  him  by  Arnold,  as  John  Anderson 
- — and  when  asked  whether  he  considered  himself  as  coming  on 
shore  under  a  flag,  said  "  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  suppose  so.'* 
He  answered  every  question  relative  to  himself  freely.  When 
asked  if  he  had  any  remarks  to  make,  he  replied  in  the  negative, 
and  was  remanded  to  his  place  of  confinement. 

The  board  reported,  that,  as  a  s[)y,  he  must  suffer  death.  When 
informed  of  this  decision,  he  asked  permission  to  write  to  Sir  Henry 
Clinton,  which  was  granted.  He  informed  him  briefly  of  his  situ- 
ation— declared  his  gratitude  for  favours — requested  his  attention 
to  his  mother  and  sisters — acknowledged  the  great  attention  he  had 
experienced  from  General  Washington  and  all  others — and  con- 
cluded with  assurances  of  respectful  attachment. 

This  letter,  with  one  from  General  Washington,  and  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  board  of  officers,  was  sent  to  Sir  Henry.     The 

VOL.  II.  26 


194     PROPOSED  EXCHANGE  OF  ANDRE  AND  ARNOLD. 

American  commander  acknowledged  the  knight's  letter,  but  gave 
his  reasons  for  denying  his  reques^,  as  the  king's  adjutant-general 
had  been  taken  when  engaged  in  executing  measures  very  different 
from  the  objects  of  a  flag  of  truce,  and  such  as  a  flag  could  not  by 
any  possible  construction  ever  have  been  intended  to  authorize  or 
countenance. 

The  final  award  for  punishment  or  release  yet  remained  with 
Washington.  His  duty  was  plain,  and  he  never  shrank  from  it: 
yet  if  ihe  blow  could  be  made  to  fall  upon  Arnold  instead  of  Andre, 
it  would  be  more  consonant  with  his  wishes.  A  formal  proposition 
for  such  an  exchange  could  not  with  propriety  be  made,  but  a  plan 
was  adopted  by  which  to  intimate  to  the  enemy  that  if  Arnold  was 
surrendered  to  punishment,  Andre  should  be  released. 

The  General  sent  for  Captain  Aaron  Ogden,  and  informed  him 
that  he  had  been  chosen  to  carry  despatches  to  the  British  post  at 
Paulus  Hook,  which  were  to  be  conveyed  to  New  York.  The 
packet  given  to  Ogden's  care  contained  the  letters  above  mentioned, 
and  he  was  desired  to  call  on  Lafayette  (commanding  the  troops 
nearest  the  enemies'  lines)  for  further  instructions.  This  was  on 
the  30th  of  September. 

The  instructions  of  Lafayette  were,  that  the  captain  should  con- 
trive to  reach  Paulus  Hook  so  late,  that  he  would  be  asked  to  stay 
all  night.  He  was  then  to  seek  a  favourable  moment  to  communi- 
cate to  the  commandant  of  the  post,  or  some  of  the  provincial 
officers,  as  if  incidentally,  the  idea  about  exchanging  Andre  for 
Arnold. 

The  scheme  succeeded  as  was  wished ;  and  Captain  Ogden  was 
invited,  as  was  expected,  to  remain  all  night  with  the  British  officer 
at  the  post,  while  the  letters  were  sent  across  the  river,  and  the 
boat  with  despatches  from  head-quarters  should  return.  The  trea- 
son of  Arnold  and  the  detection  of  Andre  were  the  prominent  topick 
of  conversation,  as  everywhere,  and  the  English  commanding  offi- 
cer asked  the  opinion  of  Captain  Ogden  respecting  the  fate  of  the 
adjutant-general,  and  whether  Washington  would  order  his  execu- 
tion. The  American  answered  that  undoubtedly  he  would ;  that 
his  army  expected  it,  and  justice  to  his  country  demanded  it.  The 
next  question,  as  was  anticipated,  called  forth  the  hint  intended  to 
be  conveyed.  "  Can  no  method  be  thought  of,  to  save  ■Major  An- 
dre ?"  "  Yes.  And  it  is  in  the  power  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  Let 
him  deliver  up  Arnold  and  take  Andre  in  exchange."  "  Have 
you  any  authority  for  such  an  assertion  ?"  "None,  from  General 
Washington  ;  but  1  believe  if  such  a  proposal  was  made,  it  would 
be  accepted.  Major  Andre  would  be  set  at  liberty,  and  all  Ame- 
rica rejoice  in  the  event." 

Upon  this,  the  officer  left  the  supper-table,  crossed  to  New  York, 
had  an  interview  with  Sir  Henry  Chnton,  and  returned  before 


DEPUTATION  IN  FAVOUR  OF  ANDRE.  195 

morning.     He  told  Ogden  that  it  could  not  be  done :  the  conn- 
mander-in-chief  would  not  listen  to  the  Idea  a  moment. 

When  Sir  Henry  Clinton  had  perused  the  letters  from  Andre 
.and  the  American  commander-in-chief,  he  immediately  called  a 
council  of  general  officers,  and  it  was  determined  to  send  three 
persons  of  high  standing  to  make  such  representations  to  General 
Washington  as,  it  was  hoped,  might  influence  his  determination 
in  Andre's  favour.  These  gendemen  were.  General  Robertson, 
(lately  commissioned  by  Great  Britain  as  the  governour  of  her 
procince  of  New  Yorl',)  Andrew  Elliot,  Esq.,  in  like  manner  ap- 
pointed lieutenant-governour,  and  William  Smith,  the  historian 
of  l^ew  York,  his  majesty's  chief-justice  for  the  province,  and 
brother  to  Joshua  H.  Smith,  so  prominent  in  this  affair.  They 
were  accompanied  by  Colonel  ijeverley  Robinson,  and  carried, 
most  injudiciously,  a  long,  impudent,  threatenino;  letter,  from 
Arnold. 

Notice  of  the  intended  deputation  had  been  giv^en  to  General 
Washington,  and  the  com.missioners  found  General  Greene  at 
Dobbs's  Ferry,  who  let  them  know  that  only  General  Robertson 
would  be  permitted  to  land. 

General  Greene,  after  the  usual  compliments,  informed  Robert- 
son that  he  was  only  permitted  by  General  Washington  to  receive 
him  as  a  private  gentleman,  and  that  the  case  of  an  acknowledged 
spy  admitted  of  no  discussion.  The  English  general  insisted  that 
Andre  landed  under  the  sanction  of  a  flag,  and  acred  under  the 
direction  of  Arnold  :  therefore  could  not  be  considered  as  a  spy. 
Both  these  assertions  had  been  under  consideration  by  the  board 
of  American  officers;  and  Andre  had  rejected  the  notion  of  his 
having  landed  under  sanction  of  a  flag.  Greene  said,  on  this  head, 
Americans  would  believe  Major  Andre  sooner  than  Benedict  Ar- 
nold. Robertson  asserted  that  no  European  military  tribunal  would 
decide  as  the  American  court  had  done,  and  proposed  to  leave  the 
question  to  Generals  Rochambeau  and  Knyphausen — thus  avow- 
ing/A«/;  ^7^5oZe/^^  claim  to  European  supeiiority,  whi^h  had  been  so 
often  put  in  practical  operation  while  the  United  States  were  British 
provinces.  The  English  general  took  his  leave  without  obtaining 
any  concessions  from  General  Greene,  but  said  he  should  remain 
on  board  the  vessel  in  which  he  ascended  the  river  until  morning, 
hoping  to  take  back  with  him  Major  Andre,  or  assurances  of  his 
safety. 

Robertson  despatched  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton  his  account  of  this 
conference,  and  mentioned  that  it  was  intimated  to  him  by  Greene, 
that  if  Andre  were  set  U-qg,  it  would  be  expected  that  Arnold  should 
be  given  up,  which  he  only  replied  to  by  a  look  of  "  indigtiant 
rebuke." 

In  the  morning,  General  Robertson  received  a  note  from  Gene- 


196 

ral  Greene,  saying  that  the  determinatibn  of  the  commander-in- 
chief  was  not  changed  by  tlie  coimmimication  made  to  him  of  the 
confereiice.  Tlie  commissioners  returned  to  New  York,  but  Ro- 
bertson wrote  a  letter  lo  Genei'al  Washington,  recapitulating  the 
arguments  he  had  used,  under  pretence  that  Greene's  memory 
might  not  have  served  to  convey  them. 

During  his  connnement,  and  at  the  hour  of  his  execution,  "Major 
Andre  evinced  composure  and  firuiness,  which,  with  his  character 
and  amiable  de])or(inent,  gained  the  j-espect,  admiration,  and  sym- 
pathy of  the  American  officers  wlio  were  llie  witnesses — many  of 
wiiom  were  to  have  been  sacrificed  by  the  completion  of  the  plot 
concerted  by  him  with  Arnold.  He  was  executed  as  a  spy,  at 
twelve  o'clock,  on  the  2d  of  October,  and  buried  near  the  gallows. 
His  regimentals,  in  which  he  was  executed,  were  given  to  his  ser- 
vant. More  has  been  written  and  published  about  the  death  of  this 
gentleman,  than,  )")erhaps,  of  all  the  brave  spirits  who  were  sacri- 
ficed by  the  swords  of  an  army  of  mercenaries,  employed  by  Great 
Britain  to  enslave  these  United  States.  The  torrents  of  abuse 
poured  upon  Wasliiugton,  for  making  this  sacrifice  to  the  safety  of 
his  country,  and  for  suffering  the  due  course  of  stern  military  law 
to  flow  regularly,  are  only  to  be  equalled  by  the  pure  stream  of 
gratitude  which  flowed  in  thanks  and  blessings  from  the  hearts  of 
his  countrymen.  The  objections  raised  against  his  decision,  by 
Englishmen,  at  the  time,  have  been  swept  into  oblivion  by  the  ver- 
dict of  that  great  tribunal,  ikcn-orhl,  and  the  praises  of  heroes,  patriots, 
and  philosophers,  from  that  time  to  the  present  moment. 

However  anxious  Sir  Henry  Clinton  might  be  to  save  this  young 
gendeman,  (who  was  prompted  to  the  course  which  ended  in  his 
death,  by  the  persuasions  and  promises  of  his  commander,)  and 
however  he  may  have  complained  in  private  of  the  pretended  injus- 
tice of  Andre's  execution,  he  did  not  venture  officially  to  censure 
the  conduct  of  the  American  commander-in-chief.  In  his  general 
orders  he  only  says,  "  The  unfortunate  fate  of  this  officer  calls 
upon  him  to  declare  that  he  ever  considered  Major  Andre  a  gentle- 
man of  the  highest  integrity  and  honour,  and  incapable  of  any  base 
action  or  unworthy  conduct."  The  manner  of  his  death  was  not 
mentioned,  nor  any  accusation  made  against  those  by  whom  he  had 
suffered. 

The  captors  of  Andre  were  recommended  by  General  Washing- 
ton to  congress,  who,  by  a  formal  vote  expressed  a  high  sense  of 
of  their  virtuous  and  patriotic  conduct,  and  granted  to  each  of  them 
an  annual  pension  of  two  hundred  dollars  for  life,  with  the  further 
compliment  of  a  silver  medal,  for  each,  inscribed  on  one  side  "Fi- 
delity," on  the  other  "  Vincit  amor  Patriae." 

Joshua  H.  Smith  was  tried  by  a  court  martial,  upon  a  charge  for 
aiding  and  assisting  Benedict  Arnold,  etc.,  in  a  cotnbination  with 


NATHAN  HALE.  197 

the  enemy  to  lake,  kill,  and  seize,  sncb  of  the  loyal  citizens  and 
soldiers  of  the  Unite:!  Stales,  as  were  in  garrison  at  West  Point 
and  its  dependencies."  Sniith  drew  ni)  and  read  his  own  defence. 
He  was  acqnitted.  Flo  confessed  that  he  assisted  Arnold  ;  but  it 
was  not  proved  that  he  had  any  knowledge  of  his  designs.  Mr. 
Sparks  says,  "  iVhhough  no  one  wonld  be  willing  to  condemn 
Smith  u'[)[):i  tiie  evidence  adduced  to  the  court,  yet  whoever  reads 
it  will  be  sarislied,  tliat  he  conld  not  have  fallen  into  such  extreme 
stupidity,  as  not  to  suspect  something  wrong  in  the  business  he  was 
encca'i^ed  in  carrviu"-  on.''  The  impressions  ag^ainst  him  are 
Strengthened  by  his  narrative,  published  in  London,  in  150S — a 
work  unworthy  of  credit,  where  it  rests  on  his  own  authority.  It 
diiFers  from  the  testimony  on  the  trial,  and  from  the  defence  he 
then  made.  Although  acquitted  by  a  court  martial,  General  Wash- 
ington thought  proper  to  place  him  in  the  hands  of  the  civil  autho- 
rities of  the  state  of  New  York,  and  he  was  confined  at  Goshen 
some  months,  from  whence  he  managed  to  escape  and  took  refuge 
with  the  British  in  New  Yorki  ^luch  of  his  "narrative"  is  occu- 
pied with  this  esca[)e.  He  was  thus  saved  from  personal  dangers; 
but  he  found  in  the  city  of  New  York  that  his  conduct  was  censured 
by  the  British  and  Tories  as  much  as  it  had  been  without  the  English 
lines  by  the  friends  of  his  country. 

Although,  I  have  already  spoken  of  the  contrast  between  the 
treatment  of  Andre  and  that  of  Hale,  I  cannot  quit  the  subject 
without  quoting  from  Mr.  Sparks  his  view  of  the  superiority  of  the 
motives  which  influenced  the  American  over  those  actuating  ihc 
English  officer. 

"  Captain  Hale  was  a  graduate  of  Yale  College,  and  had  but 
recently  closed  his  academick  course  when  the  war  of  the  revolu- 
tion commenced.  Possessing  genius,  taste,  and  ardour,  he  be- 
came distinguished  as  a  scholar;  and,  endowed  in  an  eminent 
degree  with  those  graces  and  gifts  of  nature  which  add  a  charm  to 
youthful  excellence,  he  gained  universal  esteem  and  confidence. 
To  high  moral  worth  and  irreproachable  habits  were  joined  gentle- 
ness of  manners,  an  ingenuous  disposition,  and  vigour  of  under- 
standing. No  young  man  of  his  years  put  forth  a  fairer  promise 
of  future  usefulness  and  celebrity. 

"  The  news  of  the  battle  of  Lexington  roused  his  martial  spirit, 
and  called  him  immediately  to  the  field.  He  obtained  a  commis- 
sion in  the  army,  and  marched  with  his  company  to  Cambrido'e. 
His  promptness,  activity,  and  assiduous  attention  to  discipline, 
were  early  observed.  He  prevailed  upon  his  men  to  adopt  a  sim- 
ple uniform,  which  improved  their  appearance,  attracted  nodce, 
and  procured  applause.  The  example  was  followed  by  others, 
and  its  influence  was  beneficial.     Nor  were  his  hours  wholly  ab- 


198  NATHAN  HALE. 

sorbed  by  his  military  duties.     A  rigid  economy  of  time  enabled 
him  to  gratify  his  zeal  for  study  ^nd  mental  culture. 

*'  At  length  the  theatre  of  action  was  changed,  and  the  army 
was  removed  to  the  southward.  The  battle  of  Lomr  Island  was 
fought,  and  the  American  forces  were  drawn  together  in  the  city 
of  New  York.  At  this  moment  it  was  extremely  important  for 
Washington  to  know  the  situation  of  the  British  army  on  the 
heights  of  Brooklyn,  its  numbers,  and  the  inchcations  as  to  its 
future  movements.  Having  confidence  in  the  discretion  and  judg- 
ment of  the  gallant  Colonel  Knowlton,  who  commanded  a  Con- 
necticut regiment  o(  infantry,  he  explained  his  wishes  to  that  offi- 
cer, and  requested  him  to  ascertain  if  any  suitable  person  could 
be  found  in  his  regiment,  who  would  undertake  so  hazardous  and 
responsible  a  service.  It  was  essential,  that  he  should  be  a  man 
of  capacity,  address,  and  mihtary  knowledge. 

*'  Colonel  Knowhon  assembled  several  of  his  officers,  stated  to 
them  the  views  and  desires  of  the  General,  and  left  the  subject  to 
their  reflections,  without  proposing  the  enterprise  to  any  individual. 
The  officers  then  separated.  Captain  Hale  considered  deliberately 
what  had  been  said,  and  finding  himself  by  a  sense  of  duty  in- 
clined to  the  undertaking,  he  called  at  the  quarters  of  his  intimate 
friend.  Captain  Hull,  (afterwards  General  Hull,)  and  asked  his 
opinion.  Hull  endeavoured  to  dissuade  him  from  the  service,  as 
not  befitting  his  rank  in  the  army,  and  as  being  of  a  kind  for  which 
his  openness  of  character  disqualified  him  ;  adding  that  no  glory 
could  accrue  from  success,  and  a  detection  would  inevitably  be 
followed  by  an  ignominious  death. 

"  Captain  Hale  replied,  that  all  these  considerations  had  been 
duly  weighed,  that  "  every  kind  of  service  necessary  to  the  public 
good  was  honourable  by  being  necessary,''  that  he  did  not  accept 
a  commission  for  the  sake  of  fame  alone  or  personal  advancement, 
that  he  had  been  for  some  time  in  the  army  without  being  able  to 
render  any  signal  aid  to  the  cause  of  his  country,  and  that  he  felt 
impelled  by  high  motives  of  duty  not  to  shrink  from  die  oppor- 
tunity now  presented. 

*'  The  arguments  of  his  friend  were  unavailing,  and  Captain 
Hale  passed  over  to  Long  Island  in  disguise.  He  had  gained 
the  desired  information,  and  was  just  on  the  point  of  stepping  into 
a  boat  to  return  to  the  city  of  New-York,  when  he  was  arrested 
and  taken  before  the  British  commander.  Like  Ande,  he  had 
assumed  a  character,  which  he  could  not  sustain  ;  he  was  "  too 
little  accustomed  to  duplicity  to  succeed."  The  proof  against  him 
was  so  conclusive,  that  he  made  no  effort  at  self-defence,  but 
frankly  confessed  his  objects  ;  and,  like  Andre,  without  further 
remarks  **  left  the  facts  to  operate  with  his  judges."     He  was 


NATHAN  HALE.  199 

sentenced  to  be  executed  as  a  spy,  and  was  accordingly  banged 
the  next  morning. 

*'  The  sentence  was  conformable  to  the  laws  of  war,  and  the 
prisoner  was  prepared  to  meet  it  with  a  fortitude  becoming  bis 
character.  But  the  circumstances  of  his  death  aggravated  his 
sufferings,  and  placed  him  in  a  situation  widely  different  from  that 
of  Andre.  The  facts  were  narrated  to  General  Hull  by  an  officer 
of  the  British  commissary  department,  who  was  present  at  the  ex- 
ecution, and  deeply  moved  by  the  conduct  and  fate  of  the  unfor- 
tunate victim,  and  the  treatment  he  received. 

"  The  provost-martial  was  the  noted  brutal  bully  Captain  Cun- 
ningham ;  who  refused  the  attendance  of  a  clergyman,  the  conso- 
lation of  a  Bible,  or  the  privilege  of  writing  to  his  mother. 

"  Alone,  unfriended,  without  consolation  or  sympathy,  he  closed 
his  mortal  career  with  the  declaration,  "  that  be  only  lamented  he 
had  but  one  life  to  lose  for  his  country."  Wiien  Andre  stood 
upon  the  scaffold,  he  called  on  all  around  him  to  bear  witness,  that 
he  died  like  a  brave  man.  The  dying  words  of  Hale  embodied 
a  nobler  and  more  sublime  sentiment :  breathing  a  spirit  of  satis- 
faction, that,  although  brought  to  an  untimely  end,  it  was  his  lot 
to  die  a  martyr  in  his  country's  cause. 

*'  There  was  a  striking  similarity  between  the  character  and  acts 
of  Hale  and  Andre,  but  in  one  essential  point  of  difference  the 
former  appears  to  much  the  greater  advantage.  Hale  was  pro- 
mised no  reward,  nor  did  he  expect  any.  But  Andre  had  a  glo- 
rious prize  before  him  ;  the  chance  of  distinguishing  himself  in  a 
military  enterprise,  honours,  renown,  and  every  allurement,  that 
could  flatter  hope  and  stimulate  ambition." 

A  monument  was  raised  to  Andre  in  Westminster  Abbey.  The 
memory  of  Hale  long  appeared  to  be  lost.  Dr.  Dwight  first  did 
justice  to  his  virtues  ;  other  writers  have  examined  and  applauded 
his  self-sacrifice,  and  at  length  the  name  of  Captain  Hale  is  en- 
graved by  gratitude  upon  the  hearts  of  his  admiring  countrymen. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton,  even  after  the  return  of  his  envoys,  wrote 
another  letter  to  General  Washington,  in  the  apparent  hope  of 
saving  his  young  favourite  ;  but  before  it  was  sent  the  servant  of 
Andre  arrived  in  the  city,  and  the  fate  of  his  master  was  fully 
known.  To  Lord  George  Germaine,  the  British  commander  de- 
tailed all  the  circumstances  of  the  transaction  :  the  commission  of 
the  sufferer  was  sold,  as  he  had  requested,  for  the  benefit  of  his 
mother  and  sister.  They  were  recommended  to  the  king  for  his 
favour ;  who  granted  a  pension  to  the  mother,  and  offered  knight- 
hood to  Andre's  brother.  This  was  certainly  commendable  ;  but 
the  honours  flowing  from  the  7'eputed  source  of  Itonour,  to  Arnold, 
appear  more  questionable.  The  traitor  was  caressed  openly  as  a 
person  of  worth,  integrity  and  honour.     He  was  made  a  brigadier- 


200  eUBSEQUENT  CONDUCT  OF  ARNOLD. 

general  in  his  majesty's  service,  and  with  his  majesty's  pay  pro- 
moted to  the  command  of  anixies.  Tlie  price  stipulated  to  be 
paid  for  his  treason,  the  Bjiiisii  general  of  course  was  hound  to 
pay  ;  but  it  appeared  very  extraordinary,  that  a  wretch  wdio  had 
been  bought  by  gold  to  betray  to  death  those  he  was  sworn  to 
protect,  should  be  entrusted  with  the  fortunes  and  hves  of  his 
majesty's  officers  and  soldiers,  whose  safety  was  confided  to 
the  English  commander-in-chief.  Sir  Henry  paid  the  traitor 
£6315  sterling  :  and  he  was  ranked  as  a  brigadier-general  ;  but  I 
shall  show  that  he  did  not  confide  to  him  the  welfare  of  those  he 
was  appointed  to  command  ;  his  powers  for  destruction  were  only 
allowed  free  scope  when  exerted  in  the  unnatural  business  of  burn- 
ing the  dwellings  and  shedding  the  blood  of  his  countrymen  :  spies 
were  placed  over  him,  to  arrest  his  arm  the  moment  he  was  even 
suspected  of  intention  to  injure  the  power  to  whom  he  had  sold 
himself. 

Scarcely  had  ArnoUl  arrived  among  his  new  friends,  when  he 
published  an  address  to  his  betrayed  countrymen,  and  a  proclama- 
tion inviting  his  former  military  associates  to  follow  his  example. 

To  comment  upon  these  publications  at  the  present  day  seems 
unnecessary  :  at  the  time  of  publication  they  only  excited  the 
sneers  of  tl)e  traitor's  pretended  friends,  and  the  disgust  of  his 
couniry.  Yet  the  British  ministry  seemed  to  think  the  offers  of 
the  traitor  would  have  effect  with  the  American  army,  and  pres- 
cribed the  rewards  that  might  he  paid  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton  to 
those  who  should  desert  from  the  standard  of  TVashington  to  that 
of  Arnold,  Some  few  were  found  base  enough  to  make  such  an 
Exchange  for  the  sake  of  ten  /urrd  guineas  ;  but  they  were  not  na- 
tive Americans,  or  if  such,  were  not  worth  retaining  by  the  one, 
or  being  received  by  the  other,  though  assimilated  to  him  by  debt 
and  depravity. 

It  appears  that  the  British  ministry  had  confidence  in  the  asser- 
tions and  representntions  of  Arnold,  although  Sir  Henry  Clinton 
had  none  in  his  integrity. 

Though  Arnold  had  continued  true  to  the  flag  which  had  pur- 
chased him,  and  did  all  possible  mischief  In  Virginia,  his  disposi- 
tion to  falsehood  manifested  itself  in  his  letters  to  Lord  George 
Germaine  ;  which  pointed  out  the  ease  with  wlilch  West  Point 
might  be  taken  by  a  coup-de-main,  or  "  a  few  days  regular  attack." 
The  British  minister  relying  upon  his  new  auxiliary,  wrote  to  Sir 
Henry  Clinton,  expressing  some  dRgree  of  surprise  that  he  had 
not  achieved  so  important  a  conquest,  which  was  so  easy  of  ac- 
complishment. By  the  minister's  letter,  the  English  commander 
knew  the  danger  he  incurred  from  the  pen  of  the  ex-rebel-general. 
He  in  his  answer,  told  the  minister  that  Arnold  had  never  repre- 
sented the  post  in  question  as  of  so  easy  acquisition  ;  but  if  he  will 


ARNOLD  SUSPECTED  BY  CLINTON.  201 

now  convince  htm  that  it  is  so,  he  probably  shall  make  the  attempt. 
"  I  have  therefore"  he  continues,  "  required  that  general  officer 
to  send  his  plan  of  operation  to  me  without  delay,  and  to  follow  or 
accompany  it  himself." 

It  appears  strange,  that  Sir  Henry  Clinton  should  entrust  a  trai- 
tor with  the  liv^es  and  liberty  of  armies  as  he  did.  But  I  have 
*  been  assured  by  a  gentleman  of  the  most  unblemished  character, 
now  far  advanced  in  years,  that  when  Arnold  departed  from  New 
York  in  the  command  of  the  army  with  which  he  committed  depre- 
dations in  the  Chesapeake,  "  a  dormant  commission"  was  given  to 
Colonels  Dundas  and  Simcoe,  jointly,  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  au- 
thorizing them,  if  they  suspected  Arnold  of  sinister  intent,  to  su- 
persede him,  and  put  him  in  arrest.  This  proves  that  Clinton  did 
not  trust  him,  and  we  may  reasonably  suppose  that  such  a  watch 
was  set  upon  his  conduct  on  other  occasions. 

The  gentleman  who  communicated  this  fact  to  me,  was  in  his 
youth  a  confidential  clerk  in  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  office,  and  copied 
and  delivered  the  dormant  commission  as  directed.  This  explains 
a  passage  in  Clinton's  letter  to  his  government,  in  whicli  he  says, 
"  this  detachment  is  under  the  command  of  General  Arnold,  with 
whom  I  have  thought  it  ritrht  to  send  Colonels  Dundas  and  Sim- 
coe, as  being  officers  of  experience,  and  much  in  my  confidence.' 


V6L.  11.  ^ 


202 


CHAMPE  S  ADVENTURE. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Champers  Adventure — Indian  Warfare — Fate  of  Huddy — Further 
History  of  Ethan  Allen — New  Hampshire  Grants — Controversies 
with  Vermont — British  attempts  to  seduce  Vermont — Independence 
of  Vermont  recognized, 

Serqeant  Champe's  adventure,  as  told  by  Major  Henry 
Lee,*  seems  to  belong  to  the  treason  of  Arnold : 

While  the  fate  of  Andre  was  still  in  suspense,  General  Washing- 
ton determined,  if  it  was  possible  to  get  possession  of  Arnold,  he 
would  make  hini  the  victim,  and  use  his  influence  to  spare  the  life 
of  the  young  officer  who  had  placed  himself  in  the  situation 
of  a  spy.  He  sent  for,  and  consulted  Major  Lee.  The  plan 
proposed  was,  for  a  trusty  and  intelligent  man  to  present  himself 
as  a  deserter  to  the  enemy,  and  enlist  in  the  corps  that  was  then 
forming  under  Arnold's  particular  patronage;  and  then  by  the 
aid  of  certain  persons  in  New  York  with  whom  Washington  cor- 
responded, to  seize  the  traitor,  and  bring  him  off  to  a  party  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Hudson,  w^ho  should  be  ready  to  receive  him. 
Lee  mentioned  the  sergeant-major  of  his  legion  as  being  a  man  fit 
for  the  enterprize,  but  feared  that  his  sense  of  honour,  and  the  ex- 
pectations he  had  of  receiving  a  commission,  would  prevent  his  con- 
senting even  to  appear  in  the  character  of  a  deserter.  The  general 
commissioned  Lee  to  give  assurances  that  he  would  stand  be- 
tween the  sergeant  and  disgrace,  and  advanced  every  argument  that 
could  be  suggested  to  engage  him  in  the  enterprize.  Lee  departed, 
furnished  with  full  instructions,  and  letters  to  the  agents  in  New 
York  who  were  to  join  in  the  attempt.  After  a  long  conference 
with  Champe,  the  major  prevailed  upon  the  sergeant  to  undertake 
the  execution  of  the  scheme;  and  as  no  time  w^as  to  be  lost,  he  im- 
mediately prepared  himself  and  his  horse  for  the  perilous  expedi- 
tion. Champe  entered  into  the  plan,  as  it  proved,  with  all  his  soul. 
That  very  night,  having  made  himself  master  of  Washington's 
instructions,  (one  of  which  was  in  no  case  to  take  the  life  of  Arnold, 
as  that  W'ould  be  interpreted  assassination,  whereas  a  solemn  sacri- 
fice of  the  criminal  was  the  object  to  be  attained,)  he  a  litde  before 


*  Memoirs  of  the  war  in  the  Southern  Department. 


203 

midnight  withdrew  his  horse  from  the  picket,  and  with  his  cloak, 
sword,  vaHse,  and  orderly  book,  mounted  to  pursue  his  way  to 
Paulus  Hook,  by  such  routes  as  his  experience  suggested  to  be 
best  for  avoiding  patrol  or  scouting  parties.  Scarcely  half  an  hour 
had  elapsed,  when  Lee's  lieutenant  brought  him  information  that  a 
patrol  had  fallen  in  with  a  dragoon,  who  on  being  challenged  had 
clapped  spurs  to  his  horse  and  escaped.  The  subaltern  was  all 
impatience  for  orders  to  send  off  men  in  pursuit,  and  the  major 
tried  by  every  device  to  delay  such  an  unw^elcome  procedure.  He 
feigned  the  dulnessof  a  man  awakened  from  sound  sleep,  although 
his  anxiety  had  prevented  any  approach  to  that  state  ;  he  affected 
to  believe  that  it  could  not  be  a  dragoon  ;  or  if  one,  that  his  inten- 
tion was  not  deserdon.  The  lieutenant  pressed  the  matter — pa- 
raded the  troop,  and  showed  that  one  was  missing,  and  that  one 
Sergeant-major  Champe.  "  I  have  ordered  a  party  for  pursuit," 
added  the  zealous  officer,  •'  and  they  only  await  your  orders."  Lee 
delayed  as  long  as  possible  ;  but  orders  must  be  given,  and  the 
dragoons  were  spurred  on  to  overtake  the  supposed  deserter  by 
every  motive  which  the  honour  of  the  corps  could  suggest.  The 
leader  of  the  pursuers  was  nominated  by  Lee  ;  he  was  sent  for  and 
received  his  orders.  This  was  a  young  cornet.  Off  the  party 
dashed,  leaving  the  major  in  a  state  of  extreme  anxiety.  About 
three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  Lee  was  called  from  his  tent  by  the 
shouts  of  his  soldiers,  and  he  saw  the  cornet  approaching  with  his 
party,  one  of  the  dragoon's  leading  the  sergeant-major's  well-known 
horse,  with  his  cloak,  sword-scabbard,  and  other  accoutrements. 
That  Champe  was  dead,  and  that  he  had  occasioned  his  death,  was 
the  heart-rending  thought  this  appearance  suggested  to  Lee.  The 
cornet  reported  that  they  had  traced  the  deserter  during  the  night 
by  the  marks  of  his  horse's  shoes,  left  on  the  road,  owing  to  a 
recent  sho\ver  of  rain.  (The  shoes  of  the  dragoon  horses  were 
unlike  others.)  That  at  daybreak  he  continued  with  more  speed  in 
the  chase,  and  as  he  approached  Bergen,  gained  sight  of  Champe, 
who  likewise  saw  his  pursuers.  At  the  village  of  Bergen,  the  ser- 
geant-major, after  riding  through  several  devious  streets,  took  the 
road  to  the  right,  determining  to  make  for  some  British  galleys  that 
he  knew  were  stationed  near  the  shore,  and  not  approach  Paulus 
Hook,  as  was  at  first  intended.  This  change  of  course  baffled  the 
cornet  for  a  time ;  but  gaining  informadon  from  a  countryman  who 
had  seen  a  dragoon  spurring  out  of  the  village,  the  party  again 
pushed  forward  upon  the  track  of  the  fugitive.  When  in  sight  of 
the  galleys,  Champe  made  a  hah.  Ued  his  vafise  (which  contained 
the  orderly  book,  his  clothes,  money,  etc.)  to  his  shoulders,  drew 
his  sword,  and  again  spurred  for  the  shore.  This  momentary  halt 
brought  his  pursuers  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  him.  When 
near  the  marshy  edge  of  the  water,  the  sergeant  dismounted,  rushed 


204 

through  the  sedge,  threw  himself  into  the  water,  and  called  on  the 
galleys  for  help.  A  boat  was  laiinched  to  receive  the  deserter,  (as 
no  one  could  doubt  him  to  be,)  and  some  guns  were  fired  to  keep 
off  his  pursuers.  The  report  of  the  party  who  had  returned  with 
the  sergeant-major's  horse,  cloak,  scabbard,  and  accoutrements, 
eased  Major  Lee  of  liis  apprehensions  for  the  safety  of  Champe. 

The  account  given  by  the  commander  of  the  galleys  of  what  he 
had  witnessed,  would  be  an  ample  credential  for  the  sergeant.  He 
was  examined  by  Sir  Henry  Chnton,  received  with  favour,  found 
an  opportunity  to  communicate  with  the  agents  of  Washington,  re- 
siding in  New  York  ;  and  to  further  the  plan,  enlisted  in  Arnold's 
legion. 

One  of  those  to  whom  Champe  was  introduced,  prepared  every 
thing  for  seizing  and  carrying  off  the  traitor;  Champe  communicat- 
ed his  progress  to  Lee,  who,  by  the  general's  oiders,  prepared  to 
receive  Arnold.  In  the  mean  time,  Andre  was  condemned  and 
executed.  Therefore  the  only  end  in  view  by  the  capture  of  Ar- 
nold was  his  punishment.  Champe  gave  notice  to  Major  Lee,  that 
being  appointed  one  of  the  recruiting  sergeants  for  Arnold's  legion, 
he  had  every  necessary  opportunity  for  the  execution  of  the  plan. 
Adjoining  to  the  garden  of  the  house  in  whicl)  Arnold  resided  was 
an  alley  ;  and  by  removing  some  of  the  palings,  and  replacing  them 
in  apparent  security,  the  conspirators  were  to  enter,  guided  by 
Champe,  seize  their  intended  victim  when  he  returned,  as  was  his 
invariable  custom,  at  midnight,  from  his  visits  of  business  or  plea- 
sure, and  retire  to  the  garden.  They  were  to  gag  him,  carry  him 
off  through  the  alley,  and  to  a  boat  prepared  and  lying  at  a  wharf 
on  the  north  river.  If  questioned,  they  were  to  represent  him  as  a 
drunken  soldier  whom  they  were  conveying  to  the  guard-house. 
Washington  ordered  Lee  to  be  ready  on  the  opposite  shore  to 
receive  Arnold,  and  prevent  any  personal  injury  to  him.  The  ma- 
jor repaired  at  night  to  the  appointed  place,  with  a  party  of  dra- 
goons. Hour  after  hour  passed,  but  no  boat  approached.  The 
day  broke,  and  with  the  led  horses  prepared  for  Champe  and  his 
prisoner,  Lee  returned  to  camp.  In  a  few  days  he  was  informed 
by  the  agent  in  New  York,  that  on  the  day  previous  to  the  appoint- 
ed night,  Arnold  had  removed  his  quarters  to  be  near  the  place  of 
embarkation  for  the  expedition  to  the  Chesapeake;  and  that  the 
legion,  to  which  Champe  was  attached,  had  been  shipped  among 
the  first  of  the  troops,  for  fear  of  the  men  deserting.  Thus  the 
sergeant-major  was  entrapped,  and  instead  of  crossing  the  Hudson 
with  his  general  as  a  prisoner,  was  carried  off  to  Virginia,  and  em- 
ployed in  warfare  against  his  countrymen.  From  this  unwelcome 
service  he  found  means  to  free  himself,  and  when  Lee's  legion  was 
acting  against  Cornwallis  in  the  south,  the  sergeant-major  most  un- 
expectedly joined  his  old  comrades  ;  and  the  mystery  of  his  flight, 


INDIAN  WARFARE.  205 

with  the  whole  story,  being  soon  known,  he  was  received  by  the 
corps  with  applause  and  welcome. 

After  the  treason  of  Arnold,  the  military  transactions  of  the  war 
were  principally  transferred  to  the  south.  General  Gates,  at  Cam- 
den, lost  an  army  and  his  reputation.  Daniel  Morgan  became  a 
general,  and  famous  for  the  defeat  of  Tarleton,  at  the  Cowpens, 
and  Washington  terminated  the  war,  in  fact,  by  the  surrender  of 
Cornwallis  and  his  army,  at  York,  in  Virginia.  General  Greene 
took  the  place  of  Gates,  who  was  doomed  to  a  court  of  enquiry, 
which  was  never  held  ;  but  General  Washington  restored  him  to 
his  command  and  rank,  as  oldest  major-general. 

1780  At  midsummer,  in  I7S0,  Brandt,  the  Indian  chief  before 
mentioned,  with  a  body  of  tories  and  Indians,  laid  waste  the 

district  of  Canajoharie,  at  a  time  when  the  militia  weie  on  service 
at  Fort  Schuyler.  Sir  John  Jolinson  ureaked  his  vengeance  on 
Schoharie,  which  he  burnt,  and  with  his  savages  on  the  ISth  of 
October,  laid  Caughnawaga  in  ruins,  sweeping  with  the  besom  of 
destruction  tlie  valley  of  the  Schoharie  Creek.  Johnson  passed  up 
the  north  side  of  the  Mohawk,  burning  all  in  his  course.  General 
Van  Rensselaer,  wiio  commanded  in  this  district,  ordered  out  Co- 
lonel Brown  with  his  militia  ;  but  they  were  not  in  sufficient  force  to 
withstand  the  enemy,  and  the  colonel,  and  thirty  of  his  men,  fell  in  the 
attempt.  Johnson  took  post  near  the  Mohawk  castle,  or  village, 
and  fordfied  the  spot,  by  a  breastwork  thrown  across  a  neck  of  land, 
in  part  surrounded  by  the  Mohawk  River.  Here  he  placed  his 
regiment  of  regulars  and  tories.  His  Indians  occupied  an  elevated 
wood,  in  his  neighbourhood.  General  V^an  Rensselaer  attacked 
the  Indians,  drove  them  from  dieir  cover,  and  they  fled  towards 
the  Susquehanna.  Johnson's  troops  resisted  until  night,  and  un- 
der its  cover  they  escaped  from  the  intended  attack  of  the  next  day. 
Johnson  and  his  tories,  Indians,  Canadians,  and  Englishmen,  in 
October,  17S0,  left  the  vale  of  the  Schoharie  Creek,  strewed  with 
the  wrecks  of  a  happy  population,  notwithstanding  the  brave  resist- 
ance of  the  inhabitants,  who  in  many  encounters  with  these  savages 
displayed  a  courage  worthy  of  the  cause  they  fought  in — the  cause 
of  humanity. 

1781  Early  in  1781,  while  yet  the  country  was  covered  with 
snow,  the  enemy  succeeded  in  capturing  several  of  the  gar- 
rison of  Fort  Schuyler,  and  Major  Nicholas  Fish,  one  of  our  very 
worthy  citizens,  but  lately  deceased,  by  great  efforts  succeeded  in 
relieving  the  garrison.  In  July,  Colonel  Marinus  Willet  command- 
ed at  this  fort.  A.  party  of  three  hundred  Indians  and  tories,  led 
by  one  John  Doxtader,  were  scouring  the  Mohawk  valley,  and  had 
even  burned  a  village  within  a  short  distance  of  Schenectady,  when 
Willet,  ever  prompt,  and  active,  having  by  his  scouts  learned  their 
number  and  situation,  marched  with  one  hundred  and  six  men,  du- 
ring a  dark  night,  to  the  vicinity  of  the  enemy's  camp,  which  wa» 


206  INDIAN  WARFARE. 

in  a  thick  swamp  near  Cherry  Valley.  Major  McKean  joined 
WilJet  with  thuty  men  ;  and  they  came  in  sight  of  the  swamp  about 
daybreak.  Colonel  Willet  drew  up  his  party  in  two  parallel  lines, 
and  ordered  them  to  conceal  themselves  behind  trees.  Major  Mc- 
Kean occupied  the  right,  and  Willet,  with  one  hundred  men,  the 
left  of  the  line.  Two  men  were  sent  to  pass  ov^er  an  open  piece 
of  ground  as  a  decoy,  with  orders  when  discovered  by  the  enemy, 
to  run  in  between  the  two  lines.  The  plan  succeeded.  The 
Indians  raised  their  war  cry  and  pursued  the  fugitives;  but  as  they 
approached  the  ambush  they  were  received  by  a  deadly  fire  from 
right  and  left.  They  retreated,  and  betook  themselves  to  trees  for 
shelter ;  but  Willet  now  ordered  a  charge  with  the  bayonet,  and, 
waving  his  hat  with  a  hurrah,  led  on  his  men,  driving  the  savage 
foe  through  the  encamjiment,  which,  with  all  their  recenlly  accumu- 
lated plunder,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors.  The  enemy  was 
pursued  toward  the  Suscpiehanna. 

Marinus  Willet  was  for  a  time  mayor  of  the  city  of  New  York  ; 
and  when  in  advanced  life  he  could  be  induced  to  speak  of  Indian 
warfare,  the  old  man  would  say,  "  there  is  nothing  like  encouraging 
your  men  with  a  hurrah  ;  I  was  always  good  at  a  hurrah  :"  and 
he  was  a  soldier  that  not  only  cheered  his  men,  but  led  them. 
About  a  month  after  this,  a  party  of  Brhish,  Indians,  and  tories, 
penetrated  from  Canada,  and  encamped  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Johnson  Hall.  It  was  about  a  mile  from  the  village  of  Johns- 
town, to  the  north.  Colonel  Willet  marched  from  his  garrison 
with  three  hundred  men,  on  the  22d  of  August,  determined  to 
attack  the  invaders,  although  they  amounted  to  at  least  six  hundred, 
under  the  command  of  Major  Ross,  and  the  savage,  Walter  Butler. 
Ross  advanced  from  his  encampment  with  all  his  force,  and  met 
Willet  with  only  two  hundred  men,  he  having  detached  Colonel 
Harper  to  make  a  circuit  through  the  woods,  and  fall  on  the  enemy's 
rear.  At  the  first  fire  from  this  superiour  force,  Willet's  men 
gave  way,  and  fled  to  the  hall,  where  he  endeavoured  to  rally 
them,  but  in  vain.  They  retreated  to  the  village,  and  here  he  was 
joined  by  a  body  of  two  hundred  militia.  In  the  mean  time, 
Harper  had  gained  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  and  commenced  an  at- 
tack. Willet  now  advanced,  and  routed  the  barbarians,  who  were 
pursued  through  the  wilderness  for  miles.  The  murderer  of 
Cherry  Valley,  Walter  Butler,  was  killed  by  an  Oneida  Indian  during 
the  pursuit.  A  party  of  this  tribe  (which  had  been  uniformly  on 
the  American  side)  had  joined  in  pursuing  the  routed  enemy  ;  and 
Butler,  on  horseback,  reached  the  West  Canada  Creek,  and  swam 
his  horse  over.  One  of  the  Oneidas  was  on  the  bank  opposite  to 
Butler,  when  he  turned  and  defied  his  pursuers.  The  Indian  dis- 
charged his  rifle,  and  the  murderer  fell.  "  Throwing  down  his  rifle 
and  blanket,"    says  Mr.  Campbell,  "  the  Indian  plunged  into  die 


FATE  OF    HUDDY.  207 

creek  and  swam  across ;  he  raised  his  tomahawk,  and  with  a  yell, 
sprang,  hke  a  tiger,  upon  his  fallen  foe  ;  Butler  supplicated  for 
mercy  ;  the  Oneida  with  uplifted  weapon  shouted  in  broken  Eng- 
lish, '  Sherry  Valley  !  Sherry  Valley  !'  and  then  buried  his  toma- 
hawk in  the  brain  of  his  victim.     The  place  is  called  Butler's  ford 

to  this  day." 
1782         During  the  year  1782,  and  for  some  time  after,'  Wash- 
ington was  obliged   to  appear  with  great  severity,  to   do 
justice  to  the  fate  of  Captain  Huddy. 

The  province  of  Connecticut  possessed  great  advantages,  in 
having  a  governour  of  her  own  choice,  and  other  officers,  instead 
of  being  like  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  ruled  over  by  men 
appointed  by  England.  The  evils  Connecticut  experienced  dur- 
ing the  war,  were  from  open  hostility  and  invasion  ;  her  towns 
were  burnt  in  common  with  those  of  other  states,  and  her  brave 
sons  fell  in  battle  as  elsewhere  ;  but  they  were  united.  Their 
governour  and  magistrates  directed  their  actions  as  they  had  done 
before  the  contest  commenced:  which  the  magistrates  placed  over 
New  Jersey  and  New  York  by  England,  raised  the  torch  of  discord 
among  the  inhabitants  of  those  states,  and  with  the  cry  of  "loyalty" 
and  "government"  in  their  mouths,  encouraged  all  those  atrocities 
which  make  the  sanguinary  struggles  of  civil  war  so  peculiarly 
disgusting.  Tryon,  of  New  York,  and  Franklin,  of  New  Jersey, 
by  encouraging  England  with  false  representations,  to  commence 
and  continue  the  war,  stirring  up  the  tories,  and  arming  neighbour 
against  neighbour,  were  the  causes  of  scenes  at  which  humanity 
revolts.  Besides  the  corps  raised  by  Delancey  and  Skinner,  there 
were  bands  called  "  Associated  Loyahsts,"  who  were  under  the  di- 
rection of  a  "  Board,"  of  which  William  Franklin  v/as  the  presi- 
dent. These  banded  tories  were  even  more  lawless  and  ferocious 
in  their  predatory  warfare  than  the  "  new  corps,"  and  were  held  in 
greater  detestation  by  their  former  neighbours.  They  had  fled 
from  their  homes,  seduced  by  the  king's  troops,  and  found  them- 
selves deprived  of  property,  disappointed  in  their  hopes,  consid- 
ered as  traitors  by  their  early  associates,  and  as  inferiours  by  their 
English  friends.  They  had  received  and  inflicted  personal  inju- 
ries ;  and  the  bitterness  of  warfare  was  increased  by  every  selfish 
and  malignant  passion. 

Huddy  early  in  the  war  took  up  arms  for  his  country.  In  the 
course  of  the  contest  he  had  assisted  in  apprehending  traitors  who 
resided  among  the  people,  and  acted  as  emissaries  of  the  enemy  ; 
and  he  avowed  that  in  one  instance  he  had  assisted  at  the  execution 
of  a  man  legally  condemned  for  treason.  In  the  spring  of  1782, 
Captain  Huddy  was  stationed  for  the  defence  of  a  place  called 
Tom's  river,  and  had  command  of  a  few  men,  and  an  unfinished 
rude  blockhouse.     He  was  attacked  by  a  very  superiour  party  of 


208  FATE  OF    HUDDY. 

refugees,  or  loyalists,  sent  from  New  York  to  destroy  this  post, 
which  was  in  the  way  of  their  j^lnndering  expeditions.  Huddy 
and  his  small  garrison  defended  themselves  bravely,  but  in  vain  ; 
they  were  overpowered,  part  killed,  and  the  remainder,  with  the 
captain,  taken  to  New  York.  This  was  in  the  month  of  April. 
After  one  night's  confinement  in  the  "  main  guard,"  (that  is  the 
dungeon  or  prison  of  the  City  hall  in  Wall  street,)  the  prisoners 
were  crowded  into  the  Sugar  house.  But  it  appears  that  in  this 
place  they  were  not  so  completely  under  the  control  of  Franklin, 
and  the  "  Board  of  Associated  Loyalists,"  and  were  therefore 
removed  to  the  Provost.  Here  they  were  in  the  power  of  the 
brutal  Cunningham. 

During  his  confinement  a  party  of  refugees  had  been  made  pris- 
oners, and  one  of  them  (Philip  \Vhite)  attempting  to  escape  from 
the  horsemen  who  guarded  them,  was  killed.  This  was  represent- 
ed in  New  York  by  the  enemy  as  an  intended  and  barbarous  mur- 
der, and  seems  to  have  given  rise  to  the  determination  of  Gover- 
nour  Franklin  and  his  associates.  A  captain  of  refugees,  named 
Lippincot,  was  found  ready,  to  execute  the  designs  of  the  board  of 
loyalists,  even  without  a  written  order  from  Franklin  ;  it  appearing 
that  the  prisoners  had  been  before  given  up  by  Captain  Cunning- 
ham to  the  ex-govenour's  agents,  on  an  order  from  the  secretary 
of  the  board,  with  very  Ihtle  ceremony,  and  no  reluctance. 

While  Huddy  rested  as  content  as  his  fellow  prisoners,  in  the 
Provost,  he  was  demanded  by  Lippincot,  delivered  up  with  two 
others  by  Cunningham,  put  on  board  a  vessel,  irons  screwed  to  his 
hands  and  feet,  and  on  asking  the  reason  of  this  treatment,  he  was 
told  that  they  were  taking  him  down  to  the  Hook  to  be  hanged. 
He  was  received  on  board  a  British  armed  vessel,  until  Lippincot 
had  made  his  arrangements.  A  British  commander  in  his  ma- 
jesty's navy  furnished  the  rope.  This  prisoner  of  war  was  taken 
on  shore,  a  gallows  was  prepared,  under  which  he  was  placed  on 
a  barrel,  and  a  negro  performed  the  part  of  executioner,  under  di- 
rection of  Lippincot.  The  barrel  was  knocked  away,  and  the  body 
of  Huddy,  who  died,  as  they  said,  "  like  a  lion,"  left  for  the  con- 
templation of  his  neighbours,  with  a  paper  affixed  to  it,  w^iich  had 
been  prepared  before  Lippincot  received  his  orders  from  the  board 
of  associated  loyalists.     "  Up  goes  Huddy  for  Philip  White." 

This  atrocious  murder  caused  a  demand  from  General  Wash- 
ington that  the  perpetrator  should  be  given  up  ;  and  a  notification 
that  if  this  justice  should  be  refused,  a  prisoner  of  equal  rank  with 
Huddy  must  be  sacrificed,  to  prevent  a  recurrence  of  such  dis- 
graceful acts.  In  consequence  of  this  demand,  Lippincot  was 
confined  under  the  care  of  his  friend  Cunningham,  tried  for  the 
murder,  and  acquitted.  It  appears  that  he  was  considered  to  be 
authorized  by  the  orders  of  Franklin  and  the  board  of  loyalists. 


FATE  OF  HUDDY.  209 

A  bold  party,  headed  by  Captain  Hyler  of  Brunswick,  deter- 
mined to  seize  Lippincot,  even  in  the  heart  of  the  garrison  of 
New  York.  They  ascertained  the  place  of  his  residence,  which 
was  in  Broad  street,  and  disguised  as  English  men-of-war's-men, 
they  embarked  near  the  Hook,  landed  boldly  in  New  York,  and 
proceeded  to  the  house  of  their  intended  victim  ;  but  they  were 
disappointed.  The  refugee  captain  w^as  absent,  gambling  at  a 
cock-pit.  The  party,  of  course,  could  not  attack  him  there,  nor 
remain  long  in  their  perilous  situation  ;  but  returned  safe  and  un- 
discovered. 

The  demand  of  General  Washington  not  being  complied  with, 
all  the  captains  of  the  British  army  who  were  prisoners  of  war 
were  brought  together,  and  required  to  draw  lots  to  determine 
which  of  them  should  die.  The  lot  fell  on  a  youth  of  nineteen, 
a  favourite  among  them  all,  and  every  eye,  British  or  iVmerican, 
was  filled  wdth  tears,  as  the  young  victim  recognized  his  doom. 
His  name  was  Asml.     Great  intercession  was   made   to  save  this 

o 

young  man  ;  and  as,  happily,  the  termination  of  the  war  was  known 
to  be  near,  he  was  spared. 

There  is  a  mysterious  atrocity  brought  to  light  by  the  trial  of 
Lippincot,  which,  if  it  had  not  been  published  by  the  honourable 
men  who  composed  the  court,  all  English  officers,  or  x\mericans 
in  the  service  of  England,  I  could  not  have  believed.  It  appears 
that  William  Franklin,  as  chief,  or  president  of  the  board  of  asso- 
ciated loyalists,  had  authority  from  some  quarter  (or  he  knew  that 
he  would  be  upheld  by  some  supreme  power  in  so  doing)  to  lake 
from  the  provost-marshal  any  prisoner  he  chose,  and  commit  him 
to  men  who  were  ready  to  obey  the  ex-governour  of  New  Jersey, 
in  any  act  of  murder.  The  testimony  of  Cunningham,  and  others, 
received  and  believed  by  the  court,  proves  this.  And  although 
there  is  no  proof  adduced  on  this  trial  (and  probably  it  would  be 
avoided)  that  others  were  murdered  as  Huddy  had  been,  but  with 
less  publicity,  it  is  difficult  not  to  infer  that  such  had  been  the  case. 
That  Franklin  and  the  board  of  refugees  had  this  power,  is  proved  ; 
that  it  was  exercised  on  Huddy  is  undeniable  ;  and  that  neither 
Franklin,  nor  any  other  of  his  confederates,  was  called  to  account 
for  it. 

The  mysterious  movements  of  the  British  on  Lake  Champlain, 
and  of  Ethan  and  Ira  Allen  with  others  in  respect  to  Canada,  kept 
the  state  of  New  Y^ork  in  constant  agitation,  until  the  New  Hamp- 
shire grants  became  by  interference  of  Congress,  and  reluctant 
consent  of  New  Y^ork,  the  state  of  Y'ermont.  Ethan  Allen  is  so 
mingled  with  all  these  transactions,  that  I  must  give  an  account  of 
him  from  the  time  he  was  a  prisoner  to  the  enemy. 

We  left  Mr.  Allen  on  board  of  a  British  vessel,  and  in  irons,  by 
VOL.  II.  27 


210  ETHAN  ALLEN. 

order  of  General  Prescott  the  commandant  of  Montreal,  after  the 
failure  of  the  rash  attempt  on  that  place  m  September,  1775.* 

It  was  in  vain  that  Allen  remonstrated  against  such  .unworthy 
treatment,  and  contrasted  it  with  the  manner  in  which  he  had  be- 
haved to  the  officers  made  prisoners  by  him  at  Ticonderoga.  Pres- 
cott saw  in  those  officers,  the  servants  of  his  most  gracious  majesty, 
grossly  injured,  by  being  deprived  of  their  garrison  and  liberty : 
in  Allen,  he  only  beheld  a  daring  rebel  and  traitor — a  pitiful  pro- 
vincial American.  The  British  general  did  not  deign  to  answer 
the  call  of  the  rebel  for  humanity,  and  Allen  remained  in  irons, 
handcuffed  and  shackled,  thrust  into  the  hold  of  a  vessel,  with 
a  chest  for  his  bed,  which  was  furnished  by  the  humanity  of  one 
of  the  crew,  but  even  on  that,  his  massive  chains,  and  the  bar  of 
iron  to  which  they  were  attached,  would  not  permit  him  to  rest  in 
a  posture  which  nature  requires. 

For  five  weeks,  Allen  and  his  companions  in  captivity,  re- 
mained thus,  all  treated  as  condemned  criminals.  The  ap- 
proach of  Montgomery,  caused  the  removal  of  Allen  with  his 
floating  dungeon  to  Quebec  ;  and  being  transferred  to  another  ves- 
sel, he  found  in  the  captahi,  a  gentleman.  Captain  Littlejohn  or- 
dered the  Irons  to  be  struck  off,  and  admitted  him  to  his  table. 

This  respite  was  short.  Arnold  appeared  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Quebec,  and  Montgomery  having  captured  Montreal,  was 
descending  the  St.  Lawrence.  Allen  was  transferred  to  a  despatch 
vessel  destined  for  England,  and  placed  under  the  guardianship  of 
Brook  Watson. 

This  wretch  (his  subsequent  riches  and  the  honours  showered 
upon  hm  by  those  he  served,  do  not  render  the  term  inapplicable,)  was 
a  New  England  adventurer,  who,  under  the  mask  of  patriotism,  in- 
gratiated himself  with  the  leaders  in  opposition  to  the  designs  of 
Great  Britain,  and  having  obtained  such  knowledge  as  he  thought 
would  entitle  him  to  payment  for  the  communication,  fled  to  Mon- 
treal with  his  intelligence,  and  openly  declared  himself  an  enemy 
to  his  country.  He  was  rewarded  by  the  ministry,  with  the  post 
of  commissary-general  to  the  British  armies  in  America,  and  I 
well  remember  him  on  his  return  to  America  in  office,  parading  the 
streets  of  New  York  in  scarlet,  at  the  same  time  with  Arnold,  ahd 
in  the  same  blushing  colours.  He  was  subsequently  lord  mayor 
of  London,  and  a  member  of  the  British  parliament,  where  he 
made  himself  memorable  by  his  argument  in  favour  of  the  slave 
trade,  giving  as  a  reason  for  its  being  continued  and  cherished  by 
Great  Britain,  that  the  abolition  would  injure  the  market  for  the  re- 
fuse fish  of  the  English  fisheries,  they  being  purchased  as  food  for 
the  English  slaves,  in  their  West  Indies. 

*  Ante,  p.  13 — I  refer  the  reader  to  Spark's  Life  of  Allen,  (Am.  Biog.  Vol.  1,) 
passim. 


ETHAN  ALLEN.  211 

To  this  enemy  of  God  and  man,  was  Allen  consigned,  and  he 
found  from  him  such  treatment  as  might  be  expected.  His  hand- 
cuffs were  replaced,  and  with  thirty-three  Americans,  manacled 
in  the  same  manner,  he  was  confined  in  one  loathsome  pe??,  for 
forty  days,  during  the  passage  of  the  v^essel.  On  entering  the  har- 
bour of  Falmouth,  these  thirty-four  Americans  were  permitted  to 
see  the  light  of  day,  and  breathe  the  air  of  heaven,  by  being  for  the 
first  time,  brought  upon  deck. 

The  dress  in  which  Allen  was  taken  prisoner,  and  which  had 
undergone  no  change  except  from  hard  usage,  and  long  confine- 
ment, is  thus  described.  "  While  in  Canada,  he  had  clothed  him- 
self, in  a  short  fawn  skin,  double  breasted  jacket,  a  vest  and 
breeches  of  sagathey,  worsted  stockings,  shoes,  a  plain  shirt,  and 
a  red  worsted  cap."  Thus  arrayed,  he  was  marched  from  Fal- 
mouth, whh  his  companions,  to  Pendennis  Castle,  affording  a 
spectacle  to  the  crowds  that  followed,  and  who  doubtless  received 
and  propagated  the  description  of  an  American,  from  that  ex- 
hibition. 

In  their  new  prison,  they  found  themselves  comparatively 
comfortable.  They  were  still  in  irons,  but  they  had  airy 
room,  straw,  and  good  food.  The  fame  of  Allen  as  the 
conquerour  of  Ticonderoga,  had  gone  before  him,  and  although 
it  had  operated  upon  General  Prescott  and  Brook  Watson,  as  an 
incentive  to  cruelty,  brave  men  were  wrought  upon  to  admire  the 
daring  achievement,  and  to  honour  the  hardy  leader:  the  com- 
mander of  Pendennis,  sent  him  breakfast  and  dinner  from  his  own 
table,  and  his  suppers  were  supplied  by  another  admirer.  He  was 
allowed  to  walk  on  the  parade  ground  within  the  walls,  and  many 
visited  him  to  enjoy  the  contrast  between  his  savage  dress,  and  his 
bold,  fluent,  and  energetick  language,  conveying  to  them  informa- 
tion of  a  country  to  which  they  were  strangers,  except  as  the  atro- 
city of  rebellion  against  England  had  made  them  known.  Allen 
was  not  at  his  ease  respecting  the  fate  Prescott  had  promised,  and 
made  use  of  a  stratagem  to  convey  to  the  British  government,  a 
hint  that  retaliation  might  be  the  consequence  of  ])uttino;  him  to 
death  as  a  rebel.  He  asked  permission  to  wTite  to  the  continental 
congress  :  which  being  granted,  he  handed  to  the  guard  a  letter, 
in  which,  he  advised  congress  of  the  treatment  he  had  received, 
but  requested  that  no  retaliation  should  be  inflicted  on  British  pri- 
soners in  their  power,  until  his  final  destiny  should  be  known  ;  but 
then  to  retaliate  according  to  the  importance  of  the  American 
cause. 

This  letter,  as  he  designed,  was  sent  to  Lord  North  ;  and  what- 
ever effect  it  may  have  had,  it  was  soon  apparent  that  chains  and 
death  could  not  be  resorted  to  as  punishments  for  the  prisoners 
taken  in  arms  resisting  the  forces  of  England  in  America.  It  was 
determined  to  treat  Allen  and  his  companions  as  prisoners  of  war, 


212  ETHAN  ALLEN. 

and  their  irons  being  removed,  they  were  sent  on  board  the  Soleby 
frigate,  to  be  sent  back  to  the  reb^lHous  colonies.  The  captain  of 
this  ship,  ordered  Allen  below,  telling  him  the  deck  was  the  "place 
for  gentlemen  to  walk."  In  the  cable  tier  he  was  confined,  part 
of  the  time  sick,  but  by  boldly  appearing  on  deck,  and  claiming  the 
privilege  of  a  gendeman  from  his  rank,  and  the  captain's  declara- 
tion, he  was  allowed  to  breathe  the  air  again.  In  the  Soleby,  he 
was  carried  to  Cork,  and  as  soon  as  it  was  known  that  he  was  in 
the  harbour,  he,  and  his  companions  in  captivity,  experienced  the 
generous  sympathy  of  the  gentlemen  of  Ireland.  Clothes  for  the 
privates  were  sent,  and  an  ample  wardrobe  for  Allen,  suited  to  his 
rank  as  a  colonel,  not  forgetting  two  beaver  hats,  fiercely  cocked 
and  bound  with  gold  lace.  Not  content  with  clothing  the  ragged, 
they  supplied  abundant  food  for  the  hungry,  and  sea  stores  were 
furnished  for  all  the  rebels,  with  a  feeling  which  indicated  not  only 
generosity  and  humanity,  but  a  sympathetick  attachment  to  the 
cause  in  which  the  Americans  suffered. 

Fifty  guineas  were  offered  to  iVUen  ;  of  which  he  accepted  seven, 
as  a  resource  in  any  pressing  emergency. 

Such  was  the  behaviour  of  the  Irish  gentlemen  of  Cork — but 
the  English  gentlemen  of  the  navy,  appeared  only  to  feel  chagrin 
at  the  occurrence.  The  captain  of  the  Soleby,  swore  that  the 
American  rebels,  should  not  be  feasted  "by  the  rebels  of  Ireland," 
and  ordered  the  delicacies  designed  for  Allen  and  his  companions, 
to  be  given  to  his  majesty's  servants.  The  clothing  they  were  ge- 
nerously permitted  to  keep.  The  Soleby  sailed  for  America  with 
a  fleet,  and  the  rebel  prisoners  were  divided  among  the  ships.  On 
arriving  at  Cape  Fear  River,  in  North  Carolina,  Allen  was  trans- 
ferred to  a  frigate,  called  the  Mercury,  and  his  fellow  captives  col- 
lected, and  placed  again  in  his  company.  The  captain  of  this  fri- 
gate, is  described,  as  "  tyrannical,  narrow  minded,  and  destitute  of 
the  feelings  of  humanity." 

One  of  the  Americans  died  on  the  passage  from  Ireland,  and 
another  escaped  after  arrival  on  the  coast,  by  swimming.  Some  of 
them  were  sick,  but  medical  attendance  was  denied  them,  they  were 
shut  down  in  the  cable  tier,  and  if  they  complained,  were  told,  that 
they  would  be  relieved  on  their  arrival  at  Halifax,  by  the  gallows. 

The  Mercury  sailed  from  Cape  Fear  River  on  the  20th  of  May, 
and  touched  at  the  Hook  off  New  York  the  first  week  in  June. 
At  this  time  General  Washington  with  the  American  army  had 
possession  of  New  York,  and  the  British  shipping  lay  in  the  outer 
harbour  near  the  Hook.  The  Mercury  remained  here  three  days, 
during  which  time  Giovernour  Tryon,  and  Mr.  Kemp,  the  attorney- 
general  of  New  York  under  the  old  government,  came  on  board. 
Tryon  eyed  Allen,  as  they  were  walking  on  different  parts  of  the 
deck,  but  did  not  speak  to  him.     It  is  natural  to  presume,  that  the 


ETHAN  ALLEN.  213 

late  governour  saw  with  a  secret  satisfaction  the  man  in  safe  custo- 
dy, who  had  caused  him  so  much  unavaihng  trouble  in  writing 
proclamations.  Kemp  was  the  same  attorney,  whom  Allen  had 
met  at  Albany,  when  he  attended  the  court  there  as  agent  for  the 
patentees  of  the  ^ew  Hampshire  Grants.  No  man  had  been  more 
active  in  pressing  the  New  York  claims,  or  in  stirring  up  persecu- 
tions against  the  Green  Mountain  Boys;  and  of  course  no  one  had 
acquired  among  them  a  more  odious  notoriety.  This  accidental 
meeting  with  Ethan  Allen  must  have  called  up  peculiar  associa- 
tions in  the  minds  of  both  the  governour  and  the  attorney-general. 

The  Mercury  arrived  in  Halifax  after  a  short  passage  from  New 
York.  The  prisoners  were  put  into  a  sloop,  then  lying  in  the  har- 
bour, and  a  guard  watched  them  day  and  night.  In  this  confine- 
ment they  were  served  with  so  scanty  an  allowance  of  provisions, 
that  they  suffered  cruelly  from  the  distress  of  hunger,  which,  added 
to  the  attacks  of  the  scurvy,  made  their  condition  more  deplorable 
than  it  had  been  at  any  former  time-  They  were  still  under  the 
direction  of  the  captain  of  the  Mercury,  to  whom  they  wrote  letter 
after  letter,  imploring  medical  aid  and  other  assistance  ;  but  in  vain. 
The  captain  was  deaf  to  their  calls,  took  no  notice  of  their  com- 
plaints, and,  to  get  rid  of  their  importunities,  ordered  the  guards 
to  bring  him  no  more  letters.  Their  case  seemed  now  reduced  to 
the  verge  of  despair.  Allen  resolved,  however,  to  make  one  more 
effort.  He  wrought  so  far  upon  the  compassion  of  one  of  the 
guards,  as  to  persuade  him  to  take  a  letter  directed  to  Governour 
Arbuthnot,  which  was  faithfully  communicated.  Touched  with  the 
claims  of  humanity,  the  governour  immediately  sent  a  surgeon  to 
the  prisoners,  with  instructions  to  administer  such  relief  to  the  sick 
as  was  necessary,  and  also  an  officer,  to  ascertain  and  report  the 
grounds  of  their  complaint.  This  officer  discharged  his  duty  well, 
and  the  result  was,  that  the  next  day  they  were  removed  from  their 
dismal  quarters  on  board  the  prison-sloop,  to  the  jail  in  Halifax. 

Allen  met  Mr.  James  Lovell  of  Boston  (afterward  a  member 
of  congress,  and  one  of  Gates's  faction,)  in  the  jail  of  Halifax.  He 
had  been  confined  in  the  jail  of  Boston  by  Gage,  and  carried  thence 
to  the  jail  of  Halifax,  where  he  was  locked  up  with  prisoners  of  the 
lowest  description. 

There  were  now  together  four  American  officers,  besides  Mr. 
Lovell,  who,  by  the  custom  of  war  and  the  practice  then  existing 
in  regard  to  British  prisoners  taken  by  the  Americans,  had  a  right 
to  their  parole  ;  but  this  was  never  granted.  They  were  kept  in 
close  confinement  till  orders  came  from  General  Howe  to  send  them 
to  New  York.  Partial  negociations  had  commenced  between  Ge- 
neral Washington  and  General  Howe  for  the  exchange  of  priso- 
ners, and  certain  principles  had  been  laid  down,  by  the  mutual 
agreement  of  the  parties,  as  a  basis  upon  which  to  proceed.    More- 


214  ETHAN  ALLEN. 

over  congress  bad  instructed  General  Washington  to  make  a  spe- 
cial application  in  favour  of  Mr.  Lovell  and  Colonel  Allen, 'pro- 
posing to  exchange  Governour  Skene  for  the  former,  and  an  officer 
of  equal  rank  for  the  latter.  The  legislature  of  Connecticut  had 
also  interfered  in  behalf  of  Allen,  and  eighteen  of  the  prisoners 
taken  with  him,  who  were  natives  of  that  state,  and  solicited  con- 
gress and  the  commander-in-chief  to  use  all  practicable  means  for 
effecting  their  release.  The  same  had  been  done  by  the  Massachu- 
setts legislature  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Lovell. 

The  Lark  frigate,  on  board  of  which  were  Mr.  Lovell,  Colonel 
Allen,  and  their  companions,  sailed  from  Halifax  about  the  middle 
of  October.  Luckily  they  found  themselves  at  last  under  an  officer, 
Captain  Smith,  who  treated  them  with  the  politeness  of  a  gentle- 
man, and  with  the  feelings  of  a  man  capable  of  sympathizing  in  the 
distresses  of  the  unfortunate.  The  first  interview  is  thus  described 
by  Colonel  Allen.  "  When  I  came  on  deck,  he  met  me  with  his 
hand,  welcomed  me  to  his  ship,  invited  me  to  dine  with  him  that 
day,  and  assured  me  that  I  should  be  treated  as  a  gendeman,  and 
that  he  had  given  orders  that  I  should  be  treated  with  respect  by 
the  ship's  crew.  This  was  so  unexpected  and  sudden  a  transition, 
that  it  drew  tears  from  my  eyes,  which  all  the  ill  usages  I  had  be- 
fore met  with  were  not  able  to  produce;  nor  could  I  at  first  hardly 
speak,  but  soon  recovered  myself,  and  expressed  my  gratitude  for 
so  unexpected  a  favour,  and  let  him  know,  that  I  felt  anxiety  of 
mind  in  reflecting,  that  his  situation  and  mine  was  such,  that  it  was 
not  probable  it  would  be  ever  in  my  power  to  return  the  favour. 
Captain  Smith  replied,  that  he  had  no  reward  in  view,  but  only 
treated  me  as  a  gentleman  ought  to  be  treated.  He  said,  this  is  a 
mutable  world,  and  one  gentleman  never  knows  but  it  may  be  in  his 
power  to  help  another." 

An  opportunity  soon  occurred  of  verifying  this  last  remark. 
They  had  not  been  at  sea  many  days,  when  it  was  discovered  that 
a  conspiracy  was  on  foot  to  destroy  the  captain  and  the  principal 
officers,  and  seize  the  ship.  An  American  captain,  who  had  com- 
manded an  armed  vessel,  and  been  recently  taken  prisoner,  was  the 
chief  conspirator.  He  revealed  his  designs  to  Colonel  Allen  and 
Mr.  Lovell,  requesting  their  co-operation  in  bringing  over  the  other 
prisoners,  about  thirty  in  number,  and  telling  them  that  several  of 
the  crew  w^ere  ready  to  join  in  the  plot.  It  was  known  that  there 
were  thirty-five  thousand  pounds  in  money  on  board,  and  the  plan 
of  the  conspirators  was  to  take  the  ship  into  an  American  port, 
where  they  expected  to  divide  the  booty  according  to  the  usual 
rules  of  captures.  Without  waiting  to  discuss  the  laws  of  war,  or 
to  reason  about  the  infamy  and  criminality  of  such  an  act  wuth  men, 
who  were  prepared  to  execute  it,  Colonel  Allen  declared  with  his 
usual  decision  and  vehemence,  that  he  would  not  listen  a  moment 


ETHAN  ALLEN.  215 

to  such  a  scheme :  that,  in  its  mildest  character,  it  was  a  base  and 
wicked  return  for  the  kind  treatment  they  had  received,  and  that  he 
would  at  every  personal  hazard  defend  Captain  Smith's  life.  This 
rebuff  was  unexpected  by  the  conspirators,  and  it  threw  them  into 
a  distressing  dilemma,  since  the  fear  of  detection  was  now  as  ap- 
palling to  them,  as  the  danger  of  their  original  enterprize.  They 
then  requested  him  to  remain  neutral,  and  let  them  proceed  in  their 
own  way,  but  this  he  peremptorily  refused  ;  and  he  finally  suc- 
ceeded in  quelling  the  conspiracy,  by  adhering  to  his  resolution, 
and  promising,  that,  as  he  had  been  consulted  in  confidence,  he 
would  not  divulge  the  matter,  if  the  leaders  would  pledge  them- 
selves instandy  to  abandon  the  design.  In  the  present  state  of 
things  they  were  glad  to  accept  such  terms.  At  the  conclusion  of 
this  affair.  Colonel  Allen  was  forcibly  reminded  of  the  words  of 
Captain  Smith. 

Before  the  end  of  October,  the  Lark  frigate  anchored  in  the  har- 
bour of  New  York,  and  the  prisoners  were  removed  to  the  Glasgow 
transport.  Mr.  Lovell  was  exchanged  in  a  few  days  for  Governour 
Skene  ;  and  colonel  Allen,  after  remaining  four  or  five  weeks  in  the 
transport,  where  he  met  with  very  civil  usage,  was  landed  in  New 
York  and  admitted  to  his  parole.  Here  he  had  an  opportunity  of 
witnessing  die  wretched  condition  and  extreme  sufferings  of  the 
American  prisoners,  who  had  been  taken  in  the  battle  on  Long 
Island  and  at  Fort  Washington,  and  who  were  left  to  perish  of 
hunger,  cold,  and  -sickness,  in  the  churches  of  New  York.  He 
speaks  of  these  scenes  as  the  most  painful  and  revolting,  that  could 
be  conceived.  Indeed  numerous  concurring  testimonies  have  es- 
tablished it  as  a  fact,  of  which  not  a  shadow  of  doubt  can  now  be 
entertained,  that  human  misery  lias  seldom  been  seen  in  such  heart- 
rending forms,  or  under  circumstances  so  aggravating.  The  mo- 
tives of  the  enemy  for  practising,  or  permitting  cruelties  so  little 
consonant  to  the  dictates  of  humanity,  the  customs  of  civilized  war- 
fare, and  every  principle  of  sound  policy,  are  not  a  fit  theme  of 
inquiry  in  this  narrative.  The  fact  itself  is  an  indelible  stain,  deep 
and  dark,  in  the  character  of  Sir  William  Howe,  which  no  array  of 
private  virtues,  of  military  talents,  or  public  acts,  will  hide  or  ob- 
scure. The  picture  drawn  by  Allen,  coloured  as  it  may  be  by  the 
ardour  of  his  feelings,  is  vivid  and  impressive,  and  its  accuracy  is 
confirmed  by  the  declarations  of  several  other  persons,  who  also 
related  what  they  saw. 

While  he  was  on  his  parole  in  New  York,  a  British  officer  of 
rank  and  importance  sent  for  him  to  his  lodgings  and  told  him  that 
his  fidelity,  though  in  a  wrong  cause,  had  made  an  impression  upor> 
General  Howe,  who  was  disposed  to  show  him  a  favour,  and  to 
advance  him  to  the  command  of  a  regiment  of  royalists,  if  he  would 
join  the  service,  holding  out  to  him  at  the  same  time  brilliant  pros- 


216  ETHAN  ALLEN. 

pects  of  promotion  and  money  d luring  the  war,  and  large  tracts  of 
land  at  its  close.  Allen  replied,  "  that  if  by  faithfulness  he  had 
recommended  himself  to  General  Howe,  he  should  be*  loth  by  un- 
faithfulness to  lose  the  General's  good  opinion  ;"  and  as  to  the  lands, 
he  was  by  no  means  satisfied,  that  the  king  would  possess  a  suffi- 
cient quantity  in  the  United  States  at  the  end  of  the  war  to  redeem 
any  pledges  on  that  score.  The  officer  sent  him  away  as  an  incor- 
ri«:ible  and  hopeless  subject. 

In  the  month  of  January,  1777,  he  was  directed  with  other  pris- 
oners to  take  up  his  abode  on  the  western  side  of  Long  Island, 
being  still  on  parole,  and  allowed  the  usual  freedom  under  such  cir- 
cumstances within  certain  prescribed  limits.  Here  he  remained  in 
a  condition  of  comparative  comfort  till  August,  when  he  was  sud- 
denly apprehended,  environed  with  guards,  conducted  to  the  pro- 
vost-jail in  New  York,  and  put  into  solitary  confinement.  This 
act  was  on  the  pretence  of  iiis  having  infringed  his  parole,  which 
he  affirmed  was  untrue,  and  the  whole  proceeding  unjust  and  ma- 
licious. But  the  cause  was  now  of  little  moment,  since  he  was 
chiefly  concerned  with  the  effect.  For  the  space  of  three  days  he 
was  immured  in  his  cell  without  a  morsel  of  food.  The  sergeant, 
who  stood  at  the  door,  refused  to  be  moved  by  offers  of  money  or 
appeals  to  his  compassion,  and  repelled  every  advance  with  a  sol- 
dier's oath  and  the  brief  reply,  that  he  would  obey  his  orders.  The 
pains  of  hunger  became  extreme,  but  they  were  at  last  assuaged; 
and  in  a  few  days  he  was  transferred  to  another  apartment  of  the 
jail,  where  he  found  himself  in  company  with  more  than  twenty 
American  officers. 

On  the  3d  of  May,  1778,  Colonel  Allen  was  released  from  pri- 
son, conducted  to  Staten  Island,  and  exchanged  for  Colonel  Camp- 
bell;  he  then  passed  to  Elizabethtown,  and  found  himself  once 
more  free,  and  among  his  countrymen.  After  a  visit  to  General 
Washington,  at  Valley  Forge,  he  returned  to  Vermont.  Congress 
granted  him  a  heutenant-colonel's  commission  in  the  continen- 
tal army,  and  pay  during  his  captivity. 

The  course  of  Colonel  Allen  now  becomes  identified  with  the 
history  of  Vermont. 

Certain  transactions  of  this  year,  make  it  necessary  to  give  a 
hrief  view  of  the  state  in  which  the  inhabitants  of  what  had  been 
styled  the  New  Hampshire  Grants,  had  continued  up  to  this  time. 

In  the  year  1778,  certain  towns  on  the  east  side  of  Connecticut" 
river,  in  the  state  of  New  Hampshire,  preferring  the  jurisdiction  of 
Vermont,  called  a  convention,  and  considering  that  the  authority 
of  Great  Britain,  which  had  annexed  them  to  New  Hampshire,  no 
longer  existed,  resolved,  that  they  were  free  to  choose,  and  accor- 
dingly petitioned  Vermont  to  receive  them.  The  assembly  of  Ver- 
mont, not  only  consented  to  receive  the  sixteen  petitioning  towns, 


CONTROVERSY  WITH  VERMONT.  217 

but  resolved  to  take  into  their  body  any  other  towns,  producing  a 
vote  of  the  majority  of  the  inhabitants,  and  sending  a  representative 
to  the  assembly  of  Vermont. 

This  free  and  easy  proceeding,  justly  alarmed  New  Hampshire, 
who  trembled  for  the  consequences  of  the  former  acts  of  her  govern- 
ment and  council :  and  she  claimed  her  sixteen  towns,  of  her  daugh- 
ter Vermont  ;  at  the  same  time  appealing  to  congress,  and  soliciting 
the  interference  of  that  body.  Ethan  Allen  was  sent  to  Philadel- 
phia for  information  respecting  the  wishes  of  the  great  council  of 
the  United  States.  He  reported,  that,  congress  opposed  the  union 
of  the  New  Hampshire  towns,  but  would,  if  Vermont  disannulled 
her  proceedings  in  that  matter,  admit  her  into  the  union.  This 
state  of  things,  produced  violent  dissentions  in  Vermont,  and  va- 
rious projects  for  settling  the  government  of  the  yet  but  half  acknow- 
ledged state.  In  the  midst  of  this  uncertainty,  Massachusetts  put 
in  a  claim  for  a  large  part  of  Vermont,  as  her  boundary  line  had 
never  been  setded  with  New  York,  and  extended  into  the  territory 
which  had  separated  from  that  province.  Governour  Clinton  of 
New  York,  interfered  in  behalf  of  that  state,  in  July,  1778,  and  ad- 
vised such  towns  of  Vermont,  as  were  in  favour  of  continuing  in 
union  with  the  original  state,  to  join  in  association  for  defence 
against  the  new  pretensions.  He  likewise  urged  congress  to  de- 
cide the  controversy  between  New  York  and  the  pretended  state  of 
Vermont,  and  asserted  that  the  grievances  complained  of,  by  that 
people,  arose  from  the  provincial  government  of  New  York,  and 
not  from  the  present  state  government.  In  the  year  1779,  Go- 
vernour Clinton  gave  commissions  to  persons  in  the  county  of  Cum- 
berland, which  had  remained  attached  in  sentiment  to  New  York, 
and  the  people  of  that  county  prepared  to  assert  their  right  of 
choosing  under  whose  jurisdiction  they  would  live ;  but  Vermont 
would  not  permit  this,  and  ordered  Ethan  Allen  to  raise  the  militia, 
and  put  down  these  hostile  appearances.  George  Clinton,  was  not 
a  man  to  be  frightened  from  his  duty,  and  he  directed  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Cumberland,  to  remain  firm  in  their  allegiance  to  New 
York,  promising  that  if  they  were  assailed  by  a  military  force,  the 
militia  of  New  York,  should  support  them.  He  likewise  advised 
congress  of  this  very  disagreeable  state  of  affairs,  which  called  for 
the  interposition  of  the  general  government. 

Congress  appointed  a  committee  to  repair  to  the  before  mentioned 
district  known  by  the  name  of  the  New  Hampshire  Grants,  and  make 
enquiries  and  adjust  differences  ;  but  in  the  mean  time,  Ethan  Allen 
marched  into  Cumberland  county,  and  seized  the  colonel  commis- 
sioned by  New  York.  Dr.  Wetherspoon  and  Mr.  Atle  were  de- 
puted from  Congress  to  settle  the  affair,  but  they  returned  without 
having  effected  the  purpose. 

Four  different  claims  for  this  disputed  territory  were  now  before 
VOL.  II.  58 


S18  BRITISH  ATTEMPTS  TO  SEDUCE  VERMONT. 

congress,  and  in  September,  17^9,  they,  by  a  series  of  resolves, 
recommended  to  New  Hampsiiire,  Massachusetts,  and  New  York, 
lo  pass  laws  autliorizing  congress  to  determine  the  differences  be- 
tween them — saying  that  they  would  ihcii  determine  the  same — and 
that  it  was  the  duty  of  the  people  of  naid  district  who  denied  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  aforesaid  states  not  lo  exercise  any  power  over 
such  others  as  professed  to  owe  allegiance  to  said  three  states. 
Vermont  having  declared  herself  independent,  acted  firndy  accord- 
ing to  the  declaration,  and  paid  no  attention  to  a  recommendation 
involving  an  absurdity.  The  governour  and  council  published  an 
appeal  to  the  world,  and  the  state  proceeded  to  act  as  such. 

The  controversy  was  brought  formally  before  congress  in  17S0, 
but  was  postponed,  leaving  all  parties  concerned  in  a.»state  of  irrita- 
tion. It  must  be  remembered  that  this  disunion  existed  at  a  time 
when  a  foreign  enemy  was  in  the  United  States,  and  when  this 
distracted  territory  was  menaced  with  an  invasion  from  the  adja- 
cent English  province  of  Canada.  The  power  of  Vermont  was 
increased  by  the  adhesion  of  the  sixteen  towns  of  New  Hampshire 
on  the  east  side  of  Connecticut  River,  and  by  the  application  for 
protection  of  a  portion  of  New  York  adjoining  Canada.  The 
leaders,  disappointed  that  Congress  did  not  receive  them  into  the 
Union,  threatened  a  junction  with  Canada.  The  British  ministry 
conceived  hopes  of  advantage  from  the  dissention,  and  the  aims  of 
the  English  commander  in  America  were  announced  In  a  letter  from 
Colonel  Beverley  Robinson  to  Ethan  Allen,  then  a  colonel  in  the 
American  service.  The  letter  was  dated  New  York,  March  30th, 
1780,  and  was  delivered  to  Allen  in  the  street,  at  Arlington,  in 
July,  by  a  British  soldier  in  the  habit  of  an  American  farmer. — 
It  does  not  appear  whether  this  spy  was  detected  or  not  ; 
or  if  detected,  whether  he  was  executed  as  such.  By  this  act, 
Colonel  Robinson  had  subjected  his  agent  to  the  punishment  of 
death,  we  know. 

In  this  letter  Robinson  professed  great  kindness  and  good  inten- 
tion towards  Allen  and  the  people  of  Vermont,  of  whom  he  was 
informed  the  disposition  existed  to  unite  America  again  to  Great 
Britain,  and  to  restore  that  happy  state  of  things  which  had  been 
so  wantonly  destroyed.  He  requests  him  to  communicate  freely 
with  him,  and  through  him  to  the  commander-in-chief — hints  that 
by  embodying  the  people  of  Vermont  in  favour  of  England,  the 
government  of  the  province  will  be  his  reward,  and  the  men  and 
officers  so  embodied,  will  be  on  the  same  footing  as  all  the  provin- 
cial corps  are. 

•  Allen  Immediately  laid  this  letter  before  the  governour  and  other 
leaders.  They  advised  silence.  In  February,  1781,  Robinson 
wrote  another  letter  to  Allen,  and  enclosed  a  copy  of  the  former. 
He  says,  he  is  confirmed  in  his  opinion  that  Allen  and  the  Ver- 


BRITISH  ATTEMPTS  TO  SEDUCE  VERMONT.  219 

monters  wish  to  restore  America  *'toher  former  peaceable  and 
happy  constitution,"  and  assures  l)im  that  the  terms  mentioned  in 
the  first  letter  may  be  obtained,  and  wishes  to  devise  the  mode  of 
action  for  the  Vermont  forces,  whether  by  imiting  with  the  northern 
army,  or  to  meet  and  join  an  army  from  New  York. 

Allen  returned  no  answer  ;  but  on  the  9th  of  March,  17S1,  en- 
closed Robinson's  letters  in  a  letter  to  congress,  in  which  the  right 
of  Vermont  to  independence  was  asserted,  and  his  determination 
to  do  every  thing  in  his  power  to  establish  it. 

The  hopes  of  the  British  w-ere  kept  in  force,  and  the  command- 
ing officer  in  Canada  took  advantage  of  a  negociation  opened  by  the 
governour  of  Vermont  for  exchange  of  prisoneis,  to  pursue  the  plan 
of  dividing  the  Vermonters  from  the  Union.  A  force  w^as  sent  by 
General  Haldimand  up  Lake  Champlain,  and  a  flag  sent  to  Ethan 
Allen,  (then  a  brigadier-general  and  the  commanding  officer  in  Ver- 
mont) with  proposals  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities  during  negocia- 
tions  for  an  exchange  of  prisoners.  This  was  agreed  to,  provided 
the  truce  should  extend  to  the  frontiers  of  New  York.  This  was  a 
proof  of  Allen's  attachment  to  the  American  cause  ;  but  so  strong 
was  the  belief  that  the  Vermonters,  and  particularly  Allen,  were 
inclined  to  secede,  that  this  stipulation  did  not  open  their  eyes :  it 
was  agreed  to,  and  the  wily  Yankees  tricked  the  enemy  into  a  for- 
bearance of  all  hostilities,  which  the  frontiers  were  not  in  condition 
to  guard  against.  Under  pretence  of  a  negociation  for  exchange 
of  prisoners,  commissioners  were  sent  to  meet  the  Briush  agents, 
who  proposed  terms  of  the  most  tempting  nature  to  Vermont,  if  she 
joined  the  royal  cause.  These  commissioners  managed  to  dupe, 
the  English,  left  them  in  the  opinion  that  they  were  in  a  fair  way 
to  effect  their  purpose,  and  the  British  forces  returned  to  their 
winter  quarters,  leaving  the  frontiers  unmolested. 

The  troops  of  the  United  States  had  been  withdrawn  ;  Vermont 
had  neither  magazines,  money,  nor  an  army  sufficient  to  oppose  the 
enemy  in  any  attempt  from  Canada,  and  Governour  Chittenden 
concluded  that  the  people  of  Vermont  were  at  liberty  to  manage 
their  own  affiurs  in  their  own  way,  and  that  the  best  way  was  to 
keep  their  enemy  quiet  by  hopes  of  ultimately  acceding  to  his  pro- 
positions.    Accordingly  they  pursued  this  course. 

When  the  news  of  the  surrender  of  Cornwallis  reached  Vermont, 
the  assembly  was  in  session.  The  enemy  were  in  force  at  Ticon- 
deroga,  and  so  confident  that  their  negociations  were  successful, 
that  they  made  open  declaration  of  their  designs,  and  offered  printed 
proclamations,  inviting  the  people  of  Vermont  to  become  happy,  and 
the  king's  government  and  the  agents  of  England,  proposed  to  the 
leading  men  of  Vermont,  to  disseminate  these  proclamations  among 
the  people.  Whoshallsay,  that  if  Washington  had  not  been  success- 
ful at  Yorktown,  the  state  of  Vermont  would  not  have  been  over- 


I&20  PROCEEDINGS  OF  VERMONT. 

run  by  the  British  army  from  Canada,  either  as  enemies,  and  con- 
querours,  or  friends  and  protectors  ? 

The  cautious  reply  of  the  Vermonters,  was,  "that  the  news  of 
ConwalHs's  surrender,  would  render  such  a  step  extremely  danger- 
ous, and  was  the  sure  way  to  prevent  all  prospect  of  success."  The 
British  officers  still  entertaining  hopes  of  producing  the  defection 
of  the  defenceless  and  dissatisfied  state,  retired  with  their  troops  to 
Canada. 

During  the  next  year,  repeated  attempts  were  made  by  the  Eng- 
lish in  Canada,  to  conclude  this  business  with  Vern)ont.  Haldi- 
mand  let  the  governour  know,  that  he  had  full  powers  from  the  king, 
to  establish  Vermont  as  a  royal  government.  Allen  was  to  be  a 
brigadier-general,  and  others  rewarded  in  proportion.  The  Ver- 
monters, continued  to  secure  their  country's  safety,  by  appearing 
to  listen  favourably  to  their  propositions,  until  the  peace  of  1783 
rendered  further  dissimulation  unnecessary  ;  but  the  hopes  of  Eng- 
land to  divide  the  state  of  Vermont  from  the  union,  were  not  finally 
dissipated  until  the  admission  of  Vermont  into  the  Federal  union 
under  the  constitution  which  has  been  our  sheet  anchor,  unto  this 
time. 

Dr.  Williams,*  tells  us,  that  only  eight  persons  in  Vermont  were 
in  the  secret  of  this  correspondence  with  the  British  agents.  1  am 
far  from  justifying  their  conduct,  although  the  apparent  effect  of 
it  was  salutary. 

Before  this  happy  termination  of  difficulties,  events  had  taken 
place  which  I  must  transcribe  at  length  from  Williams's  history  : 

In  August,  1781,  congress  "resolved,  *  that  it  be  an  indispensa- 
ble preliminary,  to  the  recognition  of  the  independence  of  the  peo- 
ple, inhabiting  the  territory  called  Vermont,  and  their  admission 
into  the  federal  union,  that  they  explicitly  relinquish  all  demands  of 
lands,  or  jurisdiction,  on  the  east  side  of  the  west  bank  of  Connec- 
ticut River,  and  on  the  west  side  of  a  line  begfinning  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  state  of  Massachusetts,  thence  running  twenty 
miles  east  of  Hudson's  River,  so  far  as  said  river  runs  northeasterly 
in  its  general  course,  then  by  the  west  bounds  of  the  townships 
granted  by  the  late  government  of  New  Hampshire,  to  the  river 
running  from  South  Bay  to  Lake  Champlain,  thence  along  the  said 
river  to  Lake  Champlain,  thence  along  the  waters  of  Lake  Cham- 
plain  to  the  latitude  forty-five  degrees  north,  excepting  a  neck  of 
land  between  Missiquoi  Bay  and  the  waters  of  Lake  Champlain.* 

**  With  these  resolves  of  congress,  a  verbal  message  was  sent  by 
General  Washington  to  Governour  Chittenden,  desiring  to  know 
what  were  the  real  designs,  views,  and  intentions  of  the  people  of 


Historj'  of  Vermont. 


t 


PROCEEDINGS  OF   V^ERMONT.  221 

Vermont :  whether  they  would  be  satisfied  with  the  independence, 
proposed  by  congress  ;  or  had  it  seriously  in  contemplation  to  join 
with  the  enemy,  and  become  a  British  jirovince.  The  governour 
returned  an  unequivocal  and  decisive  answer.  That  there  were 
no  people  on  the  continent,  more  attached  to  the  cause  of  America, 
than  the  people  of  Vermont ;  but  that  they  were  fully  determined, 
not  to  be  put  under  the  "government  of  New  York,  that  they  would 
oppose  this  by  force  of  arms,  and  would  join  with  the  British  in 
Canada,  rather  than  to  submit  to  that  government. 

"  In  October,  the  general  assembly  of  Vermont  met  at  Charles- 
town,  in  New  Hampshire.  The  resolutions  of  congress  were  laid 
before  them  ;  but  although  the  resolves  held  out  all  that  Vermont 
had  at  first  claimed,  or  had  ever  expected  to  obtain,  they  did  not 
produce  a  full  confidence  in  congress ;  nor  did  they  fall  in  with  the 
views  of  those  towns,  which  had  joined  Vermont,  from  New  Hamp- 
shire and  New  York.  When  they  had  been  debated,  the^assembly 
voted,  October  the  19th,  that  they  could  not  comply  with  the  reso- 
lutions of  congress,  of  August  the  20th,  without  destroying  the 
foundation  of  the  universal  harmony  and  agreement,  that  subsisted 
in  the  state,  and  a  violation  of  solemn  compact  entered  into  by 
articles  of  union  and  confederation  ;  that  they  would  remain  firm 
in  the  principles,  on  which  the  state  had  first  assumed  government, 
and  hold  the  articles  of  union,  which  connected  each  part  of  the 
state  with  the  other,  inviolate;  that  they  would  not  submit  the  ques- 
tion of  their  independence,  to  the  arbitrament  of  any  power ;  but 
that  they  were  willing  and  ready  to  refer  the  question  of  their  juris- 
dictional boundary  with  New  Hampshire,  and  New  York,  to  com- 
missioners mutually  chosen  ;  and  when  they  should  be  admitted 
into  the  American  union,  they  would  submit  any  such  disputes  to 
congress. 

**  The  resolves  of  congress,  though  they  had  not  been  accepted 
by  Vermont,  were  considered  by  New  York,  as  a  virtual  determi- 
nation of  her  claims.  The  legislature  of  that  state,  on  the  15th  and 
19th  of  November,  passed  a  number  of  resolutions,  and  a  solemn 
protest,  against  the  proceedings  of  congress.  Having  stated  their 
claims,  and  related  some  of  the  former  proceedings  of  congress 
relative  to  the  controversy,  they  resolved,  that  the  legislature  of  that 
state  was  greatly  alarmed  at  the  evident  intention  of  congress,  from 
political  expcdiejice^  to  establish  an  arhitrarij  boundary,  which  ex- 
cluded from  that  state,  a  great  part  of  its  territory  ;  that  it  was  the 
sense  of  the  legislature,  that  congress  had  not  any  authority,  by  the 
articles  of  confederation,  to  intermeddle  with  the  former  territorial 
extent  of  jurisdiction  or  property,  of  either  of  the  United  States, 
except  in  cases  of  dispute  between  two  or  more  of  the  states  in  the 
union,  nor  to  admit  into  the  Union,  even  any  British  colony  except 
Canada,  without  the  consent  of  nine  states,  nor  any  other  state 


223  PROCEEDINGS  OF  VERMONT. 

whatsoever,  nor  above  all  to  crteatc  a  new  state  by  dicraembering 
oiIr  of  the  thirteen  United  States,  without  tlieir  universal  consent; 
that  in  case  of  any  attempt  of  congress  to  carry  into  execntion  their 
acts  of  the  7th  and  20ih  ofAn'j^iist,  the  lei^islature  were  bound  in 
duty  to  their  constituents,  to  declare  the  same  an  assumption  of 
power,  and  a  manifest  infraction  of  the  articles  of  confederation,  and 
do  thereby  soleinnly  protest  against  the  same  ;  that  a  copy  of  their 
resolutions  be  tran?niiite:l  to  congress,  and  their  delegates  expressly 
directed  and  required  to  enter  tlieir  dissent  on  every  step,  which 
may  be  taken  in  and  towards  carrying  the  said  acts  of  congress  into 
execution. 

*'  iVnxious  for  the  safety  of  Vermont,  and  wishing  to  avail  him- 
self of  every  measure  to  promote  it,  on  November  14:th,  Gover- 
nour  Chittenden  wrote  to  General  Washington,  on  the  subject, 
explaining  to  him  their  situation,  difficulties,  and  views.  In  this 
letter,  the  governour  placed  great  confidence  in  the  general,  and 
gave  him  an  account  of  the  transactions  with  the  enemy  ;  and  as- 
signed the  reason  :  '  Vermont,  drove  to  desperation,  by  the  injus- 
tice of  those  who  should  have  been  her  friends,  was  obliged  to  adopt 
policy  in  the  room  of  power;'  and  with  regard  to  the  last  resolu- 
tion of  congress,  he  ascribed  ihem  to  their  true  cause,  not  the 
influence  of  their  friends,  but  the  power  of  their  enemies;  *  Lord 
George  Germain's  letter  wrought  on  Congress,  and  procured  that 
from  them,  which  the  public  virtue  of  this  people  could  not 
obtain.' 

*'  At  the  same  time,  the  troops  of  New  York  were  in  motion  to 
suppress  the  proceedings  of  their  citizens,  who  had  formed  an 
union  with  Vermont.  On  December  ISth,  their  commander, 
Brigadier-general  Gansevooit,  wrote  to  the  commanding  officer  of 
the  troops  from  Vermont,  that  in  pursuance  of  a  law  of  New  York, 
he  had  been  detached  with  a  part  of  his  brigade  to  suppress  an 
insurrection  of  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  Schaticook,  and  Hoosac  ; 
that  he  was  arrived  to  aid  the  sheriff  of  the  county,  to  apprehend 
the  insurgents ;  and  was  informed  that  a  large  body  of  troops  from 
the  grants,  were  marching  in  force,  with  artillery ;  but  before  he 
proceeded  any  further,  he  wished  to  be  informed  what  was  the  ob- 
ject of  their  movement  into  the  interiour  parts  of  that  state,  and  by 
what  authority.  Colonel  Walbridge,  commandant  of  the  troops 
from  Vermont,  wrote  in  answer,  that  the  object  of  their  movement, 
was  to  protect  those  of  the  inhabitants,  who  in  consequence  of  the 
union,  professed  allegiance  to  the  state  of  Vermont ;  that  he  wished 
conciliatory  measures  might  be  adopted,  but  if  those  persons  who 
professed  to  be  citizens  of  Vermont,  should  be  imprisoned,  and 
their  property  destroyed,  he  was  not  to  be  answerable  for  the  con- 
sequences. 

"All  parties  seem  to  have  been  seriously  alarmed  at  these  pros- 


PROCEEDINGS  OF  VERMONT.  223 

pects  of  a  civil  war  :  and  bapnily  for  tliemselve.?,  they  had  all  of 
ihem  more  moderation  and  wisdom,  tlian  to  proceed  to  hostilities. 
Reflecting  on  the  war  with  Great  Britain,  in  which  tlieir  country 
was  so  deeply  engaged,  they  seem  to  have  been  fully  convinced 
that  no  difference  among  the  states  ought  to  be  suffered  to  produce 
a  war  amonLir  themselves. 

"  A  controversy  so  full  of  mischief  and  danger  to  the  United 
States,  gave  much  concern  to  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  Ame- 
rican army.  Aware  of  the  extremes  to  which  all  parties  v/ere 
tending,  on  January  1st,  ]  7S2,  he  returned  an  answer  to  Governour 
Chittenden's  letter,  in  wliich  were  these  expressions  :  '  It  is  not  my 
business,  neitlier  do  I  think  it  necessary  now,  to  discuss  the  origin 
of  the  right  of  a  number  of  inhabitants  to  that  tract  of  country,  for- 
merly distinfruished  by  ilie  name  of  the  New  Hampshire  Grants, 
and  now  known  by  that  of  Vermont.  I  will  take  it  for  granted  that 
their  right  was  good,  because  congress,  by  their  resolve  of  the  7th 
of  August,  imply  it;  and  by  that  of  the  21st,  are  willing  fully  to 
confirm  it,  provided  the  new  state  is  confined  to  certain  described 
bounds.  It  appears  therefore,  to  me,  that  the  dispute  of  boundary 
is  the  only  one  that  exists,  and  that  being  removed,  all  other  diffi- 
culties would  be  removed  also,  and  the  matter  terminated  to  the 
satisfaction  of  all  parties.  You  have  nothing  to  do  but  withdraw 
your  jurisdiction  to  the  confines  of  your  old  limits,  and  obtain  an 
acknowledgment  of  your  independence  and  sovereignty,  under  the 
resolve  of  the  2ist  of  August,  for  so  much  territory  as  does  not 
interfere  with  the  ancient  established  bounds  of  New  York,  New 
Hampshire,  and  Massachusetts.  In  my  private  opinion,  while  it 
behoves  the  delegates  to  do  ample  justice  to  a  body  of  people  suf- 
ficiently respectable  by  their  numbers,  and  entitled  by  other  claims 
to  be  admitted  into  the  confederation,  it  becomes  them  also  to 
attend  to  the  interests  of  their  constituents,  and  see,  that  under  the 
appearance  of  justice  to  one,  they  do  not  materially  injure  the  rights 
of  others.  I  am  apt  to  think  this  is  the  prevailing  opinion  of  con- 
gress.' 

'*  The  assembly  of  Vermont  met  in  February,  at  Bennington. 
The  letter  from  the  general  was  laid  before  them,  and  it  produced 
those  effects  which  the  general  seems  to  have  intended  :  it  corrected 
the  erroursof  the  government  of  Vermont,  and  produced  a  confi- 
dence in  the  resolves  of  congress,  thus  recommended  by  the  opinion 
and  advice  of  Washington.  After  a  full  debate  upon  the  matter, 
the  assembly  resolved  to  comply  with  the  preliminary  required  of 
them.     Their  proceedings  were  in  this  form  : 

**  ^  Slate  of  Vermont  in  Geverul  Assanbhj^  Felrvary  22^  1782. 

*'  '  The  recommendation  of  the  grand  committee,  consisting  of 
his  excellency  the  governour,  the  honourable  the  council,  and  the 
representatives  of  the  people,  on  taking  into  consideration  the  reso- 


224  ,  PROCEEDINGS  OF  VERMONT. 

lutions  of  congress  respecting  this  state,  in  the  month  of  August 
last,  being  read,  is  as  follows  :  TJiat  in  the  sense  of  this  committee, 
congress  by  their  resolutions  of  August  last,  in  guaranteeing  to  the 
states  of  New  York  and  New  Hampshire  respectively,  all  the  terri- 
tory without  certain  limits  therein  expressed,  has  eventually  deter- 
mined the  boundaries  of  this  state.  And  whereas  it  appears  to  this 
committee,  consistent  with  the  spirit,. true  intent,  and  meaning  of  the 
articles  of  union  entered  into  by  this  state,  with  the  inhabitants  ,of 
a  certain  district  of  country,  on  the  east  side  of  the  west  banks  of 
Connecticut  River,  and  on  the  w^est  side  of  a  line  twenty  miles  east 
of  Hudson's  River,  which  articles  of  union  were  executed  on  the 
25th  day  of  February,  and  on  the  15lh  day  of  June  last,  that  con- 
gress should  consider  and  determine  the  boundary  lines  of  the 
state.  It  is  recommended  to  the  legislature  of  this  state,  to  pas3 
resolutions,  declaring  their  acquiescence  in,  and  accession  to  the 
determination  made  by  congress  of  the  boundary  lines  between  the 
states  of  New  Hampshire  and  New  York  respectively,  and  this 
state,  as  they  are  in  said  resolutions  defined  and  described.  And 
also,  expressly  relinquishing  all  claims  to,  and  jurisdiction  over,  the 
said  districts  of  territory  without  said  boundary  lines,  and  the  in- 
habitants thereon  residing. 

"  '  Confiding  in  the  faith  and  wisdom  of  congress,  that  they  will 
immediately  enter  on  measures,  to  carry  into  effect  the  other  mat- 
ters in  the  said  resolution  contained,  and  settle  the  same  on  equita- 
ble terms,  whereby  this  state  may  be  received  into  and  have  and 
enjoy  all  the  protection,  rights,  and  advantages,  of  a  federal  union 
with  the  United  States  of  America,  as  a  free,  independent,  and 
sovereign  state,  as  is  held  forth  to  us,  in  and  by  the  said  resolutions^: 

"  '  And  that  the  legislature  cause  official  information  of  their 
resolutions  to  be  immediately  transmitted  to  the  congress  of  the 
United  States,  and  to  the  states  of  New  Hampshire  and  New  York 
respectively. 

*'  *  Whereupon  resolved, 

"  *  That  the  foregoing  recommendation  be  complied^with,  and 
that  the  west  banks  of  Connecticut  River,  and  a  line  beginning  at 
the  north-west  corner  of  the  state  of  Massachusetts,  from  thence 
northward  twenty  miles  east  of  Pludson's  River,  as  specified  in  the 
resolutions  of  congress  in  August  last,  be  considered  as  the  east 
and  west  boundaries  of  this  state.  That  this  assembly  do  hereby 
relinquish  all  claims  and  demands  to,  and  right  of  jurisdiction  in  and 
over  any  and  every  district  of  territory,  without  said  boundary  lines. 
That  authentick  copies  of  this  resolution  be  forthwith  officially 
transmitted  to  congress,  and  to  the  states  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
New  York  respectively.'  "* 


Williams's  Hist,  of  Vermont,  pp.  276-284 


PROCEEDINGS  OF  VERMONT.  225 

Still  this  long  protracted  dispute  was  not  terminated.  "  In  this 
situation  things  remained,  until  several  of  the  leading  men  in  the 
United  States,  became  alarmed  with  the  operation  and  tendency  of 
publick  affairs.  Statesmen  of  ability  and  information  saw  that  the 
powers  invested  in  congress,  were  in  effect  only  the  powers  of  a 
diplomatick  body  ;  and  wholly  inadequate  to  the  purposes  of  federal 
government.  And  that  the  liberties-  the  safety,  and  the  union  of 
America,  could  not  be  preserved,  unless  an  adequate  and  efficient 
government  could  be  established  in  the  United  States.  Virginia 
had  the  honour  to  lead,  in  the  first  avowed  opposition  to  the  British 
king  and  parliament :  and  she  was  the  first  that  attempted  to  call  a 
convention  of  the  states,  to  form  a  new  federal  constitution.  The 
measure  was  crowned  with  that  success,  which  might  be  expected 
from  the  deliberate  consultations  of  a  free  and  uncorrupted  people, 
aiming  to  secure  the  public  safety.  A  new  federal  constitution 
was  adopted  by  the  people  of  America  :  and  a  new  congress,  fur- 
nished wiih  competent  powers,  met  in  the  city  of  New  York,  March 
3d,  1789. 

"  The  ancient  difficulty  with  New  York,  was  not  yet  removed. 
That  state  had  indeed  given  up  all  prospect,  and  probably  all  de- 
sire, of  subduing  Vermont  by  force,  or  by  policy  ;  and  well  knew 
that  Vermont  was,  and  would  remain,  a  free  and  independent  state. 
But  large  tracts  of  land  had  been  granted  by  the  governours  to 
individuals  :  these  tracts  of  land,  by  means  of  the  increasing  set- 
tlements and  prosperity  of  Vermont,  were  become  greatly  valuable. 
The  government  of  Vermont  had  uniformly  refused  to  acknowledge 
the  validity  of  these  grants,  or  submit  to  any  of  the  legislative  acts 
of  New  York,  and  had  made  new  grants  of  all  those  tracts  of  land  : 
and  was  unalterably  fixed  in  refusing  to  admit  the  legality  of  any 
legislative  act  of  New  York,  which  related  to  the  territory  of  Ver- 
mont. The  grantees  under  New  York,  were  constantly  complain- 
ing of  the  injuries  that  were  done  to  them,  in  not  being  permitted 
to  take  possession  of  their  property;  and  of  the  injustice  that  would 
be  established,  if  the  government  of  New  York  should  suffer  their 
lands  to  be  thus  taken  from  them  without  an  equivalent.  Much 
pains  had  been  taken  to  compromise  the  difficulty,  but  without 
coming  to  any  general  agreement:  and  the  government  of  New 
York  did  not  conceive  any  very  strong  obligation  lay  upon  them, 
to  refund  that  to  individuals,  which  the  state  had  no  hand  in  grant- 
ing;  but  which  was  simply  an  act  of  the  crown  of  Great  Britain, 
executed  by  the  will  of  the  royal  governour ;  generally  for  his  per- 
sonal profit,  always  for  the  benefit  of  his  particular  friends,  but 
never  for  any  emolument  to  the  government  or  people. 

"A  course  of  events  at  length  occurred,  which  rendered  the  views 
of  New  York  more  favourable  towards  Vermont.  Dispute^  rela- 
tive to  the  permanent  seat  of  the  federal  government,  ran  high  in 

VOL.  II.  29 


226      ADJUSTMENT  BETWEEN  NEW  YORK  AND  VERMONT. 

congress.  After  repeated  trials,  the  decision  sometimes  fell  in 
favour  of  remaining  at  New  York,  and  sometimes  in  favour  of 
removing  to  Philadelphia;  and  it  was  finally  carried  in  favour  of 
Philadelphia,  by  a  very  small  majority.  Kentucky,  it  was  foreseen, 
would  soon  be  admitted  into  the  federal  union ;  and  Virginia,  to 
whose  territory  it  belonged,  with  great  dignity  and  honour,  instead 
of  opposing,  was  aiming  to  promote  that  event.  The  representa- 
tion from  the  eastern  states  was  diminished  of  its  just  proportion, 
by  the  exclusion  of  Vermont;  and  this  had  already  proved  to  the 
disadvantage  of  New  York.  If  their  old  controversy  could  be 
settled,  it  was  apparent  that  the  interests  and  influence  of  these 
states  would  in  almost  every  instance  coincide.  The  pubhc  senti- 
ment called  loudly  for  the  same  measure.  To  what  purpose,  it 
was  said,  is  Vermont  kept  out  of  the  Union  f — Is  it  not  in  the  full 
and  complete  possession  of  independence,  and  as  well  regulated 
and  governed  as  the  other  stales  ? — And  shall  the  federal  union, 
throughout  the  whole  territory,  be  obstructed,  and  rendered  incom- 
plete, by  the  ancient  and  endless  controversy  between  New  York 
and  Vermont  f 

"  New  York  wished  with  the  rest  of  America,  to  have  the  federal 
union  completed  ;  and  without  calling  to  view  the  former  occasions 
of  contention,  passed  an  act,  July  15,  17S9,  appointing  commis- 
sioners with  full  powers  to  acknowledge  the  independence  of  Ver- 
mont, and  to  settle  all  matters  of  controversy  with  the  state.  On 
October  the  23d,  1789,  the  legislature  of  Vermont  appointed  com- 
missioners on  their  part,  to  treat  with  those  of  New  York,  with 
powers  to  adjust,  and  finally  determine,  every  thing  which  obstruct- 
ed the  union  of  Vermont  with  the  United  States.  The  commis- 
sioners from  both  stales  were  themselves  very  desirous  to  have  Ver- 
mont brought  into  the  federal  union.  The  only  point  of  difficulty 
and  debate,  related  to  a  compensation  for  the  lands  claimed  by  the 
citizens  of  New  York,  which  had  been  granted  by  the  government 
of  Vermont.  After  two  or  three  meetings  of  the  commissioners, 
the  matter  was  brought  to  an  equitable  and  amicable  agreement. 

"October  the  7th,  1790,  'the  commissioners  for  New  York,  by 
virtue  of  the  powers  to  them  granted  for  that  purpose,  declared  the 
consent  of  the  legislature  of  New  York,  that  the  state  of  Vermont 
be  admitted  into  the  union  of  the  United  States  of  America;  and 
that  immediately  upon  such  admission,  all  claims  of  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  state  of  New  York,  within  the  state  of  Vermont,  shall  cease; 
and  thenceforth  the  perpetual  boundary  line  between  the  state  of 
New  York  and  the  state  of  Vermont  shall  be  as  was  then  holden 
and  possessed  by  Vermont,  that  is,  the  west  lines  of  the  most  west- 
ern towns  which  had  been  granted  by  New  Hampshire,  and  the 
middle  channel  of  Lake  Champlain.'  With  regard  to  the  lands 
which  had  been  granted  bv  New  York,   '  the  said  commissioners, 


ADJUSTMENT  BETWEEN  NEW  YORK  AND  VERMONT.       227 

by  virtue  of  the  powers  to  them  granted,  declare  the  will  of  the 
legislature  of  New  York,  that  if  the  legislature  of  the  state  of  Ver- 
mont should,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January,  1792,  declare 
that  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  June,  1794,  the  said  state  of  Ver- 
mont would  pay  the  state  of  New  York,  the  sum  of  thirty  thousand 
dollars,  that  immediately  from  such  declaration  by  the  legislature  of 
the  state  of  Vermont,  all  rights  and  thles  to  lands  within  the  state 
of  Vermont,  under  grants  from  the  government  of  the  colony  of 
New  York,  or  from  the  state  of  New  York,  should  cease,'  those 
excepted,  which  had  been  made  in  confirmation  of  the  grants  of 
New  Hampshire. 

"This  proposal  and  declaration  being  laid  before  the  legislature 
of  Vermont,  they  very  readily  agreed  to  the  plan,  which  had  been 
concerted  by  the  commissioners  from  both  states ;  and  on  October 
28,  1798,  passed  an  act  directing  the  treasurer  of  the  state  to  pay 
the  sum  of  thirty  thousand  dollars  to  the  state  of  New  York,  at  the 
time  proposed  ;  adopting  the  western  line  as  the  perpetual  boundary 
between  the  two  states;  and  declaring  all  the  grants,  charters,  and 
patents  of  land,  lying  within  the  state  of  Vermont,  made  by  or  under 
the  late  colony  of  New  York,  to  be  null  and  void,  those  only  ex- 
cepted which  had  been  made  in  confirmation  of  the  grants  from 
New  Hampshire. 

"  In  this  amicable  manner,  was  terminated  a  controvers}^  which 
had  been  carried  on  with  great  animosity  for  twenty-six  years. 
Both  sides  were  weary  of  the  contest,  and  happily  for  them,  the 
general  state  of  America  led  to  moderation,  equity,  and  wisdom ; 
and  this  seems  to  have  been  the  only  period,  in  which  the  matter 
could  have  been  adjusted  to  the  sati.-faction  of  all  parties."* 

The  act  passed  by  the  legislature  of  the  slate  of  New  York,  au- 
thorizing commissioners  to  declare  the  consent  of  the  state,  to  the 
independence  of  Vermont,  expressly  declared,  that  the  act  was  not 
to  be  construed,  to  give  any  person  claiming  lands  in  Vermont 
under  title  from  New  York,  any  right  to  any  compensation  what- 
ever from  that  stale.  This  was  considered  as  a  revolution  effected 
by  force,  and  not  imposing  any  obligation  upon  the  government 
to  indemnify  those  who  sufl^ered  by  the  cession. t  The  question 
was  argued  before  the  assembly,  and  decided  in  17S7. 


•  Williams's  History  of  Vermont,  pp.  209-304, 
t  Kent's  Comm.  Vol.  I.  pp   178,  179. 


22S  ATTEMPTS  TO  CREATE  REVOLT  IN  THE  ARMY. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Provmonal  articles  of  peace — Attempts  to  create  revolt  m  the  army 
— Armstrong's  letters —  Washingtonh opposition — Peace  conclud- 
ed— Evacuation  of  New  Yorli — Convention  to  form  constitution — 
WasJtingt07i,  first  President  of  the  United  States — Attempts  to 
ridicule  him — His  recejdioii  in  New  YorJc. 

1782  Notwithstanding   the  strenuous  exertions  of  Lord 
Chatham  for  the   subjugation   of  the  United  States,   the 

1783  English    parhament    resolved,    *'  that    the    house    would 
consider  as  enemies  to  his  majesty,  and  the  country,  all 

those  who  shall  advise  or  attempt  the  further  prosecution  of 
offensive  war  on  the  continent  of  North  America."  Instruc- 
tions were  sent  to  Sir  Guy  Carleton,  (who  had  now  taken  up 
his  quarters  in  Kennedy's  house.  No.  1,  Broadway,  as  the  suc- 
cessor of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,)  to  use  his  endeavours  for  carrying 
into  effect  the  wishes  of  Great  Britain  for  an  accomodation  with 
America. 

The  commissioners  on  our  part,  were  John  Adams,  Benjamin 
FrankUn,  John  Jay,  and  Henry  Laurens;  on  the  part  of  England, 
Messrs.  Fitzherbert  and  Oswald.  On  the  30th  of  November,  17S2, 
provisional  articles  were  agreed  upon,  which  were  to  be  inserted  in 
a  treaty  of  peace,  by  which  the  independence  of  the  United  States 
was  acknowledged  in  the  most  ample  manner.  But  now  came  a 
severe  trial  for  the  man  who  had  passed  through  so  mnny  trials  for 
the  good  of  his  country,  as  well  as  its  peace.  General  Washington 
was  desirous  that  his  companions  in  arms  should  submit  to  the  ne- 
cessity imposed  by  unavoidable  circumstances,  accept  of  the  pro- 
mises made  by  the  yet  unsettled  government,  and  retire  to  their 
employments  with  untarnished  laurels.  But  here,  as  throughout 
his  life,  he  met  the  malign  influence  of  those  who  had  endeavour- 
ed to  thwart  the  efforts  of  a  good  providence  and  its  agents,  in  every 
sta^e  of  the  contest  for  self-o^overnment. 

In  December,  17S2,  many  of  the  officers  being  apprehensive 
that  they  should  be  disbanded  before  their  accounts  were  liquidated, 
drew  up  a  memorial,  and  deputed  General  McDougall,  Colonel 
Ogden,  and  Colonel  Brooks,  to  wait  upon  congress  with  it.  This 
produced  favourable  resolutions.  Subsequently  a  report  was  cir- 
culated, by  an  incendiary,  that  congress  did  not  mean  to  comply 
with  the  resolves  they  had  published  in  favour  of  the  army.  This 
brought  out  an  address  to  that  body,  signed  by  many  officers,  in 


Armstrong's  letters.  229 

which  they  ask  for  money,  for  settlement  of  accounts,  and  security 
for  what  is  due.  They  say  that  their  condition  is  wretched,  and 
calFon  congress  to  show  the  world  that  the  independence  of  Ame- 
rica is  not  to  be  based  on  the  ruin  of  any  particular  class  of  citizens. 
This  address  produced  resolves,  that,  the  superintendant  of  finance 
make  such  payment  as  circumstances  will  permit,  and  that  the  seve- 
ral states  be  called  upon  to  make  immediate  settlements  with  their 
respective  divisions  of  the  army  ;  that  the  army,  as  well  as  other 
creditors,  have  a  right  to  security  for  what  shall  be  found  due,  and 
that  congress  will  make  every  exertion  to  obtain  funds  from  the 
respective  states. 

They  could  do  very  little  more  than  recommend  to  the  states, 
who,  now  that  immediate  pressure  from  without  was  about  to  be 
withdrawn,  might  be  expected  to  fall  off  from  that  union  which  dan- 
ger produced.  The  negotiations  continued  some  time.  General 
McDougall  remained  at  Philidelphia.  Colonel  Ogden  appears  to 
have  been  there  part  of  the  time,  as  we  shall  see  by  Major  John 
Armstrong's  letters  to  General  Gates. 

While  this  disturbed  state  was  kept  up  in  the  army,  and  increased 
as  the  day  of  separation  was  supposed  to  approach,  an  anonymous 
letter  was  circulated  among  the  officers,  most  artfully  calculated  to 
exasperate  passion,  and  produce  the  most  fatal  consequences. 

Justice  can  only  be  done  to  the  talents  of  the  author  by  reading 
the  whole,  which  is  preserved  in  the  general  history  of  the  time ; 
from  which  I  have  made  this  abstract:  It  is  dated  March  10, 1783. 
The  author  assumes  the  character  of  a  veteran  who  had  suffered  with 
those  he  addressed.  He  tells  them  that  to  be  tame  in  their  present 
situation  would  be  more  than  weakness,  and  must  ruin  them  for- 
ever. He  bids  them  "  suspect  the  man  who  would  advise  to  more 
moderation,  and  longer  forbearance."  He  then  describes  the  high 
state  in  which  the  country  has  been  placed  by  their  services.  And 
says,  "  does  this  country  reward  you  with  tears  of  gratitude  and 
smiles  of  admiration,  or  does  she  trample  on  your  rights,  disdain 
your  cries,  and  insult  your  distresses  ?"  He  advised  them  to  carry 
their  appeal  from  the  justice,  to  the  fears  of  government.  '*  As- 
sume a  bolder  tone — say,  that  the  slightest  indignity  from  congress 
now  must  operate  like  the  grave,  and  part  you  from  them  forever." 
That  if  peace  takes  place,  "  nothing  shall  separate  you  from  your 
arms  but  death  :  if  war  continues,  that  you  will  retire  to  some  un- 
setded  country,  with  Washington  at  your  head,  and  mock  at  the 
distresses  of  government."  The  insidious  expression  of  "  courting 
the  auspices,  and  inviting  the  direction  of  their  illustrious  leader," 
v/as  calculated  to  make  the  army  believe  that  Washington  would 
join  them  in  rebellion  against  his  country,  and  was  certainly  a  bold 
artifice,  coming,  as  it  did,  from  one  in  constant  correspondence 
with  General  Gates,  and  attached   to   him  both  by  inclination  and 


230  Washington's  opposition. 

office.     It  was  likewise   an   expression  which  called  for  decided 
action  from  the  commander-in-cihief. 

The  author  was  long  suspected  to  be  Major  Armstrong,*  who 
late  in  life  acknowleged  the  fact.  He  attempted  to  justify  himself, 
by  saying  that  they  were  written  "at  the  solicitation  of  his  friends,  as 
the  chosen  organ,  lo  express  the  sentiments  of  the  officers  of  the 
army,  and  were  only  an  honest  and  manly,  though  perhaps,  indiscreet 
endeavour,  to  support  publick  credit,  and  do  justice  to  a  long-buf- 
fering, patient,  and  gallant  soldiery."  However  willing  1  should 
be  to  attribute  this  "  indiscreet  endeavour*'  to  pure  motives,  yet, 
when  the  gentleman  goes  so  far  as  lo  assert  that  "  the  slander  pro- 
pagated and  believed  for  half  a  century,  that  two  distinguished  of- 
ficers of  the  revolution  had  conspired  to  put  down  the  commander- 
in-chief,  is  an  impudent  and  vile  falsehood  from  beginning  to  end," 
I  am  obliged,  with  the  evidence  of  this  conspiracy  before  me,  to 
hesitate,  before  I  exonerate  the  writer  of  the  letter  in  question  from 
blame.  The  commander-in-chief  noticed  the  anonymous  address 
in  orders,  with  pointed  disapprobation,  and  requested  that  the  gene- 
ral and  field  officers,  with  a  proper  representation  from  the  staff  of 
the  army,  would  assemble  on  the  loth  instant,  to  hear  the  report  of 
the  committee  deputed  by  the  army  to  congress.  This  I'equest 
was  seized  upon,  and  represented  in  a  second  paper  as  giving  sanc- 
tion to  the  proceedings  of  the  officers,  and  they  were  called  upon 
to  act  with  energy.  On  the  15th  of  ^larch,  th ^  commaiuler-in- 
chief  addressed  tlie  convention  of  officers,  (General  Gates  being 
the  chairman,)  In  the  language  of  truth,  feeling,  and  affection.  He 
overthrew  all  the  artifices  of  the  anonymous  writer  and  his  fi-Iends, 
one  of  the  principal  of  whom  sat  in  the  chair.  \Vashington  noticed 
the  advice  to  mark  for  suspicion  the.  miin  who  should  recommend  mo- 
deration. He  feelingly  spoke  of  his  own  constant  attention,  from 
the  commencement  of  the  war,  to  the  wants  and  siifferlngs  of  the 
army,  and  then  pointed  out  the  dreadful  consequences  of  following 
the  advice  of  the  anonymous  writer,  citJier  to  draw  their  sicords 
against  their  coimfri/,  or  retire,  if  war  continues,  frr  the  defence  of 
all  they  Itold  dear.  He  calls  to  mind  the  scenes  in  which  they 
had  acted  together,  and  pledges  himself  to  the  utmost  exertion  for 
obtaining  justice  to  his  fellows  In  arms.  He  requests  them  to  rely 
on  the  promise  of  congress.  He  said,  "  I  conjure  you,  in  the 
name  of  our  common  country,  as  you  value  your  own  sacred 
honour,  as  you  respect  the  rights  of  humanity,  to  express  your  ut- 
most horrour  and  detestation  of  the  man  who  wishes,  underany  spe- 
cious pretences,  to  overturn  the  liberties  of  your  country  ;  and  who 
wickedly  attempts  to  open  the  floodgates  of  civil  discord,  and  de- 
luge our  rising  empire  in  blood." 

*  Since  known  as  General  Armstrong.     He  was  afterward  secretary  at  war. 


PEACE  CONCLUDED.  231 

The  convention  resolved,  unanimously,  among  other  things, 
that  "  the  army,  have  unshaken  confidence  in  congress,  and  view 
with  abhorrence,  and  reject  with  disdain,  the  i?ifamous  jii'opositioiis 
contained  in  a  late  anonymous  address  to  the  officers  of  the  army." 

In  a  letter  written  by  John  Armstrong  at  Philadelphia,  to  Gene- 
ral Gates,  in  April,  1783,*  he  mentions  a  plan  agitated,  to  grant 
land  in  Muskingum  to  the  army,  and  form  a  new  state.  This,  he 
says,  is  intended  to  amuse  and  divert  the  army  from  the  conside- 
ration of  more  important  concerns.  In  another  letter  he  thanks 
Gates  for  cautioning  him  not  to  leave  the  papers  exposed  to  curious 
and  inquisitorial  eye?.  {'Vhe  general  remembered  the  letter  of  Con- 
way to  himself.)  He  says,  "Ogden  is  now  here,"  at  Philadelphia, 
from  the  army,  "and,  as  he  conceals  nothing,  he  tells  us  a  great 
deal.  Among  other  things,  it  is  said,  that  the  army  look  back  with 
horrour  and  regret  upon  the  mistaken  step  they  have  taken,"  (pre- 
vious to  Washington's  address  to  them,)  "and  like  contemptible 
penitents  who  have  sinned  beyond  the  prospect  of  salvation,  wish 
to  have  it  to  do  over  again.  It  is  now,  however,  too  late — the  sol- 
diers are  anxious  to  disperse;  no  ties,  no  promises,  will  hold  them 
longer,  and  witli  them  will  every  loitering  hope  of  o^^?•5  break  also." 
He  prophesies  civil  war,  and  exclaims,  "Can  it  be  otherwise.^  will 
the  whigs  who  have  lent  their  money — and  will  the  men  who  have 
lent  their  time  and  blood  to  America,  sit  down  quietly  under  their 
wants  and  their  wretchedness?  A  dissolution  of  all  dchfs,  of  all  c?-e- 
d'lts,  of  every  principle  of  union  and  society,  must  and  will  follow. 
And  suffer  me  to  ask,  where  will  it  stop  ?  God  in  his  anger  gave 
them  a  king;  and  we  want  a  scourge."  "One  secret,  however, 
Oirden  tells  me  which  shall  be  no  lonii^er  so.  Mr.  Brooks  was  sent 
from  hence  with  orders  to  break  the  sentiments  like  those  contained 
in  the  anonymous  address  to  the  officers,  and  to  prepare  their 
minds  for  some  manly  vigorous  association  with  the  publick  cre- 
ditors ;  but  the  timid  wretch  discovered  it  to  the  only  m^n,  from 
whom  he  was  to  have  kept  it,  and  concealed  it  from  those  to  whom 
he  had  engaged  to  make  it  known.  To  be  more  explicit,  he  be- 
trayed it  to  the  commander-in-chief,  who,  agreeable  to  the  origi- 
nal plan,  was  not  to  have  been  consulted  till  some  later  period. 
Such  a  villain  ! — I  would  have  written  again  had  I  not  seen  the 
impotency  of  the  army,  and  the  assurance  of  congress.  They  see 
our  weakness,  and  laugh  at  our  resentments." 

On  the  30th  of  November,  1782,  the  articles  of  peace  were 
agreed  to,  and  on  the  25th  of  November,  1783,  the  governour  of 
the  state,  and  thecommander-in  chief  of  the  American  armies,  took 
possession  of  the  city  of  New  York. 


"*  Gates'  Papers,  in  Library  of  N.  Y.  Hist.  Soc 


232  EVACUATION  OF  NEW  YORK. 

Sir  Guy  Carlton  seemed  to  supersede  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  merely 
to  adjust  matters,  and  close  the  war.  Brook  Watson  was  appoint- 
ed commissary-general  for  the  same  purpose.  Before  the  25th  of 
November,  1783,  such  of  the  citizens  of  New  York,  as  intended  to 
continue  among  their  former  enemies  had  time  to  make  their  ar- 
rangements, aud  both  Washington  and  Clinton  gave  them  assurance 
o(  protection. 

A  fleet  of  transports  under  a  strong  convoy,  had  sailed  in  Octo- 
ber, 1782,  from  New  York  for  "the  province  of  Nova  Scotia,  ha- 
ving on  board  a  number  of  loyalists  .with  their  families,  amounting  in 
all  to 460  persons."  They  were  furnished  by  the  British  with  provi- 
sions for  a  year — rations  for  a  twenty-one  days  passage — cloathing, 
tools  of  husbandry,  arms  and  ammunhion.  They  are  to  have 
lands  ;  they  go  to  enjoy  a  good  government,  "  freed  from  the  de- 
testable tyranny  of  seditious  demagogues,  and  the  burthen  of  une- 
qual and  oppressive  taxes."  Most  of  these  people  returned  as 
soon  after  the  peace  as  they  could  find  means. 

On  that  memorable  day  the  2-5th  of  November,  1783,  General 
Washington  entered  the  city  by  the  Bowery,  the  only  road  at  this  time, 
accompanied  by  bis  friends  and  the  citizens  in  general  on  horse- 
back :  at  an  appointed  hour  the  British  troops  had  embarked,  and 
their  gallant  fleet  was  standing  to  sea  over  the  bay. 

The  military  of  the  American  army  w^as  under  the  command  of 
General  Knox,  w^ho  took  immediate  possession  of  the  fort,  and 
prepared  to  hoist  the  American  colours  and  fire  an  appropriate  salute. 

The  British  arms  w^ere  disgraced  by  some  underling,  in  knocking 
off  the  cleats  and  slushing  the  flag-staff*,  to  prevent  the  American 
flag  from  being  hoisted. 

The  following  is  the  statement  of  an  eye-witness.*  "I  was  on  Fort 
George,  within  two  feet  of  the  flag-staff*:  the  halyards  were  unreeved, 
the  cleats  were  knocked  off*,  the  flag-staff*  was  slushed,  and  a  sailor 
hoy  (not  a  man)  tried  three  times,  and  got  up  nbout  three  feet,  when 
he  slipped  down — some  persons  ran  to  Mr.  Goelet's,  iron  monger, 
in  Hanover-square,  (now  Pearl  street,)  and  got  a  hand-saw,  hatchet, 
hammer,  gimblets,  and  nails  ;  one  sawed  lengths  across  the  board, 
one  split  the  cleats,  and  some  bored,  until  they  had  plenty  of  them. 

"  The  sailor  boy  tied  the  halyards  around  his  waist,  filled  his  out- 
side sailor-jacket  pockets  full  of  the  cleats,  then  began  to  nail  them 
on  from  the  ground,  on  the  right  and  left  of  the  flag-staff*;  as  he 
ascended  the  flag-staff*,  he  nailed  the  cleats  on,  then  he  reeved  the 
halyards,  and  when  the  American  flag  was  then  hoisted  on  Fort 
George,  a  salute  was  fired  of  thirteen  rounds  immediately,  and 
three  cheers  were  given. 


*  N.  Y.  Commercial  Advertiser  of  June  30th,  1831. 


CONSTITUTION  FORMED.  233 

"  It  took  near  one  hour  before  we  could  hoist  our  American  stan- 
dard ;  at  the  time  we  were  preparing  to  hoist  it,  the  river  was 
covered  with  boats  filled  with  soldiers  to  embark  on  board  the 
shipping  that  lay  at  anchor  in  the  North  river — the  boats  at  the 
time  lay  on  their  oars,  sterns  to  shore  ;  observing  us  hoisting  our 
colours,  they  kept  perfect  silence  during  this  time.  When  our 
salute  of  thirteen  guns  was  fired,  the  boats  rowed  off  to  their 
shipping." 

The  writer  was  engaged  in  other  parts  of  the  show  until  evening, 
when  the  American  commander-in-chief  took  up  his  head-quarters 
at  the  tavern  known  as  Black  Sam's,  and  there  continued  until  the 
4th  of  December  1783.  At  noon  on  that  day  the  officers  met  at 
Francis's  tavern,  corner  of  Queen  street  and  Broad  street ;  a  house 
known  since  for  many  years  as  a  French  boarding-house,  the  name 
of  Queen  street  being  changed  to  Pearl.  Its  keeper,  Samuel 
Francis,  a  man  of  dark  complexion,  was  familiarly  known  as  "  Black 
Sam."  This  house  was  the  quarters  of  the  general,  and  when  the 
officers  had  assembled,  their  beloved  leader  entered  the  room,  and, 
after  addressing  them  in  a  few  words,  he  concluded,  by  saying,  "  I 
cannot  come  to  each  of  you  to  take  leave,  but  shall  be  obliged  to 
you  if  you  will  come  and  take  me  by  the  hand."  Knox  who  had 
served  with  him  from  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  was  the 
first  to  experience  the  parting  grasp  of  the  hero's  hand  ;  and,  in 
turn,  all  present,  in  silence,  pressed  that  hand  which  had  guided  a 
nation  through  the  storms  of  war,  and  was  destined  to  rule  its  des- 
tinies durinf::  an  unknown  futurity.  Leaving  the  room,  he  passed 
through  a  line  of  his  brave  soldiers  to  Whitehall,  where  he  entered 
the  barge  waiting  for  him.  He  turned  to  the  assembled  multitude, 
waved  his  hat,  and  thus  bid  them  a  silent  adieu,  as  they  then 
thought  forever. 

Congress  was  sitting  then  at  Annapolis,  and  he  hasted  to  de- 
posit in  the  hands  of  those  from  whom  he  had  received  it  in  the  year 
1775,  his  commission  of  commander-in  chief  of  the  American 
forces. 

From  thence  he  flew  to  enjoy  as  a  private  citizen  the  blessing  of 
a  home  and  family  at  Mount  Vernon,  v/ith  the  admiration  of  a 
world.  Here  he  continued  as  Farmer  Washington,  until  called  by 
the  voice  of  his  country  to  a  convention  for  the  amendment  of  the 
government  founded  by  the  old  confederacy  of  sovereign   states. 

The  convention  was  held  at  Annapolis,  in  September  1786,  and 
resulted  only  in  holding  a  convention  in  Philadelphia  in  May  1787  ; 
this  convention  immediately  adopted  the  principles  of  the  declara- 
tion of  independence,  and  George  Washington  as  their  president. 
On  the  17th  of  September,  1787,  the  constitution  under  which  we 
have  lived  was  announced  to  the  people. 

VOL.  II.  30 


234  WASHINGTON  THE  FIRST  PRESIDENT. 

To  become  the  fundamental  la^v  of  the  land,  nine  of  the  states 
were  requh-ed  to  adopt  it.  Massachusetts  was  the  last  of  the  nine, 
but  George  Washington  was  the  name  which  all  the  people,  whether 
federalist  or  anti-federalist  as  they  were  then  called,  pronounced  as 
the  president. 

Although  the  new  government  was  to  commence  its  operations 
on  the  4th  of  March  17S9,  a  house  of  representatives  was  not 
formed  until  the  first,  nor  a  senate  until  the  sixth,  of  April.  At 
length  the  votes  for  president  and  vice-president  were  counted  in 
the  senate.  Washington  was  unanimously  called  to  the  chief  ma- 
gistracy of  the  nation.  The  second  number  of  votes  was  given  to 
John  Adams.  Washington  and  Adams  were  therefore  declared 
to  be  duly  elected  president  and  vice-president  of  the  United  States, 
to  serve  for  four  years  from  the  4th  of  March  1789.  Washington's 
election  was  announced  to  him  at  Mount  Vernon,  on  the  14th  of 
April.  On  the  second  day  after  receiving  notice  of  his  appoint- 
ment, he  departed  for  New  York,  then  the  seat  of  government. 

In  an  entry  made  by  himself  in  his  diary,  his  feelings  on  the 
occasion  are  thus  described  : — "  About  ten  o'clock  I  bade  adieu 
to  Mount  Vernon,  to  private  life,  and  to  domestick  felicity ;  and 
with  a  mind  oppressed  with  more  anxious  and  painful  sensations 
than  I  have  words  to  express,  set  out  for  New  York,  in  company 
with  Mr.  Thompson  and  Colonel  Humphreys,  with  the  best  dispo- 
sitions to  render  service  to  my  country  in  obedience  to  its  call,  but 
with  less  hope  of  answering  its  expectations."* 

His  progress  to  New  York  was  one  triumph.  The  City  Hall 
had  been  new  modelled  by  Major  Lenfant,  for  the  reception  of  the 
first  congress  under  the  new  constitution.  His  reception  at  New 
York  was  that  of  a  friend  and  conqueror.  *'  The  display  of  boats," 
he  says,  in  his  private  journal,  "  which  attended  and  joined  on  this 
occasion,  some  with  vocal  and  others  with  instrumental  musick  on 
board,  the  decorations  of  the  ships,  the  roar  of  cannon,  and  the 
loud  acclamations  of  the  people,  which  rent  the  skies  as  I  passed 
along  the  wharves,  filled  my  mind  with  sensations  as  painful  (con- 
templating the  reverse  of  this  scene,  which  may  be  the  case,  after 
all  my  labours  to  do  good,)  as  they  were  pleasing."*  What  a  con- 
trast is  this  to  the  words  of  Armstrong,  in  a  letter  addressed  to 
Gates,  dated  April  7, 17S9,  in  which,  after  alluding  to  the  election 
of  Washington  and  Adams,  he  saj^s  :  "  All  the  world  here  and  else- 
where, are  busy  in  collecting  flowers  and  sweets  of  every  kind,  to 
amaze  and  delight  him,  in  his  approach  and  at  his  arrival ;  and  even 
Roger  Sherman  has  set  his  head  at  work  to  devise  some  style  of 
address  more  novel  and  dignified  than  '  excellency.'     Yet,  in  the 


*  Marshall's  Washington,  (2d  ed.)  Vol.  II,  pp.  138-139. 
t  Ibid.  p.  142. 


HIS  RECEPTION  IN  NEW  YORK.  285 

midst  of  all  this  admiration,  there  are  scepticks  who  douht  its  pro- 
priety, and  wits  who  amuse  themselves  with  its  extravagance.  The 
first  will  grumble,  and  the  last  will  laugh,  and  the  President  should 
be  prepared  to  meet  the  attacks  of  both  with  firmness  and  good 
nature.  A  caricature  has  already  appeared,  called  '  The  Entry,' 
full  of  very  disloyal  and  profane  allusions.  It  represents  the  Gene- 
ral mounted  on  an  ass,  and  in  the  arras  of  his  mulatto  man,  Billy, 
— Humphreys  leading  the  jack,  and  chaunting  hosannas  and  birth- 
day odes.     The  following  couplet  makes  the  motto  of  this  device  : 

'  The  glorious  time  has  come  to  pass, 
When  David  shall  conduct  an  ass.' 

I  mention  this  circumstance  only  to  illustrate  my  position,  that  wit 
spares  nothing — neither  Washington  nor  God — and  that  the  former, 
like  the  latter,  will  have  something  to  suffer,  and  much  to  forgive.'** 

On  the  22d  of  April,  the  common  council  of  New  York  passed 
the  following  resolution  :  "Whereas,  this  board  have  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  a  very  great  proportion  of  the  citizens  are  earnestly  desi- 
rous to  illuminate  their  houses  on  the  evening  of  the  arrival  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  as  a  testimony  of  their  joy  on  that 
interesting  event,  and  that  preparations  are  already  made  for  that 
purpose  ;  it  is  therefore  recommended  to  the  citizens  to  illuminate 
their  houses  from  the  hour  of  seven  to  nine,  in  full  confidence  that 
every  act  of  violence  and  disorder  will  be  avoided,  and  the  utmost 
attention  paid  to  guard  againsl  accidents  by  fire ;  and  it  is  hereby 
required  of  the  constables  and  marshals  to  exert  the  utmost  vigi- 
lance in  the  preservation  of  peace  and  good  order,  and  that  all  good 
citizens  will  be  aiding  therein  :  and  it  is  further  recommended,  that 
the  bells  of  all  the  churches  and  other  public  buildings  commence 
ringing,  on  the  president's  landing,  and  continue  for  half  an  hour." 
And  .£16  were  ordered  to  General  Malcolm  to  provide  gunpowder 
for  the  militia  on  the  president's  arrival. 

On  the  27th  of  April,  an  address  was  read  in  the  board,  prepared 
by  the  mayor,  Mr.  James  Duane,  at  the  request  of  the  corporation, 
to  be  presented  to  the  new  president.  They  offer  their  affec- 
tionate congratulations  on  his  arrival.  They  express  their  high 
veneration  of  his  character — exalted  sense  of  his  services — convic- 
tion that  the  greatest  trust  a  free  people  can  confer,  has  been  com- 
mitted to  one  qualified  for  its  discharge.     They  compHment  him 


*  Gates'  Papers  in  Library  of  N.  Y.  Hist.  Soc.  In  another  letter  of  Armstrong's 
to  Gates,  of  October  4,  same  year,  he  says:  "  The  appointments  are  pretty  well 
thought  of  in  general.  Jay,  Jefferson,  and  Hamilton,  are  all  very  able  men,  and 
promise  as  much  as  any  men  could  do  for  the  honour,  consistency,  and  firmness  of 
the  government.  I  am  glad  that  he  has  got  into  such  good  hands ;  for  else  he  must 
have  remained  in  those  of  Knox  and  Humphreys." 


236  HIS  RECEPTION  IN  NEW  YORK. 

on  the  recollection  of  former  servipes,  and  especially  on  his  retreat 
from  the  head  of  a  victorious  army  to  the  shades  of  private  life — 
they  express  their  pious  gratitude  for  those  circumstances  which 
have  constrained  him  by  motives  of  patriotism  to  re-engage  in  the 
arduous  duties  of  a  public  station — they  rejoice  to  be  placed  under 
the  protection  of  one  they  have  long  revered  as  the  father  of  his 
country ;  and  consider  the  unanimity  which  prevailed  in  his  elec- 
tion as  a  presage  of  the  stability  of  the  government — anticipating 
blessings  to  the  country  in  peace,  under  his  auspices,  as  it  had  been 
triumphant  in  w^ar,  etc.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  wait  upon 
the  president  to  know  when  he  would  receive  the  address. 

On  May  the  13th,  the  President  of  the  United  States  answered 
to  the  address.  He  expresses  gratitude  and  satisfaction  therewith 
— diffidence  of  his  abilities — thankfulness  to  Heaven  that  he  has 
been  the  instrument  of  service  to  his  country — claims  no  merit  in 
retiring  from  the  army,  but  is  happy  his  motives  have  been  duly 
appreciated — fears  the  partiality  of  his  country  induces  them  to 
expect  too  much  from  him,  but  hopes  success  from  the  unanimity 
apparent. 


TREATY  OF  PEACE.  237 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Treaty  of  peace — Events  intermediate  between  the  peace  and  adoption 
of  Federal  Constitution — Settlement  of  boundaries  of  Neiu  York — 
Population  of  the  state — Shaifs  rebellion  in  Massachisetts — Con- 
vention  to  form  Constitution — Motives  for  it  and  its  origin — Con- 
stitution of  the  United  States  and  its  construction — Parties  for  and 
against  it — Doctor'' s  mob — Convention  to  consider  adoption  of  Co7i- 
stitution — Proceedings  and  debates  in  convention — Constitution 
adopted —  Conclusion, 

The  events  during  the  period  intervening  between  the  conclu- 
sion of  peace  with  Great  Britain,  in  1783,  and  the  adoption  of  the 
Federal  Constitution  by  the  state  of  New  York,  have  only  been  cur- 
sorily alluded  to  in  the  preceding  chapter.  Something  more  minute 
and  in  detail  as  to  this  important  epoch  in  our  civil  and  political 
history  seems  to  be  required,  ere  we  can  arrive  at  the  completion 

of  our  labours. 
1783         On  the  10th  of  April,  the  treaty  of  peace  as  respected  the 

preliminary  articles,  was  published.  The  American  commis- 
sioners were,  John  Adams,  Benjamin  Franklin,  John  Jay,  and  Henry 
Laurens,  as  before  stated.  It  was  agreed  by  England  to  acknowledge 
the  former  colonies  to  be  free,  sovereign,  and  independent  states  ; 
the  reUnquishing  all  claims,  and  agreeing  to  the  boundaries  from  the 
north-west  angle  of  Nova  Scotia,  formed  by  a  line  drawn  due  north 
from  the  source  of  St.  Croix  River,  to  the  Highlands  ;  along  the  said 
Highlands  (which  divide  the  rivers  falling  into  the  St.  Lawrence 
from  those  falling  into  the  Atlantic)  to  the  north-westernmost  head 
of  Connecticut  River ;  thence  down  along  the  middle  of  the  river  to 
the  45th  degree  of  north  latitude :  thence  by  a  line  drawn  due  west  on 
said  latitude  to  the  river  Iroquois  or  Cataraquy ;  thence  along  the  mid- 
dle of  said  river  into  Lake  Ontario  and  through  the  middle  thereof 
and  the  middle  of  Niagara  straits  and  Lake  Erie,  and  the  waters 
dividing  Erie  from  Huron,  and  the  middle  of  Huron  and  Supe- 
riour  northward  of  the  Isles  Royal  and  Philipeaux  to  Long  Lake, 
and  through  the  middle  of  Long  Lake  and  Lake  of  the  Woods  to 
the  north-western  point  thereof;  thence  due  west  to  the  Mississippi 
River  and  through  the  middle  of  that  river  until  it  shall  intersect 


288  TREATY  OF  PEACE. 

the  northernmost  part  of  the  31^st  degree  of  north  latitude,  south 
by  a  line  due  east  from  the  determination  of  the  last  mentioned  to 
the  middle  of  the  river  i\palachicola  or  Catahouche,  through  the 
middle  thereof  to  its  junction  with  Flint  River;  thence  straight  to 
St.  Mary's  River,  and  through  the  middle  thereof  to  the  Atlantick. 
East  by  a  line  drawn  along  the  middle  of  St.  Croix  River  from  its 
mouth  in  the  Bay  of  Fundy  to  its  source,  and  from  its  source 
directly  north  to  said  Highlands,  dividing  the  waters  falling  into  the 
St.  Lawrence  from  those  falling  into  the  Atlantick,  as  aforesaid : 
with  all  islands  within  twenty  leagues  of  any  part  of  the  shore  of 
the  United  States,  lying  between  lines  to  be  drawn  due  east  from 
the  points  where  the  aforesaid  boundaries  betw-een  Nova  Scotia  on 
the  one  part  and  East  Florida  on  the  other  shall  respectively  touch 
the  Bay  of  Fundy  and  the  Atlantick  Ocean.  Excepting  such 
islands  as  nov/  are  or  heretofore  have  been  within  the  hmits  of  Nova 
Scotia.  The  right  to  take  fish  on  the  Grand  Banks  and  other 
banks  of  Newfoundland  and  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  and  the  Sea 
is  conceded  ;  and  on  the  coast  of  Newfoundland  and  in  all  bays, 
harbours,  etc.,  of  the  dominions  of  England  in  America,  and  to  dry 
and  cure  fish  on  the  unsettled  parts  of  said  coast.  Creditors  on 
either  part  are  secured.  Congress  shall  recommerid  to  the  respec- 
tive states  to  restore  confiscated  estates,  and  to  respect  the  rights  of 
persons  who  have  resided  in  districts  possessed  by  the  English 
armies,  and  have  not  borne  arms  against  the  United  States,  and  all 
others  shall  have  liberty  to  go  to  and  fro  and  remain  unmolested 
twelve  months.  No  further  confiscations  to  be  made.  Perpetual 
peace  is  stipulated  ;  the  liberation  of  prisoners  ;  and  evacuation  of 
all  places,  and  foits  to  be  restored  by  the  English,  and  all  records, 
deeds,  and  papers.  The  navigation  of  the  River  Mississippi  to  be 
free  to  subjects  of  both  parties.  Any  places  conquered  by  ehher 
party  before  the  arrival  of  these  articles  in  America  to  be  restored. 
Signed  by  Richard  Oswald  for  Great  Britain,  and  for  the  United 
States  by  those  above  named. 

Sir  Guy  Carleton  insisted  that  it  was  not  meant  by  England  to 
restore  negroes  to  their  former  owners,  who  had  joined  the  British 
under  promise  of  iVeedom. 

At  12  o'clock  of  the  19th  of  April,  the  day  that  terminated  the 
eighth  year  of  the  war,  the  cessation  of  hostilities  was  proclaimed 
in  the  army  by  order  of  General  Washington. 

In  July,  Congress  met  at  Princeton,  New  Jersey.  General 
Washington  went  as  far  north  as  Crown  Point,  and  on  his  return 
took  up  his  residence  at  Rocky  Hill,  to  be  near  congress — where, 
in  September,  I  had  the  honour  and  pleasure  of  attempting  to  paint 
his  portrait  in  crayons,  when  I  was  seventeen  years  and  eight  months 
of  age,  and  of  frequenting  his  residence  at  breakfast  and  dinner  and 
all  hours  for  some  weeks.     On  the  second  of  November,  General 


SETTLEMENT  OF  BOUiN'DAllIES  OF  NEW  YORK.  239 

Washington  Issued  his  farewell  orders  to  the  armies  of  the  United 
Slates  from  head-quarters,  Rocky  Hill.  He  resided  in  the  family 
mansion  of  the  late  Mr.  Berrien. 

Sir  Guy  Carleton  received  his  orders  to  evacuate  New  York  in 
August,  and  communicated  them  to  Congress.  Some  fears  were 
apprehended  of  violence  towards  the  tories,  and  threats  appeared. 
However,  Sir  Guy  appointed  the  25th  of  November  for  the  day 

of  evacuation.* 
1786  In  this  year,  Rittenhouse  was  engaged  in  defining  and 
and  settling  the  division  line  between  the  states  of  New 
York  and  Pennsylvania — a  line  designated  [)y  the  43d  parallel  of 
latitude.  He  likewise  determined  the  demarkatlon  of  a  territory, 
the  right  of  the  soil  in  which  the  state  of  Massacliuseits  had  ac- 
cepted in  lieu  of  a  contested  claim,  both  to  the  land  and  the  juris- 
diction of  a  large  part  of  the  state  of  New  York.  This  latter  duty 
was  assigned  to  him  by  congress,  who  found  it  necessary  to  inter- 
fere in  the  dispute.  The  original  grant  by  which  Massachusetts 
claimed,  was  only  limited  by  the  Paclfick Ocean.  The  occupation 
of  both  banks  of  the  Hudson  by  the  Dutch  when  New  Netherland 
was  ceded  to  England  by  the  treaty  of  Breda,  and  subsequent  events, 
vested  this  territory  in  the  province  of  New  York,  and  of  course  in 
the  state  of  New  York  after  the  revolution  ;  but  Massachusetts 
claimed  that  the  cession  could  only  affect  such  parts  of  New  York 
as  were  actually  settled  at  the  time  of  the  treaty,  and  that  the  whole 
of  the  territory  west  of  them  reverted  to  the  holders  of  the  prior 
grant.  She  however  finally  agreed  to  accept  in  lieu  of  this  claim, 
the  property  of  a  territory  divided  from  the  rest  of  the  state  of  New 
York  by  a  meridian  line  drawn  northward  from  a  point  in  the  nor- 
thern boundary  of  Pennsylvania,  distant  eighty-two  miles  from  the 
Delaware  River.  The  determinations  necessary  to  set  off  this 
territory  (out  of  which  certain  reservations  were  made)  were  made 
by  Rittenhouse,  and  were  the  last  in  which  he  was  engaged. 

In  this  year,  the  population  of  the  city  of  New  York  was  23,614. 
That  of  Long  Island,  30,863.  That  of  the  state  of  New  York, 
233,896.     Long  Island  being  equal  to  one-seventh  of  the  state. 

The  necessity  for  a  government  of  more  power,  and  an  union  of 
the  states  different  from  that  which  had  barely  sufficed  to  carry  them 
through  the  war  with  Britain,  was  seen  among  other  afflicting  cir- 
cumstances, by  the  agitations  of  the  New  England  states,  and  par- 
ticularly Massachusetts.  Men  met  in  conventions  and  in  more 
tumultuous  assemblies,  and  opposed  the  law,  the  judges,  and  courts 


*  For  STATE  of  the  Union  at  the  beginning  of  1783,  and  the  causes,  see  2d  vol. 
Marshall's  Washington,  2d  edit.  p.  75.  Washington's  Letter  to  the  governours  of 
the  several  states,  p.  80.  For  revenue  system  and  conduct  of  New  York,  see 
pp.  91,92. 


240  shay's  rebellion. 

of  judicature.  The  friends  o(  the  country  mourned  or  were 
astonished  at  the  licentiousness  evinced  by  the  young,  the  thought- 
less, the  idle,  among  the  people.  Congress  saw  the  necessity  of 
increasing  the  United  States  army,  if  so  few  might  be  so  called, 
and  raised  2,500.  General  Knox  then  secretary  at  war,  was  sent 
to  Springfield.  Greene,  much  lamented,  died  this  year  in  Georgia. 
Some  of  the  malcontents  in  Massachusetts  avowed  a  wish  for  .an 
union  with  Great  Britain  ;  and  it  was  thought  that  Vermont  was 
negotiating  with  Canada.  The  wise  and  virtuous  said,  '*  Let  us 
have  a  government  by  which  our  lives,  liberties,  and  properties  may 
be  secured."  *-New  York,"  says  Marshall,  "had  given  her  final 
veto  to  the  impost  system."    The  confederation  was  expiring  "from 

mere  debility." 
1787  Congress  were  relieved  from  the   embarrassment  they 

were  in  respecting  the  call  of  a  convention,  by  a  vote  of  the 
state  of  New  York,  "  which  passed  in  the  senate  by  only  one  voice," 
instructing  its  delegates  to  move  a  resolution  recommending  to  the 
several  states  to  appoint  deputies  to  meet  in  convention  for  the  pur- 
pose of  revising  and  proposing  amendments  to  the  Federal  consti- 
tution ;  and  upon  the  21st  of  February,  the  day  succeeding  the 
instructions  given  by  New  York  on  the  subject,  congress  declared 
it  to  be  expedient  that  on  the  second  Monday  of  May  then  next,  a 
convention  of  delegates  appointed  by  the  states  be  held  at  Phila- 
delphia. 

During  the  preceding  winter  the  insurgents  in  Massachusetts  had 
assembled  in  arms  and  endeavoured  to  gain  possession  of  the  arsenal 
at  Springfield,  and  were  repulsed  by  a  party  guarding  it,  and  some 
lives  were  lost.  The  troops  of  the  Union,  and  the  militia  called  out, 
were  commanded  by  General  Lincoln,  and  by  vigorous  measures 
he  succeeded  in  quelling  what  has  descended  to  us  as  "  Shay  s  Re- 
bellion," from  the  name  of  the  insurgent  leader.  This  unpro- 
voked rebellion  made  men  more  anxious  for  the  formation  of  a 
government  adequate  to  their  protection. 

The  pressure  from  without  being  withdrawn  by  the  peace  of 
1783,  the  ebullitions  within  daily  increased,  and  the  confederacy 
which  had  gained  a  triumph  over  injustice,  and  still  had  the  semblance 
of  binding  the  states,  was  in  danger  of  bursting  asunder  and  scattering 
in  ruins  the  precious  germ  of  republicanism,  to  which  the  philan- 
thropists of  Europe  looked  with  hope.  The  foes  of  America  saw 
with  pleasure  the  convulsive  throes  of  the  fabrick  they  hated.  The 
wise  patriots  of  the  United  States  had  long  called  for  a  union  more 
powerful  than  had  sufficed  for  a  state  of  war.  At  length  Virginia 
in  1786,  called  upon  the  states  for  a  national  convention,  to  regu- 
late commerce  with  foreign  nations.  The  proposal  was  gladly 
received  by  five  of  the  states,  whose  delegates,  as  we  have  seen, 


CONVENTION  TO  FORM  CONSTITUTION.  241 

met  at  Annapolis,  in  September  of  the  same  year.  This  small  con- 
vention only  concurred  in  the  necessity  of  a  strong  application  to 
cono^ress,  for  a  general  meeting  of  delegates  from  all  the  states,  to 
devise  such  provisions  as  would  render  tfie  federal  government  ade- 
quate to  the  exigences  of  a  great  people. 
1787  Congress  felt  the  necessity.     A  general  convention  was 

recommended,  and  all  the  states  appointed  delegates,  ex- 
cept Rhode  Island.  It  was  an  awful  crisis  in  the  history  of  self 
government,  when  they  met  for  deliberation  at  Philadelphia,  in 
May. 

The  convention  assembled  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  second  Mon- 
day of  May  in  this  year.  The  following  is  a  list  of  such  of  the 
members  as  ultimately  signed  the  constitution. 

New  Hampshire. — John  Langdon  and  Nicholas  Oilman. 

Massachusetts. — Nathaniel  Gorham,  RufusKing. 

Connecticut. — William  vSamuel  Johnson,  Roger  Sherman. 

Neiv  York. — Alexander  Hamilton. 

Neiv  Jersey. — William  Livingston,  David  Brearley,  William 
Patterson,  Jonathan  Dayton. 

Pennsylvania. — Benjamin  Franklin,  Thomas  Mifflin,  Robert 
Morris,  George  Clymer,  Thomas  Fitzsimmons,  Jared  Ingersoll, 
James  Wilson,  Governeur  Morris. 

Delaware. — George  Read,  Gunning  Bedford,  jun.,  John  Dick- 
inson, Jacob  Broom. 

Maryland. — James  McHenry,  Daniel  of  St.  Tho.,  Jennifer, 
Daniel  Carroll. 

Virginia. — George  Washington,  John  Blair,  James  Madison, 
jun. 

N.  Carolina. — William  Blount,  Richard  Dobbs  Spaight,  Hugh 
Williamson. 

S.  Carolina. — John  Rutledge,  Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney, 
Charles  Pinckney,  Pierce  Butler. 

Georgia. — William  Few,  Abraham  Baldwin. 

Rhode  Island  made  no  appointment ;  and  of  three  appointed  by 
New  York,  Robert  Yates  and  John  Lansing  did  not  sign.  The 
delegates  from  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  and  South  Carolina,  all 
signed  ;  not  so  from  the  other  states. 

It  may  be  further  remarked  of  this  convention,  that  George 
Washington  was  unanimously  chosen  to  preside  ;  that  in  the  plan  of 
constitution  laid  before  them  by  Charles  Cotesworth  Pinckney,  the 
coining  money,  and  issuing  bills  of  credit,  was  denied  to  any  indivi- 
dual state,  and  nothing  but  gold,  silver,  and  copper;  could  be  made  a 
tender  for  debts  ;  and  that  Alexander  Hamilton,  in  a  paper  read  by 
him  to  the  convention,  advocated  as  the  supreme  executive  autho- 
rity of  the  United  States,  a  governour  for  life,  or  good  behaviour, 
and  a  senate,  elected  by  electors,  chosen  by  the  people,  and  like- 

31 


242  ORGANIZATION  OP  FEDERAL  GOVERNMENT. 

wise  for  life,  or  good  behaviour>  This  plan  of  Hamilton,  is  not 
noticed  in  the  journals.  It  was  not  offered  by  him  for  discussion, 
but  was  read  by  him  as  part  of  a  speech,  observiug,  that  he  did  not 
mean  it  as  a  proposition,  but  only  to  give  a  more  correct  view  of 
his  ideas. 

The  states  saw  the  importance  of  this  convention,  at  least, 
so  far,  that  on  it  depended  every  blessing  which  was  to  flow 
from  the  previous  suffering,  and  resistance  to  British  aggres- 
sion. They  sent  their  best  and  wisest  men  as  delegates  to  the  im- 
portant meeting.  When  the  people  saw  to  whom  the  framing  of  a 
government  was  entrusted,  they  felt  confidence,  and  looked  with 
reliance  to  the  result.     They  were  not  disappointed. 

The  deliberation  of  the  convention  continued  some  months.  At 
length  a  plan  was  promulgated,  which  now  forms  the  government 
of  the  United  States,  and  has  for  the  last  half  century,  given  to  the 
people,  an  unexampled  state  of  happiness,  and  an  advancement  in 
all  the  arts  of  civilization,  equal,  if  not  superiour,  to  any  thing  which 
has  heretofore  been  developed. 

The  plan  formed  by  this  great  convention,  w^as  directed  to  be 
submitted  to  conventions  of  delegates  chosen  by  the  people  at  large, 
of  each  state.  The  consent  of  the  people,  the  only  true  foundation 
of  government,  was  to  be  the  basis  on  which  the  fabrick  of  our  con- 
stitution was  to  rest.  The  best  and  wisest  of  each  state,  were,  we 
must  presume,  selected  to  scrutinize  and  discuss  every  proposition 
laid  before  them  by  this  general  convention.  Conflicting  views  and 
interests,  caused  long  deliberation  within  the  walls  of  each  state 
convention  ;  and  private  debate,  with  individual  opinion,  caused 
the  presses  of  the  union  to  submit  a  variety  of  views  on  the  sub- 
ject. Near  a  year  elapsed  before  the  plan  was  agreed  to  by  the 
number  of  states,  required  by  its  provisions  lo  render  it  a  con- 
federation, and  a  legal  constitution  for  future  government.  Nine 
states  of  the  original  thirteen  were  requisite  ;  and  Massachusetts 
was  the  ninth  that  assented.  Virginia  and  New  York,  had  not  yet 
determined  ;  but  very  soon  followed  the  example.  The 
1789  Federal  government  was  organized,  and  on  the  4th  of 
March,  1789,  the  man  of  the  people  was  inaugurated  as  the 
first  president  of  the  United  States,  in  front  of  the  City  Hall,  Wall 
street.  New  York  ;  and  in  the  presence  of  the  people  convened  to 
behold  the  simple  dignity  of  the  ceremony,  who,  (as  the  building 
faced  on  Broad  street,  open  to  view  for  half  a  mile,  and  the  oath 
was  administered  in  the  balcony  of  the  building,)  witnessed  a  dele- 
gation of  power  given  to  one  man,  far  transcending  the  power  of 
an  English  monarch,  but  without  a  genuflection  or  mark  of  servility, 
without  any  of  that  degrading  pomp,  or  blasphemous  profession, 
which  is  thought  necessary  on  similar  European  ceremonies,  to 
awe,  or  please,  or  mislead  the  multitude.     The  man  was  invested 


CONSTITUTION   OF    THE   UNITED  STATES.  243 

with  kingly  power,  for  the  acknowledged  purpose  of  serving  his 
fellow  citizens :  he  was  to  hold  that  power  for  the  limited  term  of 
four  years  :  he  was  responsible  to  those  who  elected  him  for  his 
conduct :  and  he,  in  their  presence,  swore  to  maintain  the  consti- 
tution they  had  chosen  for  their  own  and  his  government. 

North  Carolina  and  Rhode  Island,  withheld  their  assent  to  the 
plan  of  the  convention  for  some  time  ;  but  in  the  month  of  June, 
1790,  the  constitution  had  received  the  unanimous  ratification  of 
the  people  of  every  state.  A  complete  revolution  of  the  most  mo- 
mentous nature  took  place,  without  riot,  tumult,  or  hostile  move- 
ment of  any  description,  buton  the  contrary,  with  every  demonstra- 
tion of  joy  and  perfect  amity.  It  was  a  revolution,  which  is  a 
source  of  pride  in  the  contemplation,  as  great  as  it  is  of  felicity  in 
the  progress. 

I  will  now  briefly  consider  the  structure  of  the  government  which 
included  New  York,  in  its  beneficent  circle  of  influence  ;  and  then 
detail  the  proceedings  of  the  state  convention,  which  discussed  its 
provisions,  and  finally  adopted  them. 

The  power  of  making  laws  for  the  union,  is  by  the  constitution 
entrusted  to  congress  :  and  the  separation  between  that  and  the 
other  branches  of  the  government,  required  and  received  very 
marked  distinction.  The  legislative  power  resides  in  one  branch, 
the  executive  in  another,  and  the  judicial  in  a  third.  The  one  hap- 
pily balancing  the  other,  and  preserving  harmonious  movement  in 
the  whole  machine.  The  constitution  not  only  provides  for  this 
harmony,  but  defines  the  general  powers  and  duties  of  each  of  those 
departments.* 

The  constituent  powders  of  congress  for  legislation  are  granted 
to  a  senate  and  house  of  representatives.  The  division  into  two 
separate  houses  was  dictated  by  the  experience  of  our  English  an- 
cestors, and  has  been  happily  confirmed  as  a  most  wise  and  efficient 
provision  ofour  own,  by  ourown  experience.  The  object  of  a  separa- 
tion of  the  legislature  into  two  parts,  with  co-ordinate  powers,  destroys 
most  of  the  evils  arising  from  sudden  and  violent  excitement ; — 
''  passion,  caprice,  prejudice,  personal  influence  and  party  intrigue," 
which  influence  single  assemblies,  in  a  measure  lose  their  effect 
when  a  rival  body  has  the  right  to  reconsider  their  dictates,  and 
remedy  the  evils  they  would  otherwise  have  inflicted. 

As  the  states  are  each  (under  constitutional  restraints,)  a  sove- 
reign, the  senate  is  composed  of  an  equal  number  of  representatives 
from  each  without  reference  to  population.    Thus  each  confederated 


See  Kent's  Comm.,  Vol.  I.     I  have  in  the  following  pages  borrowed  largely 
and  freely  from  the  learned  commentator  on  American  Law. 


244  CONSTITUTION  OF    THE  UNITED  STATES. 

sovereign  state  has  an  equal  voice  in  the  upper  house  of  congress  : 
each  state  sending  two  delegates.^  By  the  law  of  nations,  every  in- 
dependent community  is  equal.  During  the  half  century  that  the 
senate  has  watched  over  the  liberties  of  America,  it  has  increased 
with  the  growth  of  the  country  from  twenty-six  members  to  fifty-two, 
representing  twenty-six  sovereignties  instead  of  the  original  thirteen. 
The  senators  by  the  consdtution  are  to  be  chosen  by  the  legisla- 
tures of  the  several  states,  who  are  to  prescribe  the  dmes,  manner, 
and  place  of  elections.  In  New  York,  it  has  been  settled  that  they 
shall  be  chosen  by  joint  vote  or  ballot  of  the  two  houses  of  her 
legislature,  in  case  they  cannot  seperately  concur  in  a  choice.  A 
more  mature  age  is  required  as  a  qualification  for  a  senator  than 
that  required  for  the  lower  house ;  and  it  is  presumed  that  he 
will  entertain  more  enlarged  views  of  public  policy,  will  feel  a 
higher  sense  of  national  character,  and  a  greater  regard  for  sta- 
bility in  the  administration  of  the  government  than  the  more  nume- 
rous assembly  of  younger  statesmen,  who  come  more  immediately 
from  the  people,  and  hold  their  seats  for  a  shorter  Ume. 

The  members  of  the  senate  are  divided  into  three  classes  :  the 
seats  of  one  class  are  vacated  every  second  year  :  thus  one  third 
are  chosen  every  two  years.  The  classes  whose  term  of  service  was 
in  the  first  instance  so  reduced  as  to  be  only  two  or  four  instead  of 
six  years,  were  determined  at  the  commencement  of  the  govern- 
ment by  lot.  The  vice-president  of  the  United  States  is  president 
of  the  senate  ;  but  has  no  vote  unless  on  an  equal  division  of  the 
house.  (It  is  now  established  that  he  shall  decide  every  question 
of  order  without  debate,  subject  to  an  appeal  to  the  senate.)  Every 
senator  is  elected  for  six  years,  and  must  be  thirty  years  of  age, 
and  nine  years  a  citizen  of  the  United  States,  being  an  inhabitant 
at  the  time  of  his  election  of  the  state  for  which  he  is  chosen.  The 
English  policy  is  in  my  opinion  much  wiser,  that  no  alien  born  can 
become  a  member  of  parliament. 

The  house  of  representatives  is  composed  of  members  chosen 
every  second  year  by  the  people  of  the  several  states  who  are 
qualified  electors  of  the  most  numerous  branch  of  the  legislature 
oi  that  state.  He  must  be  twenty-five  years  of  age,  and  have  been 
seven  years  a  citizen  of  the  United  States,  being  an  inhabitant  at 
the  time  of  his  election,  of  the  state  in  which  he  is  chosen.  In 
this  case,  as  in  that  of  the  senator,  he  should  be  a  native.* 


*  At  this  period  (time  has  produced  the  result)  no  other  than  a  native  citizen 
can  be  elected  president  of  the  United  States.  By  the  new  constitution  of  this 
state  (1821)  the  governour  must  be  a  native  of  the  United  States.  The  old  con- 
stitution (1777)  did  not  require  that  qualification.  The  necessity  of  such  limita- 
tions had  not  then  been  felt 


CONSTITUTION  OF    THE  UNITED  STATES.  245 

The  constitution  of  the  slate  of  New  York  in  1777,  required 
the  electors  of  the  senate  to  be  freeholders,  and  of  the  assembly  to 
be  either  freeholders,  or  to  have  rented  a  tenement  of  the  value  of 
forty  shillings,  and  actually  paid  taxes.  By  the  constitution  of 
1821,  the  qualifications  of  electors  for  both  branches  of  the  legis- 
lature were  placed  on  the  same  footing,  and  were  reduced  almost 
to  a  shadow.  It  contained  a  provision  for  an  almost  unchecked 
license  of  alteration,  (styled  amendment.)  The  consequence  has 
been,  that  by  a  so-called  amendment,  the  principle  of  universal 
suffrage  has  been  introduced,  nearly,  if  not  quite,  to  its  full  extent. 

All  the  constitutions  for  states  formed  since  ISOO,  have  omit- 
ted to  require  any  proper  qualifications  in  an  elector.  Unless  the 
people  improve  very  rapidly,  we  shall  feel  the  ill  consequences  of 
too  much  freedom,  and  too  great  indulgence  to  foreigners. 

The  constitution  of  the  United  States  directs,  that  the  repre- 
sentatives in  the  lower  house  of  congress  be  apportioned  among 
the  states  according  to  numbers ;  which  is  determined  by  adding 
to  the  number  o^  free  persons,  including  those  bound  to  service 
for  a  number  of  years,  and  exclusive  of  Indians  not  taxed,  three 
fifths  of  all  other  persons.  The  number  of  representatives  is  limit- 
ed to  one  for  every  thirty  thousand  :  but  each  state  is  entitled  to 
at  least  one.  The  census  to  be  taken  every  ten  years,  and  the 
representatives  to  be  apportioned  accordingly  :  but  the  ratio  is 
altered  according  to  the  relative  increase  of  the  population.  The 
first  number  fixed  was  sixty-five:  the  fifth  census,  which  made 
(1831)  the  population  of  the  United  States  12,856,000  persons, 
enlarged  the  ratio  of  population  for  representation,  to  one  repre- 
sentative for  every  47,700,  and  enlarged  the  house  of  representa- 
tives to  240  members. 

By  the  constitutional  rule  of  appointment,  three  fifths  of  the 
slaves  in  the  southern  states  are  computed  in  establishing  the  appor- 
tionment of  the  representation  in  the  lower  house,  which  is  supposed 
to  be  delegated  by  they>ee  citizens  of  the  United  States.  This  is 
considered  as  a  necessary  consequence  of  the  previously  existing 
state  of  domestick  slavery  in  that  portion  of  our  country.  The  evil 
is  supposed  to  be  without  remedy.  If  so,  it  is  certainly  an  increas- 
ing evil.  The  allowing  this  constitutional  approval  of  slavery, 
and  permitting  slaves  to  form  a  part  in  the  representation  of  a 
nation  of  freemen,  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  necessary  compro- 
mise in  forming  the  federal  union,  and  to  be  in  some  measure 
balanced  by  the  rule  which  extends  direct  taxes  according  to  the 
apportionment  of  representation,  as  the  slaves  of  the  southern  states, 
while  thus  those  stntes  have  an  Increased  number  of  representatives, 
contribute  when  direct  taxation  is  resorted  to,  equally  to  increase 
the  measure  of  their  contributions.     But  the  effect  on  representa- 


246  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

tion  is  constant  and  certain  ;  direct  taxation  is  contingent  and 
probably  never  to  be  resorted  to.^ 

Each  house  of  congress  is  the  sole  judge  of  the  election  returns 
of  its  members  and  of  their  qualifications.  A  majorliy  of  each  house 
constitutes  a  quorum  to  do  business  ;  but  a  smaller  number  may 
adjourn  from  day  to  day,  and  coni])el  the  attendance  of  members. 
Each  house  determines  the  rules  of  its  proceedings,  and  can  punish 
its  members  for  disorderly  behaviour  ;  and  two  thirds  can  expel* a 
member.  Each  is  bound  to  keep  a  journal  of  its  proceedings,  and 
to  publish  such  parts  as  do  not  require  secrecy,  and  to  enter  the 
yeas  and  nays  on  the  journal  on  any  question,  when  desired  by  one 
fifth  of  the  members  present.  Members  of  both  houses  are  exempt 
from  arrest  during  attendance,  and  in  goino;  to  and  returning 
from  congress,  except  for  treason,  felony,  or  breach  of  the  peace, 
and  no  member  can  be  questioned  out  of  the  house  for  any  speech 
or  debate  therein.  It  has  been  decided  that  the  house  can  punish 
others  than  their  own  members,  for  contempt,  as  being  necessary 
to  self-preservation  ;  and  that  members  of  congress  should  be  ex- 
empt from  impeachment  and  punishment  for  acts  done  in  their  con- 
gressional capacity. 

The  house  of  representatives  has  the  exclusive  right  of  originating 
all  bills  for  raising  revenue :  the  bills  are  amendable  by  the  senate 
in  its  discretion.  The  two  houses  are  a  check  so  entire  upon  each 
other,  that  one  of  them  cannot  even  adjourn,  during  the  session  of 
congress,  for  more  than  three  days,  without  the  consent  of  the  other, 
nor  10  any  other  place  than  that  in  which  both  are  sitting. 

The  powers  of  congress  are  generally  to  provide  for  the  common 
defence  and  general  welfare  :  they  are  therefore  authorized  to  lay 
and  collect  taxes,  duties,  imposts,  and  excises,  to  borrow  money  on 
the  credit  of  the  United  States,  to  regulate  commerce  with  foreign 
nations  and  among  the  Indian  tribes,  to  declare  waj',  and  to  define 
and  punish  offences  against  the  laws  of  nations,  to  raise,  maintain 
and  govern  armies  and  a  navy,  to  organize,  arm  and  discipline  the 
militia,  and  to  give  full  efficacy  to  all  the  powers  contained  in  the 
constitution. 

The  house  of  representatives  choose  their  own  speaker :  whereas, 
as  we  have  seen,  the  president  of  the  senate  is  chosen  by  the  people, 
being  the  vice-president  of  the  United  States,  and  gives  the  casting 
vote   on   an   equal   division.     The   proceedings  and    discussions 


*  By  Section  9  of  Article  1  of  the  Constitution,  congress  was  precluded  from 
prohibiting  "  the  migration  of  such  persons  as  any  of  the  states  now  existing  shall 
think  proper  to  admit"  prior  to  180S.  Of  course  the  importation  of  slaves  from 
abroad  is  meant,  which  was  abolished  by  Act  of  Congress  of  January  1st,  1808,  and 
had  previously  been  prohibited  by  most  or  all  of  the  states  within  their  respective 
limits.     South  Carolina  was  the  last  to  renounce  the  humane  and  gainful  traffick. 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES.  247 

in  both  houses  are  publick.  Secrecy  is  not  congenial  with  repub- 
licanism. 

In  tlie  passage  oflaws.  one  day's  notice  is  required  for  leave  to 
bring  in  a  bill.  Every  bill  must  be  read  three  times  on  different 
days  before  it  can  be  passed  ;  and  no  bill  can  be  committed  or 
amended  until  after  the  second  reading.  Bills  having  been  twice 
read  in  the  house  ol  representatives,  are  taken  up  by  a  committee 
of  the  whole  house.  When  the  speaker  leaves  the  chair,  and  the 
chairman  is  appointed,  the  speaker  takes  part  in  debate.  When 
passed  through  one  house,  a  bill  is  transmitted  to  the  other, 
and  goes  through  similar  forms  ;  though  in  the  senate  a  bill  is  fre- 
quently referred  to  a  select  committee  appointed  by  ballot.  If 
altered  or  amended  in  the  house  to  which  a  bill  is  transmitted,  it  is 
returned  to  the  house  in  which  it  originated,  and  if  the  two  houses 
cannot  agree,  they  appoint  committees  to  confer  on  the  subject. 
When  a  bill  is  engrossed  and  has  passed  both  houses,  it  is  trans- 
mitted to  the  president  for  his  approbation.  If  he  signs  it,  it  is  a 
law  ;  if  he  does  not,  he  returns  it  with  his  objections  to  the  house 
in  which  it  originated:  the  objections  are  entered  on  the  journals 
of  that  house,  and  a  reconsideration  takes  place.  If  two  thirds  of 
that  house  adhere  to  the  bill,  it  is  sent  to  the  other  house,  where,  if 
approved  by  two  thirds,  it  becomes  a  law.  In  all  such  cases,  the 
votes  of  both  houses  are  determined  by  yeas  and  nays  :  the  names 
being  entered  on  the  journals.  The  president  is  entitled  to  ten 
days  for  the  consideration  of  a  bill,  and  it  must  be  returned  by  him 
within  that  time  or  it  becomes  a  law  without  his  signature,  unless  con- 
gress by  adjournment  prevents  its  return.  The  sending  of  bills  to  the 
president  within  the  last  ten  days  of  the  session,  either  shortens  the 
time  necessary  for  perusal  and  reflection,  or  gives  him  the  absolute 
power  of  rejecting  the  bill,  which  he  can  do  by  merely  retaining  it, 
without  assigning  any  reason.  The  qualified  negative  of  the  pre- 
sident is  intended  to  give  the  executive  a  constitutional  defence 
against  the  transcendent  power  of  making  laws.  The  head  of  the 
executive  department  is  secured  a  requisite  share  of  independence 
by  this  qualified  veto;  and  the  judiciary  power  resting  on  a  still 
more  permanent  basis,  has  the  right  of  determining  upon  the  con- 
stitutionality of  laws. 

In  the  English  government  the  king  has  an  absolute  negative, 
which  has  not  been  exercised  since  the  reign  of  William  III.  In- 
deed, the  king  or  queen  of  that  country  is  a  mere  phantom  with  the 
privilege  of  sensual  gratification,  while  the  power  of  the  nation  is 
wielded  by  an  aristocracy  which  bows  the  knee  in  mockery  of  the 
pageant,  whose  only  qualification  necessary  for  enthronement  is 
hereditary  descent.  Yet  it  is  blasphemously  said,  the  sovereign 
can  do  no  wrong,  by  those  who  appear  to  worship  and  really  govern. 


248  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

The  nominal  kingdom  is  a  real  aristocracy  which  is  daily  encroach- 
ed upon  by  the  people.  ^ 

The  haughty  dynasty  of  the  Tudors  were  real  monarchs,  served 
on  the  bended  knee  with  Asiatic  servility.  The  Stuarts  followed, 
and  in  succeeding  to  the  throne,  thought  they  grasped  the  same 
prerogatives  ;  but  the  people  were  awakening,  and  the  second 
tyrant  of  the  Scottish  line  was  brought  to  the  block  for  strugghng 
to  retain  that  which  he  had  been  taught  was  his  right.  The  peo- 
ple governed,  and  overthrew  aristocracy,  hierarchy,  and  monar- 
chy, but  had  not  attained  the  knowledge  requisite  to  self-govern- 
ment, and  consequently  lost^  it.  The  Stuarts  returned  and  pre- 
rogative was  asserted  again  ;  'until  after  a  struggle  of  centuries,  in 
16S8,  a  mingled  monarchy  and  aristocracy  governed,  which  has 
changed  to  the  present  aristocracy,  daily  yielding  to  the  people, 
who  still  worship  the  sovereign  and  the  lord,  although  the  first 
is  reduced  to  a  pageant,  and  the  second  is  so  intimately  blended 
with  themselves  as  scarcely  to  retain  any  of  the  sacredne^s  derived 
from  blood.  Yet  it  is  this  government  so  complicated  in  structure, 
so  guarded  by  its  laws  and  judiciary,  that  it  is  the  best  known  in 
Europe.  In  1S31,  it  is  asserted,  that  out  of  65S  members  of  which 
the  English  house  of  commons  consisted,  the  number  of  487  were 
elected  by  144  peers  and  123  commoners.  Reform  has  since 
advanced,  and  popular  elections  have  become  somewhat  more 
real. 

To  return  home.  The  powers  of  congress  as  determined  by  the 
judiciary  are,  priority  of  payment  over  other  creditors  in  cases 
of  insolvency,  or  preference  given  to  debts  due  to  the  United 
States.  The  power  to  create  a  bank.  The  right  of  pre-emption 
to  all  Indian  lands  lying  within  the  territory  of  the  United  States. 
The  title  is  in  the  United  States  by  the  treaty  of  peace  with  Great 
Britain  and  by  subsequent  cessions  from  France  and  Spain,  and 
from  the  individual  states.  Leaving  to  the  Indians  only  the  right 
of  occupancy,  the  United  States  having  an  absolute  and  exclusive 
right  to  extinguish  that  title  of  occupancy  either  by  conquest  or  pur- 
chase. "  The  title  of  the  European  nations,"  says  Chancellor 
Kent,  "  which  passed  to  the  United  States  to  this  immense  territo- 
rial empire,  was  founded  on  discovery  and  conquest,"  and  prior 
discovery  gave  this  title  to  the  soil  subject  to  the  possessory  right 
of  the  natives.  The  United  States  succeeding  to  the  European 
conquerors  and  discoverers  admit  no  other  than  the  right  of  occu- 
pancy to  the  Indians  ;  to  be  protected  while  in  peace  in  the  posses- 
sion of  their  lands,  but  to  be  deemed  incapable  of  transferring  the 
absolute  title  to  any  other  than  the  sovereign  of  the  country.  Have 
they  been  protected  in  the  possession  of  their  lands  ^ 

The  constitution  gave  to  congress  the  power  to  dispose  of  and 
to  make  all  needful  rules  and  regulations  respecting  the  territory  or 


CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES.  249 

Other  property  belonging  to  the  United  States,  and  to  adnnit  new- 
states  into  the  Union.  Cessions  were  made  of  territory  by  Vir- 
ginia, Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  and  New  York.  Before  the 
adoption  of  the  constitution,  North  and  South  Carolina  and  Geor- 
gia made  similar  cessions.  The  immense  territories  of  Louisiana 
and  Florida  were  obtained  by  purchase. 

Power  was  vested  in  congress  to  prescribe  the  manner  in  which 
the  publick  acts,  records,  and  proceedings  of  every  state  should  be 
proved,  and  the  effect  thereof  in  every  other  state. 

Congress  have  power  for  calling  forth  the  militia  to  execute  the 
laws  of  the  Union,  suppress  insurrections,  and  repel  invasions,  and 
to  provide  for  the  organizing,  arming,  and  disciplining  the  militia, 
the  states  reserving  the  appointment  of  officers  and  the  authority 
of  training  the  militia  according  to  the  discipline  prescribed  by 
congress,  who  have  government  over  such  part  as  may  be  employed 
in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  the  president  being  their  com- 
mander-in-chief. When  called  out,  the  militia  are  subject  to  the 
rules  of  war:  court-martials  to  be  composed  of  militia  officers  only, 
but  to  be  considered  as  governed  by  the  articles  of  war. 

The  authority  of  congress  to  appropriate  moneys  for  internal  im- 
provements has  not  been  decided  by  the  judiciary. 

The  executive  powers  of  the  government  of  the  United  States 
are  by  the  constitution  vested  in  the  president.  The  object  of  this 
department  is  the  best  possible  execution  of  the  law.  The  law  once 
promulgated,  no  discretion  is  left  to  the  executive  officer.  Promp- 
titude, decision,  and  force  are  required,  and  these  are  most  likely 
to  exist  in  a  single  person.  Unity  increases  both  the  efficacy  and 
responsibility  of  the  executive. 

The  constitution  requires  the  president  should  be  a  natural-born 
citizen  of  the  United  States,  or  a  citizen  at  the  time  of  its  adoption. 
He  must  be  thirty-five  years  of  age,  and  a  resident  of  the  country  four- 
teen years.  His  appointment  was  to  be  made  by  electors  not  con- 
sisting of  the  body  of  the  people,  but  appointed  in  each  state  under 
the  direction  of  the  legislature — congress  determining  the  time  of 
choosing  the  electors,  the  day  on  which  they  shall  vote,  and  that  the 
day  of  election  shall  be  the  same  in  every  state.  A  subsequent  act 
-of  congress  directs  the  electors  to  be  appointed  in  each  state  within 
thirty-four  days  of  the  day  of  election  of  president.  Constitu- 
tionally, the  number  of  electors  must  be  equal  to  the  whole  num- 
ber of  senators  and  representatives  which  the  state  is  entitled  to 
send  to  congress ;  and  it  is  provided  that  no  person  holding  an 
office  of  profit  or  honour  under  the  United  States,  shall  be  an  elec- 
tor. These  electors  are  to  meet  in  their  respective  states  at  a  place 
appointed  by  the  legislature  thereof,  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  De- 
cember, in  every  fourth  year,  and  vote  by  ballot  for  the  president 
and  vice-president — one  of  whom,  at  least,  shall  not  be  an  inhabi- 
voL.  II.  32 


250  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

tant  of  the  same  state  with  the  electors.  It  was  subsequently  to  the 
formation  of  the  constitution  thought  necessary  to  make  it  a  rule,  that 
the  person  voted  for  as  president,  and  the  one  intended  as  vice- 
president,  should  be  designated  on  separate  ballots.  The  electors 
send  signed  and  certified  lists,  sealed,  to  the  seat  of  government,  of 
all  persons  voted  for  as  president  and  vice-president,  and  of  the 
number  of  votes  for  each.  These  lists  are  directed  to  the  president 
of  the  senate  of  the  United  States,  who  counts  the  votes  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  members  of  the  two  houses  and  declares  the  result. 
If  no  choice  is  made  by  the  electors,  the  house  of  representatives 
are  to  choose  the  person  immediately  :  but  the  votes  s'hall  be  taken 
by  states — the  representatives  from  each  state  having  one  vote. 
Two  thirds  of  the  states  make  a  quorum,  and  the  majority  of  all 
the  states  is  necessary  to  a  choice.  If  the  house  of  representatives 
shall  not  choose  a  president,  when  the  right  of  choice  rests  with 
them,  before  the  4th  of  March  next  following,  then  the  vice-presi- 
dent shall  act  as  president — as  in  the  case  of  the  death  or  other 
constitutional  disability  of  the  president.  When  the  president  is 
elected  by  the  electors  as  is  intended  in  the  first  place,  it  is  in  this 
manner  decided  :  the  person  having  the  greatest  number  of  votes 
of  the  electors  for  president,  is  president,  if  such  number  be  a  ma- 
jority of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed  ;  but  if  no  person 
have  such  majority,  then,  from  the  persons  having  the  highest  num- 
ber, not  exceeding  three,  on  the  list  of  those  voted  for  as  president, 
the  house  of  representatives  shall  choose  immediately,  by  ballot,  the 
president. 

It  is  a  most  wise  provision  that  the  president  shall  be  chosen 
by  electors,  and  that  they  failing,  the  choice  shall  devolve  upon  the 
house  of  representatives.  Individual  rights  and  state  sovereign- 
ties are  protected.  There  is  a  tendency  towards  throwing  elections 
into  the  hands  of  the  populace,  the  majority  of  the  people,  who 
must  of  necessity  be  the  most  ignorant  of  the  naiion,  and  is  at  pre- 
sent composed  to  a  great  extent  of  foreigners.  Our  inhabitants 
are  in  more  danger  from  the  admission  of  unqualified  electors  to  the 
polls,  than  from  any  other  source  in  existence,  or  to  be  devised. 

As  now  regulated  the  vice-president  is  chosen  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  the  president.  If  the  number  for  any  individual  on  the  list, 
be  a  majority  of  the  whole  number  of  electors  appointed,  he  is 
vice-president :  otherwise,  the  senate  shall  choose  the  vice-presi- 
dent from  the  two  highest  numbers;  two  thirds  forming  a  quorum, 
and  a  majority  of  the  whole  being  necessary  to  a  choice.  No  per- 
son ineligible  to  the  office  of  president,  can  be  vice-president. 
The  term  of  office,  in  both  cases  is  for  four  years,  commencing  on 
the  4th  of  March  next  following  the  election.  If  the  duties  of 
president  devolve  constitutionally  on  the  vice-president,  he  acts  as 
such  during  the  remainder  of  the  term,  unless  the  disability  of  the 


CONSTITUTION  OF    THE  UNITED  STATES.  251 

president  be  removed.  If  both  these  offices  are  vacant,  congress 
are  authorized  by  law,  to  declare  what  officer  shall  act  as  president; 
and  they  have  prescribed  that  the  president  of  the  senate,  in  the 
first  instance,  and  in  the  next,  the  speaker  of  the  house  shall  act  as 
president  until  the  vacancy  is  supplied.  The  constitution  says, 
that  each  state  is  to  appoint  electors,  in  such  manner  as  the  legisla- 
ture may  direct.  In  New  York  they  are  now  chosen  by  the  people 
in  general  ballot.  At  first  they  were  appointed  by  the  legislature. 
Four  years  are  a  reasonable  term  for  the  office  of  president,  espe- 
cially as  he  is  eligible  to  re-election.  In  short,  we  may  say,  that 
the  mode  of  election  to  this  high  office,  has  avoided  the  evils  which 
the  advocates  of  hereditary  monarchy  predicted,  and  has  proved  the 
absurdity  of  such  a  mode  of  establishing  a  chief  magistrate,  over 
any  nation  or  people,  as  has  enslaved  the  minds  both  of  the  wise  and 
simple  in  the  old  world.  The  constitution  provides,  that  the  pre- 
sident shall  receive  at  stated  times  for  his  services  a  compensation, 
that  shall  neither  be  increased  nor  diminished  during  the  term  for 
which  he  is  elected:  and  that  he  shall  not  receive  during  that  time 
any  other  emoluments  from  the  United  States,  or  any  of  the  states. 
He  *is  commander-in-chief  of  the  army  and  navy  of  the  United 
States,  and  of  the  militia  of  the  several  states  when  called  into  the 
service  of  the  union.  He  has  the  power  to  grant  reprieves  and 
pardons  for  offences  against  the  United  States,  except  in  cases  of 
impeachment.  He  has  the  power,  by  and  with  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  senate  to  make  treaties,  two  thirds  of  that  house  con- 
curring. He  has  efficient  power  to  appoint  the  officers  of  govern- 
ment :  he  is  to  nominate,  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
senate,  to  appoint  ambassadors,  other  publick  ministers  and  consuls, 
the  judges  of  tlie  supreme  court,  and  officers  whose  appointments 
are  not  otherwise  provided  for  in  the  constitution.  Congress  may 
vest  the  appointment  of  inferiour  officers  in  the  president  alone,  in 
the  courts  of  law,  or  in  the  heads  of  departments.  The  president 
is  required  to  give  information  to  congress  of  the  state  of  the  union, 
and  to  recommend  to  their  consideration,  such  measures  as  he  shall 
judge  necessary  and  expedient.  He  is  to  convene  both  houses  of 
congress,  or  either  of  them  on  extraordinary  occasions,  and  he  may 
adjourn  them  in  case  of  disagreement.  He  is  to  fill  up  all  vacan- 
cies that  happen  during  the  recess  of  the  senate,  by  granting  com- 
missions, which  shall  expire  at  the  end  of  their  next  session.  He 
is  to  receive  ambassadors  and  publick  ministers,  commission  all 
the  officers  of  the  United  States,  and  take  care  that  the  laws  be 
faithfully  executed.  The  power  to  receive  foreign  ministers,  in- 
cludes the  power  to  dismiss  them,  for  he  is  accountable  to  the  peo- 
ple for  the  competent  qualifications  and  conduct  of  foreign  agents. 
The  constitution  renders  the  president  directly  amenable  by  law 
for  all  mal-administration.     As  well  as  other  officers  of  the  United 


252  CONSTITUTION  OF    THE  UNITED  STATES. 

States,  he  may  be  impeached  by  the  house  of  representatives  for 
treason,  bribery,  and  other  high  crimes  and  misdemeanours,  and 
upon  conviction  by  the  senate,  removed  from  office. 

Other  nations  have  solemnly  said,  that  their  first  magistrate  can 
do  no  wrong,  yet  have  expelled  him  from  his  country.  They  have 
said,  and  say,  he  never  dies,  and  take  away  his  life  on  the  scaffold. 
Such  absurdities  are  here  unknown.  If  the  president  violates  the 
law,  the  house  of  representatives  can  arrest  him  in  his  career,  and 
the  senate  punish  his  guilt  and  folly. 

The  judiciary  department  of  our  government,  is  if  possible,  more 
interesting  to  us,  than  the  branches  I  have  considered.  The  con- 
stitution declares,  that  "  the  judicial  power  of  the  United  States, 
shall  be  vested  in  one  supreme  court ;  and  such  inferiour  courts 
as  congress,  may  from  time  to  time,  ordain  and  establish."  In 
this  case,  congress  have  no  discretion.  The  constitution  is 
mandatory.  The  origin  and  title  of  the  judiciary  is  equal  with  the 
other  powers  of  the  government,  and  is  as  exclusively  vested  in  the 
courts  created  by  the  constitution,  as  the  legislative  power  is  vested 
in  congress,  or  the  executive  in  the  president.  The  judges  both  of 
the  supreme  and  inferiour  courts,  are  rendered  by  the  constitution 
independent  both  of  the  government  and  the  people ;  they  are  to 
hold  their  offices  during  good  behaviour,  and  their  compensation 
for  services  cannot  be  diminished  during  their  continuance  in  office. 
The  judges  are  bound  to  consider  the  constitution  as  the  supreme 
law,  and  consequendy  are  a  check  upon  the  laws  of  congress, 
which  may  contravene  it.  But  though  the  judges  are  thus  inde- 
pendent, they  are  by  the  constitution  amenable  for  any  corrupt 
violation  of  their  trust.  The  house  of  representatives  having  the 
power  of  impeachment,  the  judges  may  by  that  process  be  held  to 
answer  before  the  senate,  and  if  convicted,  they  may  be  removed 
from  office.  The  judicial  power  extends  to  all  cases  in  law  or 
equity  arising  under  the  constitution,  the  laws  and  treaties  of  the 
union  ;  to  all  cases  affecting  ambassadors,  public  ministers  and 
consuls  ;  to  all  cases  of  admiralty  and  maritime  jurisdiction  ;  all 
controversaries  to  which  the  United  States  shall  be  a  party  ;  to  con- 
troversies between  two  states ;  to  controversies  between  a  state 
when  plaintiff  and  citizens  of  another  state,  or  foreign  nations  or 
subjects  ;  to  controversies  between  citizens  of  different  states,  and 
between  citizens  of  the  same  state,  claiming  lands  under  grants  of 
different  states ;  and  between  a  state,  or  citizens  thereof,  and  for- 
eign states  ;  and  between  citizens  and  foreigners.  The  judicial 
department  of  the  United  States  is  thus  the  final  expositor  of  the 
constitution  as  to  all  questions  of  a  judicial  nature. 

The  supreme  court  consists  at  present  of  a  chief  justice  and  six 
associate  justices,  four  of  whom  make  a  quorum.  It  holds  one 
term  annually  at  the  seat  of  government,  and  though  four  judges 


CONSTITUTION  OF    THE  UNITED  STATES.  253 

are  necessary  for  business  generally,  any  one  may  make  necessary 
.  orders  in  a  suit  preparatory  to  trial,  and  continue  the  court  from 
day  to  day :  and  the  judge  of  the  fourth  circuit  attends  at  the  City 
of  Washington  on  the  first  Monday  of  August  annually  for  inter- 
locutory matters. 

The  supreme  court  has  exclusive  jurisdiction  of  all  controversies 
of  a  civil  nature  w^here  a  state  is  a  party,  except  in  suits  by  a  state 
against  one  or  more  of  its  citizens,  or  against  citizens  of  other 
states,  or  aliens,  in  which  case  it  has  'original  but  not  exclusive 
jurisdiction.  It  has  also,  exclusively,  all  such  jurisdiction  of  suits, 
or  proceedings  against  ambassadors,  or  other  publick  ministers,  and 
their  domesticks  or  domestick  servants,  as  a  court  of  law  can  have 
or  exercise  consistently  with  the  law  of  nations  ;  and  original  but 
not  exclusive  jurisdiction  of  all  suits  brought  by  ambassadors  oi 
other  public  ministers,  or  in  which  a  consul  or  vice-consul  shall  be 
a  party.  The  constitution  also  gave  the  supreme  court  appellate 
jurisdiction  both  as  to  law  and  fact,  with  such  exceptions,  and  un- 
der such  regulations  as  congress  should  make.  It  has  also  appel- 
late jurisdiction  over  the  decisions  of  the  state  courts,  under  the 
limitations  which  congress  has  prescribed,  touching  the  construc- 
tion and  effect  of  the  constitution,  laws  and  treaties  of  the  United 
States.  Certain  cases  may  be  examined  by  writ  of  error,  and 
reversed  or  affirmed  after  decision  in  the  circuit  courts. 

The  supreme  coiu't  is  also  armed  with  that  superintending  au- 
thority over  the  infeiiour  courts  which  ought  to  be  deposited  in  the 
highest  tribunal  and  dernier  resort  of  the  people  of  the  United 
States.  It  has  power  to  issue  writs  of  prohibition  to  the  district 
courts  when  proceeding  as  courts  of  admiralty  and  maritime  juris- 
diction, and  to  issue  writs  of  mandamus  in  cases  warranted  by  the 
principles  and  usages  of  law,  to  any  courts  appointed  by,  or  per- 
sons holding  offices  under,  the  authority  of  the  United  States. 
This  court,  and  each  of  its  judges,  have  power  to  grant  writs  of 
ne  exeat,  and  of  injunction  ;  but  the  former  writ  cannot  be  granted 
unless  a  suit  in  equity  be  commenced,  and  satisfactory  proof  be 
made,  that  the  party  designs  quickly  to  leave  the  United  States  ; 
and  no  injunction  can  be  granted  to  stay  proceedings  in  a  state 
court,  nor  in  any  case,  without  reasonable  notice  to  the  adverse 
party.  All  the  courts  of  the  United  States  have  power  to  issue 
all  other  writs  necessary  for  the  exercise  of  their  respective  juris- 
dictions, and  agreeable  to  the  principles  and  usages  of  law. 

The  circuit  courts  are  established  in  the  districts  of  the  United 
States,  and  usually  consist  of  one  of  the  justices  of  the  supreme 
court,  together  with  the  judge  of  the  district.  They  are  invested 
with  orignal  cognizance,  concurrent  with  the  courts  of  the  sev- 
eral states,  of  all  suits  of  a  civil  nature  at  common  law  or  in 
equity  where  the  matter  in  dispute  exceeds  five  hundred  dollars 


254  CONSTITUTION  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

exclusive  of  costs,  and  the  United  States  are  plaintiffs,  or  an 
alien  is  a  party,  or  t'^e  suit  is  between  a  citizen  of  the  state 
\vhere  the  suit  is  brought,  and  a  citizen  of  another  state.  They 
have  cognizance  generally  of  crimes  and  offences  cognizable  under 
the  authority  of  the  United  States.  But  no  person  can  be  arrested 
in  one  district  for  tiial  in  another,  and  no  civil  suit  can  be  brought 
against  an  inhabitant  of  the  United  States  out  of  his  district.  Tire 
circuit  courts  have  likewise  appellate  jurisdiction  from  judgments 
in  the  district  courts  over  fifty  dollars  ;  and  in  certain  cases  where 
the  judiciary  of  the  United  States  has  jurisdiction  either  of  the 
subject  in  controversy,  or  of  the  party,  suits  may  at  an  early  period 
of  the  cause  be  removed  from  a  state  court  into  the  circuit  court 
of  the  United  States.  The  circuit  couits  have  also  original  cogni- 
zance in  equity  and  at  law  of  all  suits  arising  under  the  law  of  the 
United  States  relative  to  the  law  of  copyrights,  inventions,  and  dis- 
coveries. They  are  courts  of  limited  though  not  of  inferiour 
jurisdiction. 

The  district,  as  well  as  the  circuit  courts  are  derived  from  the 
power  granted  to  congress  of  constituting  tribunals  inferiour  to  the 
supreme  court.  The  district  courts  have,  exclusive  of  the  state 
courts,  cognizance  of  ali  lesser  crimes  and  offences  cognizable  un- 
der the  authority  of  the  United  States,  and  committed  within  their 
respective  districts,  or  upon  the  high  seas,  and  which  are  punishable 
by  fine  not  exceeding  five  hundred  dollars,  by  imprisonment  not 
exceeding  six  months,  or  when  corporal  punishment  not  exceed- 
ing thirty  stripes  is  to  be  inflicted.  They  have  also  exclusive 
original  cognizance  of  all  civil  causes  of  admiralty  and  maritime 
jurisdiction,  of  seizures  under  impost,  navigation,  or  trade  laws  of 
the  United  States,  where  the  seizures  are  made  upon  the  hiffh  seas 
or  in  waters  within  their  districts  navigable  from  the  sea  with  ves- 
sels of  ten  or  more  tons  burthen  ;  and  also  of  all  seizures  made 
under  the  laws  of  the  United  States ;  and  also  of  all  suits  for  pen- 
alties and  forfeitures  incurred  under  those  laws.  Concurrent  with 
the  circuit  and  state  courts,  i:iey  have  cognizance  of  cases  where  an 
alien  sues  for  a  tort  committed  in  violation  of  the  law  of  nations  or 
of  a  treaty  of  the  United  States,  and  of  all  suits  at  common  law,  in 
which  the  United  States  are  plaintiffs,  amounting  to  one  hundred 
dollars.  They  have  jurisdiction  likewise,  exclusive  of  the  courts 
of  the  several  states,  of  all  suits  against  consuls  or  vice-consuls, 
except  for  offences  of  magnitude  higher  than  above.  In  case  of 
captures  made  within  the  waters  of  the  United  States  or  within  a 
marine  league  of  its  coasts,  they  have  cognizance  of  complaints  by 
whomsoever  made.  They  are  authorized  to  proceed  by  Scire  facias 
to  repeal  patents  unduly  obtained.  In  certain  cases  their  judges 
have  power  to  grant  WTits  of  injunction  to  operate  within  their  dis- 
tricts.    Guards  are  provided  against  the  evil  of  a  difference  of 


i 


CONSTITUTION  OF    THE   UNITED  STATES.  255 

opinion  between  the  circuit  judge  and  the  district  jndge.  The 
remedies  are  in  the  supreme  court.  The  principal  oiiicers  of  the 
courts  are  attorneys  and  counsellors,  clerks  and  marshals.  The 
parties  are  expressly  permitted  to  manage  their  own  causes. 

Clerks  are  appoipted  by  the  several  courts,  except  that  the  clerk 
of  the  district  court  is  ex  oficio  clerk  ^f  the  circuit  court  of  such 
district.  They  have  custody  of  the  seal  and  records,  and  are  bound 
to  seal  and  sign  all  processes,  and  to  record  the  proceedings  and 
judgments  of  the  courts.  They  must  give  se3urity  for  faithful  per- 
formance. 

Marshals  are  analogous  to  sheriffs  at  common  law.  They  are 
appointed  by  the  president  and  senate  for  four  years,  removable  at 
pleasure.  They  m,ay  appoint  deputies.  The  marshal  also  gives 
security  to  the  United  States  for  the  laithfnl  performance  of  his 
duty.  * 

The  powers  granted  by  the  constitution  are  specifick.  The  pow- 
ers vested  in  the  state  governments  continue  u.ialtered  and  unim- 
paired, except  so  far  as  they  are  granted  to  the  United  States.  The 
people  of  the  United  States  have  declared  the  constitution  to  be  the 
supreme  law  of  the  land.  That  whicli  is  repugnant  to  the  consti- 
tution is  necessarily  void.  This  makes  nugatory  every  act  of  con- 
gress, or  of  any  state,  that  is  in  opposition  to  the  constitution  of  the 
United  States.  The  supreme  court  of  the  United  States  has  the 
power  to  decide,  and  there  is  no  appeal  from  its  decision.  The 
original  jurisdiction  of  the  supreme  court  is  confined  to  those  cases 
which  affect  ambassadors,  public  ministers,  and  consuls,  and  to 
those  in  which  a  state  is  a  party.  It  is  a  question  whether  this 
original  jurisdiction  is  exclusive.  The  appellate  jurisdiction  of  the 
supreme  court,  in  certain  cases,  over  final  decisions  in  the  state 
courts  is  undoubted  ;  but  it  exists  only  in  those  cases  in  which 
it  is  affirmatively  given  :  therefore  the  appellate  jurisdiction  of 
the  supreme  court  depends  upon  congress.  The  constitution 
says  that  the  judicial  power  shall  extend  to  all  cases  arising  under 
the  constitution,  laws,  and  treaties  of  the  United  States.  It  has 
been  a  subject  of  discussion  whether  the  courts  of  the  United  States 
have  a  common  law  jurisdiction,  and,  if  any,  to  what  extent. 
Yet  in  many  cases,  the  language  of  the  constitution  and  laws  would 
be  inexplicable  without  reference  to  the  common  law  ;  and  the  con- 
stitution not  only  supposes  the  existence  of  the  common  law,  but  it 
is  appealed  to  for  the  construction  and  interpretation  of  its  powers. 

The  District  of  Columbia  and  the  territorial  districts  of  the  Uni- 
ted States,  are  not  states,  within  the  sense  of  the  constitution. 

The  district  courts  act  as  courts  of  common  law  and  also  as 
courts  of  admiralty.  Whatever  admiralty  and  maritirne  jurisdiction 
the  district  courts  possess  is  exclusive  ;  for  the  constitution  de- 


256  CONSTITUTION  OF    THE  UNITED  STATES. 

clares  that  the  judicial  power  of,  the  United  States  shall  extend  to 
all  cases  of  admiralty  and  maritime  jurisdiction. 

In  these  cases,  the  alienation  of  state  power  or  sovereignty  exists, 
to  wit:  where  the  constitution  in  express  terms  grants  an  exclusive 
authority  to  the  union,  and  in  another  prohibits  to  the  states  the  exer- 
cise of  a  like  authority ;  and  where  it  grants  an  authority  to  the 
union,  to  which  a  similar  authority  in  the  states  would  be  absolutely 
and  totally  contradictory  and  repugnant.  This  is  the  description 
of  the  powers  given  by  the  constitution,  as  stated  by  the  Federalist, 
and  approved  by  Kent  and  Story. 

The  limhation  of  the  power  of  the  states  contained  in  the  consti- 
tution do  not  apply  unless  expressed  in  terms.  "  No  state  shall  enter 
into  any  treaty,  alliance,  or  confederation  :  grant  letters  of  marque, 
^nd  reprisal ;  coin  money  ;  emit  bills  of  credit ;  make  any  thing  but 
gold  »nd  silver  coin  a  tender  in  payment  of  debts  ;  pass  any  bill  of 
attainder  or  ex  post  facto  law,  or  law  impairing  the  obligation  of  con- 
tracts, or  grant  any  title  of  nobility."  These  and  some  other  pro- 
hibitions as  respecting  duties,  the  keeping  troops  or  ships  of  war  in 
time  of  peace,  etc.,  without  permission  of  congress,  speak  for 
themselves.  Bills  of  credit  are  defined  to  mean  "  promissory 
notes  or  bills  issued  exclusively  on  the  credit  of  the  state."  The 
prohibition  does  not  apply  to  the  notes  of  a  state  bank,  drawn  on 
the  credit  of  a  fund  set  apart  for  the  purpose. 

By  the  constitution  congress  have  power  to  establish  a  uniform 
rule  of  naturalization  ;  and  to  "  regulate  commerce  with  foreign 
nations  and  among  the  several  states." 

This  brief  view  of  the  constitution  of  the  United  States,  will  I 
hope  prepare  the  reader  for  the  history  of  the  New  York  conven- 
tion of  1788,  which  forms  an  important  part  of  the  history  of  the 
state,  and  to  which  we  will  shortly  direct  our  attention.  The  con- 
vention of  New  York  addressed  a  circular  letter  to  the  several 
states  of  the  union,  inviting  them  to  call  a  general  convention  to 
revise  the  constitution.  Nor  is  this  to  be  wondered  at  considering 
all  the  circumstances  of  our  state,  and  the  conflicting  interests  that 

were  to  be  reconciled  by  that  instrument.* 
1788  The  legislature  of  New  York  met  this  year  in  January, 

and  the  subject  of  calling  a  convention  to  consider  the  pro- 
posed Federal  Constitution  caused  warm  debate.     Parties  assumed 


*  As  to  the  construction  of  the  constitution,  besides  the  Federalist,  see  Kent's 
Coram.,  Vol.  I.  Story's  Constitutional  Law.  It  will  not  be  proper  in  a  work  like 
this,  to  refer  to  the  numerous  judicial  decisions  by  which  its  construction  has  been 
ascertained  and  settled.  These  decisions,  so  perspicuous,  so  free  from  technicality 
.as  to  be  intelligible  to  any  man  of  understanding,  although  not  belonging  to  the 
legal  profession,  were  for  the  most  part  pronounced  by  the  late  illustrious  Chief 
Justice  Marshall,  "  The  mantle  of  Elijah!"  a  hackneyed  allusion. 


257 

the  names  of  Federalist  and  Anti-federalist.  The  first  approved 
the  measures  of  the  great  convention  at  Philadelphia  and  the  con- 
stitution they  proposed:  tlieir  opponents  declared,  that  in  forming 
a  new  constitution  that  convention  had  exceeded  their  powers,  as 
they  had  been  convened  merely  for  the  purpose  of  revising  the 
articles  of  confederation  then  existing. 

The  Anti-federalists  nominated  in  April,  for  delegates  to  the 
assembly  from  the  City  of  New  York,  William  Denning,  Melanc- 
thon  Smith,  Marinus  Willet  and  Aaron  Burr;  but  the  Federal 
candidates  had  a  great  majority. 

Before  proceeding  to  the  more  important  events  of  this  year,  I 
will  briefly  notice  an  occurrence  in  the  City  of  New  York,  which 
at  the  time  produced  no  little  alarm  and  excitement. 

On  Sunday  the  13th  of  April,  some  boys  who  were  at  play 
about  the  Hospital,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  then  out  of  town, 
by  climbing  on  scaffolds  left  by  workmen,  saw  the  mutilated  bodies 
or  limbs  of  human  subjects  left  by  students  of  surgery  in  a  room 
then  used  for  dissection.  The  report  spread,  and  a  mob  collected, 
whose  rage  was  inflamed  against  all  physicians  and  surgeons,  es- 
pecially a  young  man  of  the  name  of  Hicks,  against  whom  and 
some  others  the  vengeance  of  the  multitude  was  vowed.  Three 
or  four  days  the  mob  increased  and  paraded  the  streets  with  threats 
of  violence.  The  house  of  Sir  John  Temple,  the  British  consul, 
in  Queen  Street,  was  with  difficulty  saved.  It  was  said  "  Sir  John" 
was  misinterpreted  "Surgeon."  The  writer  saw  Governour  Clinton 
exerting  himself,  and  with  effect  at  this  place,  although  hustled  at  one 
time  by  the  rioters.  Many  irritating,  though  doubtless  exaggerated 
stories,  were  in  circulation  as  to  the  disinterment  of  human  bodies 
for  anatomical  purposes. 

On  the  I6th  of  April,  the  sheriff  represented  to  the  common 
council  the  insecurity  of  the  jail,  in  consequence  of  damages  done 
to  it  by  riotous  persons;  (the  mob  just  alluded  to,)  and  it  was 
resolved,  that  an  officer  and  fifteen  men  were  necessary  for  the  secu- 
rity of  the  jail,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  wait  on  Governour 
Clinton  and  request  such  guard  from  the  militia  of  the  city,  and 
the  board  would  provide  for  their  subsistence.  The  company  of 
grenadiers,  in  marching  to  the  jail  had  arms  wrested  from  many  of 
them  by  the  mob.  The  doctors,  Hicks  and  others,  were  in  jail 
for  protection,  and  the  rioters  attacked  the  place.  Some  troops 
were  thrown  in,  and  it  was  said,  one  of  the  mob  in  attempting  to 
force  his  way  in  at  a  window,  fell  by  a  thrust  of  a  bayonet.  A 
committee  was  appointed  to  repair  the  jail. 

February  1st,  the  legislature  of  New  York  resolved  that  the  reso- 
lution of  congress  of  September,  1787,  and  letter  accompanying, 
recommending  to  the  people  of  New  York  to  choose  by  ballot 
delegates  to  meet  in  convention  for  the  purpose  of  taking  into  con- 

voL.  II.  33 


858  CONVENTION  OF    NEW  YORK. 

sideration  the  constitution  agreed  upon  by  the  convention  Trom  the 
states  met  at  Philadelphia  should  be  complied  with  ;  that  the  num- 
ber of  delegates  to  be  elected  be  the  same  as  the  number  of  mem- 
bers of  assembly;  that  all  free  males  of  twenty-one  and  upwards  be 
voters  ;  that  the  election  be  held  the  last  Tuesday  of  April,  1788, 
and  continued  not  more  than  five  days,  with  other  directions  for 
said  election  :  and  consequently  the  following  gentlemen  were 
returned,  viz  : 

From  the  City  and  County  of  New  York — John  Jay,  Richard 
Morris,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Alexander  Hamilton,  Robert  R.  Liv- 
ingston, Isaac  Roosevelt,  James  Duane,  Richard  Harrison,  and 
Nicholas  Low.     9. 

City  and  County  of  Albany — Robert  Yates,  John  Lansing,  Jun., 
Henry  Outhout,  Peter  Vroman,  Israel  Thompson,  Anthony  Ten 
Eyck,  and  Dirk  Swart.     7. 

Suffolk — Henry  Scudder,  Jonathan  N.  Havens,  John  Smith, 
Thomas  Tredwell,  and  David  Hedges.     5. 

Ulster — Governour  George  Clinton,  John  Cantine,  Cornelius 
C.  Schoonmaker,  Ebenezer  Clark,  James  Clinton,  and  Dirk 
Wynkoop.  6. 

Queens — Samuel  Jones,  Jonathan  Schenck,  Nathaniel  Law- 
rence, and  Stephen  Carman.     4. 

Kings — Peter  LefFerts,  and  Peter  Vandervoort.     2. 

Richmond — Abraham  Banker,  and  Gozin  Ryers.     2. 

Westchester — Lewis  Morris,  Philip  Livingston,  Richard  Hat- 
field, Phillip  Van  Cortlandt,  Thaddeus  Crane,  and  Lott  W.  Saris.  6. 

Orange — John  Haring,  Jesse  Woodhull,  Henry  Wisner,  and 
John  Wood.     4. 

Duchess — Zephaniah  Piatt,  Melancthon  Smhh,  Jacobus  Swart- 
wout,  Jonathan  Akin,  Ezra  Thompson,  Gilbert  Livingston,  and 
John  De  Witt.     7. 

Montgomery — William  Harper,  Christopher  P.  Yates,  John 
Frey,  John  Winn,  Volkart  Veeder,  and  Henry  Staring.     6. 

Columbia — Peter  Van  Ness,  John  Ray,  and  Matthew  Adgate.  3. 

Washington  and  Clinton — Ichabod  Parker,  John  Williams, 
Albert  Baker,  and   David  Hopkins. 

They  met  at  the  Court  House,  in  Poughkeepsie,  in  the  county 
of  Duchess,  on  the  17th  of  June,  1788,  where  they  elected  una- 
nimously Governour  George  Clinton,  president. 

Subordinate  officers  being  appointed,  it  was  ordered  that  the 
convention  debate  with  open  doors,  and  commence  with  prayers; 
after  which,  Messrs.  Duane,  Jones,  R.  Morris,  Lansing,  and  Har- 
ris,* were  chosen  a  committee  to  report  rules. 


•  Ai  there  was  no  Harris,  either  Harper,  Haring,  or  Harrison,  is  probably  meant. 


PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IX  COXVENTION.  269 

Rules,  as  is  common,  being  agreed  upon,  the  constitution  was 
read  on  the  19th,  and  Robert  R.  Livingston  addressed  the  chair. 
He  professed  to  speak  to  those  who  had  not  made  up  their  minds 
on  the  subject  before  them.  The  object  of  government  was  to 
secure  peace.  The  deficiency  of  the  former  confederation  was 
obvious.  The  people  of  the  United  States  were  blessed  w^ith  an 
opportunity  afforded  to  no  other  nation  for  forming  a  government 
to  secure  happiness.  In  the  old  world,  kings  would  retain  their 
power.  Here  it  was  acknowledged  that  all  iwwer  is  dericed  from 
the  peojjh.  He  advocated  the  constitution  presented  to  them. 
Perfection  was  not  to  be  expected.  Jealousies  must  be  eradicated, 
and  our  union  secured  upon  a  broad  basis.  He  touched  upon  the 
state  of  the  United  States,  and  dwelt  on  the  advantages  New  York 
possessed  for  internal  and  external  commerce  and  improvement. 
He  feared  that  a  prospect  of  these  advantages  had  excited  an  im- 
proper confidence  in  ourselves — had  rendered  us  regardless  of  what 
was  due  to  other  states.  He  remarked  upon  the  blessings  of  union 
among  the  stales — the  defenceless  situation  of  New  York,  if 
standing  alone,  if  the  neighbouring  states  should  be  hostile — recom- 
mended yielding  her  independence  to  Vermont,  and  showed  the 
dangers  to  New  York  of  the  British  colonies  and  the  Indians.  He 
argued  that  our  wealth  and  our  weakness  equally  demanded  union 
with  the  other  states. 

He  took  a  view  of  the  old  confederation,  and  showed  its  insuffi- 
ciency— the  British  holding  possessions  within  the  limits  of  New 
York,  and  no  power  to  redress  the  grievance — national  credit  un- 
stable— commerce  unprotected.  If  the  former  confederacy  was 
insufficient,  more  power  must  be  added.  He  pointed  out  the  deficien- 
cy of  European  confederacies,  and  dwelt  on  that  of  the  Netherlands, 
who  w^hen  struggling  for  every  thing  most  dear,  permitted  the  bur- 
then of  the  war  with  Spain  to  be  borne  by  Holland  alone.  He 
showed  the  evils  of  the  Germanick  league  as  arising  from  the  total 
independency  of  its  parts. 

He  observed  that  congress  should  have  the  power  of  regulating 
the  militia — the  power  of  regulating  commerce.  He  spoke  of  the 
necessity  of  a  federal  judiciary — and  commended  generally  the 
constitution  as  submitted.  It  was  then  proposed,  and  agreed, 
that  no  question  should  be  put  in  the  committee  upon  the  proposed 
constitution,  or  any  article  or  clause  thereof,  until  after  the  said 
constitution  and  amendments  should  have  been  considered,  clause 
by  clause. 

On  the  20th,  Mr.  Lansing  addressed  the  chair. 

Mr.  Lansing  thought  we  ought  to  be  extremely  cautious  how  we 
gave  distinct  interests  to  the  rulers  and  the  governed.  That  the 
statt  governments  would  always  possess  a  better  representation  of 
the  opinion  of  the  people — power  could  be  deposited  with  greater 


260  PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION. 

safety  with  the  state  than  with  the  general  government.  He  thought 
the  present  confederation  capable  of  amelioration,  though  sensible 
of  its  defects.  External  and  internal  disquiet  or  insult  could  be 
prevented,  if  congress  were  vested  with  power  to  raise  men  and 
money,  and  power  to  enforce  its  requisitions.  The  regulation  of 
commerce  should  be  vested  in  congress.  He  thought  congress 
would  be  unwise  to  risk  a  war  with  Britain  for  the  posts,  until  we 
had  a  fleet  to  cope  with  that  nation.  The  present  difficulties  of 
the  country  arose  from  the  extravagant  importation  of  European 
goods,  upon  the  termination  of  war  with  England.  He  was  sensi- 
ble of  the  value  of  union,  but  would  not  even  for  it,  risk  the  loss  of 
civil  liberty.  He  thought  the  powers  proposed  to  be  given  to  the 
Federal  government  would  place  us  in  the  situation  of  people  con- 
quered and  gov^erned  by  those  they  had  not  chosen  as  governours, 
and  supposing  New  York  conquered  and  governed  by  New  Eng- 
land— where  manners  and  institutions  were  like  her  own,  the  evil 
would  not  be  very  great.  He  had  already  published  in  a  pamphlet 
his  apprehensions  that  a  consolidated  government  of  repubhcan 
principles,  having  for  its  object  the  control  of  so  extensive  a  terri- 
tory as  of  the  United  Sattes,  could  not  preserve  the  rights  and  lib- 
erties of  the  people — reflection  had  added  force  to  the  opinion. 
His  constituents  w^ished  amendments  to  the  preseTz^  confederation. 

The  chancellor  (Mr.  Livingston)  in  reply,  thought  the  power 
to  coerce  requisitions,  would  act  awkwardly  and  badly. 

Mr.  Melancthon  Smith  was  a  man  of  rough  exteriour,  powerful 
in  bodily  appearance,  and  undaunted  in  expressing  his  mind,  which 
he  did  in  plain  language,  but  with  a  sarcasm  that  wa&  cutting,  and 
a  humour  correct  and  playful. 

Mr.  Melancthon  Smith  called  for  the  consideration  of  the  consti- 
tution by  paragraphs ;  and  the  first  section  being  read  without 
remark,  he  again  rose  after  the  second  was  read.  He  would  sacri- 
fice all,  except  our  liberties,  to  union.  But  why  are  our  weaknesses 
dwelt  upon  ?  He  did  not  believe  the  eastern  states  inimical.  But 
if  war  with  our  neighbours  was  to  be  the  result  of  not  acceeding  to 
the  proposed  constitution,  there  was  no  use  in  debating.  "  We 
had  better  receive  their  dictates  than  be  unable  to  resist  them." 
We  know  the  old  constitution  bad,  but  do  not  know  the  new  one 
to  be  good.  Defective  as  the  old  one  was,  we  might  have  a  worse. 
Former  confederacies  had  failed,  so  had  other  governments.  Hol- 
land had  experienced  evils ;  but  she  yet  existed  and  flourished. 
The  Germanick  confederacy  was  one  of  princes  who  consider  their 
people  as  property  ;  tke7'e  other  causes  for  evil  existed  besides  those 
of  the  confederacy.  He  was  pleased  that  Livingston  had  acknow- 
ledged that  the  purpose  of  the  new  constitution  was  not  a  confed- 
eracy, but  a  consolidated  government.  From  this  concession,  it 
was  evident  that  the  opposers  of  the  new  constitution  were  the 


PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION.  261 

Federalists^  and  the  upholders  Anti-federalists.  Montesquieu  had 
said  that  a  confederated  republick  has  all  tlie  internal  advantages 
of  a  republick,  with  the  external  force  of  a  monarchical  government. 
After  some  remarks  on  the  figures  and  similes  used  by  those  who 
preceded  him,  he  stated  his  objections,  and  first,  to  section  second 
of  article  one,  clause  three.  First,  the  rule  of  apportionment  is 
unjust.  Second,  there  is  no  precise  number  fixed  on,  below  which 
the  house  shall  not  be  reduced.  Third,  inadequacy  :  the  rule  of 
apportionment  of  representatives  is  to  be  according  to  the  number 
of  white  inhabitants,  with  three-fifths  of  all  others,  i.  e.  in  addition 
to  representatives  of  the  whites  to  three-fifths  of  the  slaves  in  the 
state.  He  exposed  the  absurdity  of  giving  power  to  a  man  who 
could  not  exercise  it.  The  intention  is  obviously  to  give  privileges 
to  those  people  who  are  so  wicked  as  to  keep  slaves.  He  knew 
the  injustice  of  this  apportionment  would  be  admitted,  and  the  ne- 
cessity of  accommodation  pleaded,  if  we  would  have  union  with 
the  south.  We  might  be  under  the  necessity  of  submitting  to  this, 
though  utterly  repugnant  to  his  feelings. 

He  thought  one  representative  for  every  30,000  of  the  people 
not  enough:  the  people  would  not  govern  themselves.  He  acknow- 
ledged the  difficulty.  He  knew  the  experiment  of  representative 
government  had  not  yet  been  fairly  tried.  He  considered  it  in 
other  times  and  countries.  America  had  the  best  opportunity  for 
trying  this  experiment,  but  he  did  not  think  it  consistent  with  a 
consolidated  government.  He  thought  the  state  governments  alone 
could  secure  the  rights  of  the  people.  We  were  yet  in  a  stage  of 
society  in  which  we  could  deliberate  freely  ;  he  feared  that  fifty 
years  hence  it  would  not  be  so.    Already  patriotism  was  laughed  at. 

Government  he  said  must  rest  upon  "  the  good  opinion  of  the 
people."  He  thought  the  inefficacy  of  the  present  confederation  was 
owing  to  want  of  confidence  in  it,  and  that  arising  from  declaimers 
who  compared  it  to  ''a  rope  of  sand ;"  these  declaimers  being 
fashionable  and  leading  people.  The  ills  the  people  felt,  arising 
from  their  own  extravagance,  they  attributed  to  the  government. 
He  closed  his  speech  by  a  motion  that  the  number  of  representa- 
tives be  fixed  at  one  for  every  20,000  until  they  amounted  to  300, 
and  apportioned  among  the  states  by  the  number  of  inhabitants, 
and  that  *'  before  the  first  enumeration,  the  several  states  shall  be 
entitled  to  choose  double  the  number  of  representatives  for  that 
purpose  mentioned  in  the  constitution." 

The   next  speaker  was  Alexander  Hamilton.*     He  defended 


*  During  the  sitting  of  the  convention,  three  of  the  members,  Hamilton,  Madi- 
iou  and  Jay,  published  in  the  papers  of  the  United  States  that  admirable  work 
aAerwards  collected  and  called  the  Federalist. 


263  PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IX  CONVENTION. 

Robert  R.  Livingston's  first  speech,  and  set  himself  in  opposition 
to  Lansing  and  Smith.  He  agreed  with  Livingston  as  to  the 
weakness  of  New  York,  yet  hoped  we  sliould  not  sacrifice  our 
liberties:  that  we  ought  not  to  be  actuated  by  unreasonable  fear, 
but  by  a  prudent  regard  for  the  public  welfare.  The  radical  vice 
of  the  old  confederation  is  that  the  laws  of  the  union  only  apply 
to  states  in  their  corporate  capacity.  Listead  of  obeying  the  law, 
the  state  examined  it ;  and  by  its  own  peculiar  interests.  Thus 
thirteen  bodies  judged  congress,  and  each  took  its  own  course. 
If  the  requisition  benefitted  the  individual  state  it  was  complie'd 
with,  otherwise  not.  Tliis  state  bore  unequal  burthens  owing  to 
the  delinquency  of  others.  In  time  of  war  this  state  is  exposed, 
and  will  ever  be  the  theatre  of  war.  In  the  last  w^ar  New  York 
suffered  greatly,  yet  complied  with  the  requisitions  of  congress, 
while  New  Hampshire,  not  suffering,  was  totally  delinquent.  North 
Carolina  is  delinquent.  Many  other  states  contributed  but  little. 
New  York  and  Pennsylvania  are  the  only  slates  that  perfectly  dis- 
charged the  Federal  duty.  The  security  of  many  states  caused 
their  non-compliance  with  the  requisitions  of  congress.  To  force 
a  compliance  made  civil  war  necessary,  with  all  the  horrours  of 
disunion.  The  remedy  is  tliat  the  national  laws  shall  operate  upon 
individuals,  as  the  state  laws  do.  He  insists  on  the  want  of  con- 
fidence in  a  single  assembly.  The  fundamental  principle  of  the 
old  confederation  must  be  discarded  ;  a  new  system  adopted. 

He  alludes  to  the  Amphictyonick  confederacy.  The  Dutch — 
the  German — are  noticed,  because  brought  into  view  by  others. 
Confederacies  have  hitherto  been  four.ded  on  false  principles. 

"During  the  war,  common  danger  prevented  the  operation,  in  its 
full  force,  of  the  ruinous  principle  on  which  the  old  confederation 
was  founded. 

*'  The  country  is  divided  Into  navigating  and  non-navigating  states. 
The  northern  are  the  first :  the  southern  tlie  second.  The  southern 
slates  wished  to  impose  a  restraint  upon  the  northern,  by  requiring 
two  thirds  in  congress  to  be  necessary  to  pass  an  act  in  regulation 
of  commerce.  They  feared  that  a  navigation  act  would  discourage 
foreigners,  and  throw  navigation  in  the  hands  of  the  northern  states, 
and  thus  enhance  freight  to  the  south.  Again,  the  small  states 
wished  to  retain  their  present  advantages,  and  the  large  states  thought 
Rhode  Island  and  Delaware  ought  not  to  enjoy  an  equal  suffrage 
with  themselves — hence  a  contest — compromise  was  necessary. 
A  committee  was  appointed,  and  they  fornied  the  arrangement  as 
it  stands.  The  convention  could  not  establish,  but  only  recom- 
mend a  constitution.  It  is  objected  that  three  fifths  of  the  negroes 
are  taken  into  the  representation.  The  south  is  unfortunate  that  a 
great  part  of  the  population  as  well  as  property  is  in  blacks.  With- 
out this  indulgence  by  accommodation,  no  union  could  have  been 


PROCEEDINGS  AXD  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION.  263 

formed.  But  he  Insisted,  tlmt  it  was  just  to  f^ratify  the  south.  They 
possess  certain  staples — tobacco,  rice,  indigo — capital  ariicles  in 
treaties  o(  commerce  ;  and  the  advantages  they  obtain  in  treaties, 
are  felt  by  all  tlie  states.  Again  :  representation  should  be  com- 
pounded of  persons  and  proj)erty.  Slaves  are  not  considered 
altogether  as  property.  They  are  men,  though  degraded  to  the 
condition  of  slavery.  They  are  persons  known  to  the  municipal 
laws  of  the  states  which  they  inhabit,  as  well  as  to  the  laws  of  na- 
ture. It  would  not  be  just  to'compute  these  slaves  in  the  assess- 
ment of  taxes,  and  discard  them  from  the  apportionment  of  repre- 
sentatives. Besides  that  a  great  number  of  people  in  the  state  of 
New  York  who  are  not  represented,  will  be  included  in  the  whole 
enumeration." 

Mr.  Hamilton  proceeded  to  consider  the  objections  to  the  num- 
ber of  representatives.  "There  are  no  direct  words  prohibiting^  con- 
gress from  reducing  the  number  ;  but  the  construction  of  the  clause 
gives  no  such  power.  They  may  limit,  but  cannot  diminish.  One 
to  every  thirty  thousand  is  fixed  as  the  standard  of  increase,  till  by 
the  increase  it  becomes  necessary  to  limit  the  ratio.  At  present, 
it  might  considerably  exceed  sixty-five.  In  three  years,  it  would 
exceed  one  hundred.  To  what  point  the  representation  ought  to 
be  increased,  is  matter  of  opinion.  In  Massachusetts,  the  assem- 
bly consists  of  three  hundred  ;  in  South  Carolina,  one  hundred  ; 
in  New  York,  sixty-five.  Congress  is  to  consist  at  first  of  ninety- 
one  members.  New  states  may  be  created,  which  is  another  source 
of  increase.  If  our  number  at  present  is  three  millions,  one  for 
thirty  thousand  gives  one  hundred  representatives.  In  twenty-five 
years,  we  shall  have  two  hundred." 

He  then  considered  the  natural  advantages  of  the  state  govern- 
ments— giving  them  an  influence  and  ascendancy  over  the  national 
government — precluding,  as  he  said,  the  possibility  of  Federal 
encroachments. 

June  21st,  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams,  elected  from  Washington 
and  Clinton  counties,  addressed  the  chair.  He  would  attribute 
the  distress  of  the  country  to  habits  of  luxury,  and  the  intro- 
duction of  foreign  commodities.  The  article  of  tea  will  amount 
in  two  years  to  all  our  ibreign  debt.  All  our  present  difficul- 
ties are  not  to  be  attributed  to  the  defects  in  the  confederation. 
He  thinks  the  question  before  them  momentous.  The  constitution 
must  not  swallow  up  the  state  governments.  He  thinks  the  num- 
ber of  representatives  too  small  to  resist  corruption.  He  objects 
to  biennial  elections.  Annual  elections  are  more  democratick.  He 
would  not  establish  a  bad  government  for  fear  of  anarchy. 

Melancthon  Smith  rose  in  opposition  to  Mr.  Hamilton.  He 
admits  with  him  that  the  powers  of  the  general  government  ought 
to  act  upon  individuals  to  a  certain  degree.     He  will  confine  him- 


264  PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION. 

self  to  the  subject  under  consideration.  He  will  not  reply  to  the 
arguments  to  justify  the  rule  of  apportionment,  though  confident 
they  might  be  refuted.  He  is  persuaded  that  we  must  }  ield  this 
point  to  accommodate  the  south.  ,  He  does  not  see  that  the  clause 
fixes  the  representation.  He  see^  that  the  representatives  cannot 
exceed  one  for  thirty  thousand,  and  that  whatever  larger  number 
of  inhabitants  mai/  be  taken  for  the  rule  of  apportionment,  each  state 
shall  be  entided  to  send  one  representative.  If  there  is  any  other 
limitation,  It  is  certainly  implied.  He  thinks  each  member's  share 
of  power  will  decrease  by  an  increase  of  representatives;  and  that 
the  senate  and  president  will  in  like  manner  feel  their  power  dimi»- 
nished.  He  argues  for  a  great  number  of  representatives,  and 
thinks  the  increased  expense  nothing.  He  hints  at  the  state  legis- 
latures becoming  insignificant.  He  details  the  qualifications  of  a  rep- 
resentative of  the  people,  that  he  knew  them,  their  interests,  wishes, 
etc.  For  this  reason  the  number  should  be  large  enough  to  take  in 
the  middling  classes.  He  thinks  the  federal  government  is  so  con- 
stituted as  to  be  confined  to  the  first  class  or  natural  aristocracy  of 
the  country.  It  is  true  we  have  no  legal  distinction  of  this  kind  ; 
but  birth,  education,  talents,  and  wealth  create  such  distinctions. 
When  the  number  is  small,  men  of  the  middling  classes  will  not  be 
anxious,  even  if  qualified,  to  become  representatives,  as  the  style 
of  the  richer  representatives  will  deter  them.  Beside,  the  influence 
of  the  great  will  enable  them  to  carry  elections.  A  substantial 
yeoman  will  hardly  ever  be  chosen.  He  thinks  the  substantial 
yeomen  of  the  country,  from  necessary  mode  of  life  and  self-denial, 
more  temperate  and  of  better  morals  than  the  great.  The  rich  do 
not  feel   for  the  poor,  because  they  do  not  know  their  difliculties. 

Mr.  Smith  compared  the  feelings  of  the  great  in  this  country,  to 
those  of  a  hereditary  nobility.  The  pride  of  family,  wealth,  ta- 
lents, command  an  influence  over  the  people.  Congress  in  1775, 
have  stated  this  in  their  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  Quebec,  and 
that  good  laws  were  opposed  to  such  influence.  He  would  have 
the  first  class  or  great,  admitted  into  congress  ;  but  a  sufficient 
number  of  the  middling  class  to  control  them.  A  representative 
body  composed  of  yeomanry,  is  however,  the  last.  He  dreads 
the  progress  of  anti-republican  and  anti-democratick  principals, 
which  he  says,  are  already  prevalent,  even  among  those,  who  risked 
all  for  republicanism  a  few  years  ago.  The  men  who  now  ask  for 
an  energetick  government,  will  want  something  beyond  the  system 
now  composed,  in  a  few  years.  It  is  time  to  erect  a  barrier  against 
such  men. 

Hamilton  was  the  next  speaker.  He  had  pointed  out  the  prin- 
ciple of  accommodation,  on  which  the  constitution  was  framed. 
He  contends  that  sixty-five  and  twenty-five  representatives,  in  two 
bodies,  afford  security  to  liberty.     The  interest  of  the  large  states 


PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION.  265 

will  be  to  increase  the  representation.  The  sense  of  the  people 
will  guide  their  delegates,  as  they  know  they  must  return  fo  the 
people.  He  adduced  other  arguments  against  the  proposed 
amendment. 

He  asserted  that  a  pure  democracy  must  be  a  bad  government. 
The  whole  people  assembled  were  a  mob.  The  confidence  of 
the  people  will  be  gained  by  a  good  administration,  though  in  few 
hands.  Massachusetts  is  represented  by  three  hundred,  New  York 
by  sixty-five.  The  people  of  the  latter  have  as  much  confidence 
in  the  government  as  the  former.  Publick  confidence  is  secured 
by  prosperous  events.  Large  bodies  are  less  competent  to  govern 
than  small  ones  The  requisite  information  for  well  governing,  is 
not  augmented  by  the  increase  of  the  governing. 

The  proper  mode  of  holding  elections,  is  to  divide  the  state 
into  districts.  This  state  at  present  should  have  six.  The  sena- 
tors of  this  state  are  not  more  deficient  in  knowledge,  than  mem- 
bers of  assembly.  They  have  the  confidence  of  the  people  as 
much.  Yet  they  are  elected  in  four  districts.  They  are  the  fewer, 
but  possess  the  confidence  of  the  people  as  much  as  the  more 
numerous  house. 

"Who  are  the  aristocracy  among  us?"  None  are  elevated  to 
perpetual  rank.  There  are  rich  and  poor — wise  and  unwise. 
Every  distinguished  man  is  an  aristocrat.  The  intended  govern- 
ment does  not  render  a  rich  man  more  eligible  to  govern  than  a 
poor  one.  It  is  bottomed  on  the  same  principle  as  the  state  consti- 
tution. [The  absence  of  those  laws  of  primogeniture,  of  which 
perpetual  wealth  is  a  security,  are  omitted  here.] 

As  riches  accumulate  in  a  few  hands,  the  tendency  will  be  to 
depart  from  "  the  republican  standard."  It  is  the  common  mis- 
fortune attendant  upon  all  states. 

An  advantage  which  large  districts  have  over  small,  is  the  greater 
difficulty  to  bribe. 

Men  do  not  grow  wicked  in  proportion  as  they  enlighten  their 
minds :  there  is  as  much  virtue  in  one  class  of  men  as  in  another. 
The  kind  of  vices  incident  to  rich  and  poor  is  difl^erent,  and  the 
advantage  lies  with  the  rich.  Their  vices  are  more  favourable  [less 
detrimental]  to  a  state,  and  partake  less  of  moral  depravity.  But 
the  people  must  choose  whom  they  please  to  govern — that  is  the 
true  principle.  Where  the  legislative,  executive  and  judicial 
branches  are  distinct ;  where  the  legislature  is  divided  into  sepa- 
rate houses ;  and  where  the  vigilance  and  weight  of  the  state  go- 
vernments check  the  general  government,  it  is  absurd  to  talk  of  a 
subversion  of  liberty. 

It  is  a  false  supposition  that  the  old  confederacy  was  inefficacious 
because  it  was  decried — no  government  can  be  rendered  unpopu- 
lar, whose  operations  are  wise  and  vigorous.     The  confederation 
VOL.  II.  34 


tl66  PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION. 

was  framed  amidst  tumult — the  materials  were  unsound,  and  com- 
bined in  haste.  The  pressure  of  war  prevented  amendment,  or  the 
appreciation  of  the  faults  of  the  government.  That  pressure  re- 
moved, the  cause  of  sufferings  past,  and  the  certainty  of  those  to 
come,  were  seen.  The  spirit  of  republicanism  has  not  diminished. 
Some  men  who  have  speculative  doubts  on  the  subject  of  govern- 
ment have  expressed  them  ;  but  the  principles  of  republican- 
ism are  too  firm  to  be  shaken  by  sceptical  reasons.  He  con- 
cluded, by  hoping  that  the  constitution  would  remedy  all  the  evils 
dreaded. 

Mr.  Melancthon  Smith  spoke  in  reply,  and  insisted  upon  the  ne- 
cessity of  increasing  the  intended  representation,  and  Umitting  the 
powers  of  the  new  government.  As  to  the  states  being  checks  up- 
on the  general  government,  he  could  see  no  possibility  of  check- 
ing a  government  of  independent  povvers,  which  extended  to  all 
objects  and  resources  without  limitation.  As  to  aristocracy,  he 
did  not  consider  the  men  who  were  exalted  above  others,  as  des- 
titute of  virtue  or  morality  :  he  only  insisted  that  they  could  not 
sympathize  with  the  wants  of  the  people. 

Mr.  Lansing  was  an  advocate  for  larger  representation  as  well 
as  Mr.  Smith.  We  ought  now  to  increase  the  members,  and  not 
leave  it  to  future  circumstances.  It  was  not  prudent  to  trust  af- 
fairs to  a  body  of  which  forty-six  would  be  competent  to  pass  laws  ; 
and  twenty-four  of  these  a  majority.  There  were  eight  times  the 
number  in  the  commons  of  Great  Britain,  and  yet,  that  house  was 
frequently  corrupted.  How  much  more  easily  so  small  a  body  as 
congress. 

Governour  Clinton  professed  a  wish  to  obtain  information  on  the 
important  subject.  Gentlemen  appear  to  have  omitted  some  con- 
siderations. He  thought,  however,  the  representation  in  congress, 
ought  to  be  more  full.  The  smallness  of  each  state,  renders  it 
easy  for  members  in  its  house  of  representative,  to  be  informed  of 
all  that  is  requisite,  but  this  is  very  different  in  respect  to  the  United 
States.  The  generality  of  the  representatives  will  be  unacquainted 
with  the  local  wants  and  wishes.  A  kw  men  must  be  depended 
upon  for  this  information.  Is  not  this  a  reason  for  enlarging  the 
number  of  representatives  ?  The  legislators  in  a  state,  are 
known  to  their  fellow  citizens.  Not  so  in  the  great  council  of  the 
nation. 

A  law  calculated  for  Georgia,  might  act  cruelly  upon  New  York, 
and  the  gradual  encroachments  made  by  one  part,  would  not  be 
seen  in  time  by  another. 

Mr.  Hamilton  professed  to  answer  the  member  from  Ulster, 
(Gov.  Clinton)  but  would  first  reply  to  the  gentlemen  from  Albany 
and  Duchess,  (Lansing  and  Smith.)  As  to  the  danger  of  corrup- 
tion :  the  chances  of  corruption  are  less  under  the  new  than  the  old 


PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IX  C0-\ VENTION.  267 

constitution.  Under  the  old,  nine  states  could  declare  peace  or  war. 
A  great  question  required  twenty-four  members  to  decide  in  the 
new  :  in  the  old  eighteen.  It  will  ever  be  the  interest  of  the  several 
states  to  maintain  an  ample  representation  under  the  new  constitu- 
tion :  "for  as  every  member  has  a  vote,  the  relative  influence  and 
authority  of  each  state,  will  be  in  proportion  to  the  representatives 
she  has  in  congress."  Under  the  old  confederation,  as  every  and 
each  state  has  but  one  vote,  it  is  indifferent,  whether  the  state 
has  two  or  six  representatives.  As  to  corruption  in  the  old  con- 
gress— if  nine  states  can  pass  the  most  important  resolves,  a 
foreign  enemy  by  gaining  a  single  member,  and  thus  silencing  a 
state,  may  frustrate  an  essential  resolution.  Butin  the  new  scheme, 
a  majoiity  of  all  the  members  must  be  gained.  Comparisons  be- 
tween our  government  and  that  of  England  are  false:  many  towns 
in  England  possess  a  seat  in  parhament,  and  are  in  the  possession 
or  gift  of  the  king.  These  are  called  rotten  boroughs.  But  the 
knights  of  the  shire  are  generally  found  incorruptible — parliament 
has  impaired  the  overgrown  perogative,  and  limited  the  monarchy. 
Mr.  Melancthon  Smith  has  observed,  that  members  from  New  York, 
for  example,  can  know  little  of  the  circumstances  of  Georgia  or 
South  Carolina  ;  and  therefore,  the  many  must  rely  upon  the  few 
for  information.  A  particular  knowledge  of  local  circumstances  is 
not  necessary  to  the  Federal  representative.  His  object  is  the  ge- 
neral interest.  The  state  o-overnment  must  take  care  of  local  af- 
fairs.  One  man  can  know  and  represent  the  interest  of  a  state  as 
well  as  twenty.  The  representative  in  congress  must  obtain  his 
knowledge  of  local  affairs  in  other  states,  from  the  members  repre- 
senting those  states.  In  congress,  the  members  of  a  state  adhere 
too  pertinaciously  to  the  interests  of  the  state  from  w^hich  they  come. 
This  causes  party  spirit,  and  embarrasses  the  publick  affairs.  As 
to  internal  taxation,  the  national  legislature  will  not  resort  to  it,  ex- 
cept in  very  extraordinary  cases,  and  then  they  must  consult  the 
customs  adopted  by  individual  states.  The  state  legislatures  will 
be  sentinels  on  the  encroachments  of  congress.  The  argument  that 
goes  to  prove  that  the  habits  of  the  several  states  and  their  interests 
are  essentially  different,  and  therefore,  no  government  can  suit 
them,  is  opposed  to  all  union.  But  the  spirit  of  accommodation, 
which  produced  the  present  constitution  under  consideration,  will 
by  degrees  assimilate  all  the  states. 

Governour  Clinton  denied  being  adverse  to  a  union.  He 
wished  for  a  Federal  government,  though  Mr.  Hamilton  might 
wish  for  a  consolidated  one.     Mr.  Hamilton  explained. 

Monday,  June  23d. — Mr.  Harrison  said,  gentlemen  agreed  that 
the  old  government  was  incompetent:  feeble  requisitions,  that  may, 
or  may  not  be  attended  to,  are  not  sufficient.  It  is  likewise  agreed, 
that  a  close  union  is  necessary.     It  is  agreed,  that  however  desira- 


268  PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION. 

ble  such  union,  liberty  must  not  be  sacrificed  to  it.  He  advocated 
the  number  agreed  to,  in  the  new  constitution,  and  thought  six 
members  from  New  York  can  be  at  all  times  found  to  represent 
the  feelings  and  interests  of  the  people,  and  the  present  arrange- 
ment is  temporary,  and  remedies  itself.  The  constitution  declares, 
that  the  representation  shall  be  determined  by  the  population,  and 
every  state  shall  have  at  least  one.  Congress  cannot  reduce  the 
present  number.  As  the  United  States  increase,  the  representa- 
tives at  the  present  rate  would  become  a  mob  :  therefore,  congress 
have  a  discretionary  power  to  form  another  ratio.  He  supports 
the  article  in  debate.  In  three  years  an  increase  will  take  place  in 
the  number,  and  he  has  confidence  that  coiTuption  will  not  be  felt 
before  that  time,  in  the  present  limited  number. 

Mr.  Lansing,  said,  that  when  the  subject  of  apportionment  of 
representatives,  came  before  the  general  convention,  the  large  states 
insisted  "  that  the  equality  of  suffrage  should  be  abolished."  This 
the  small  states  opposed — it  would  reduce  them  to  a  state  of  sub- 
ordination. The  difficulty  threatened  a  dissolution  of  the  con- 
vention. A  committee  of  states  was  agreed  upon,  and  they  reported 
a  recommendation  of  that  inequality  in  representation,  which  is 
now  the  subject  of  debate.  The  ratio  was  first  determined  at  one 
for  40,000.  At  this  period,  "  1  left  the  convention."  No  ques- 
tion had  been  taken.  **  It  is  acknowleged,  that  if  the  people  of  the 
smaller  states,  shall  amount  to  50,000,  this  number  may  be  taken 
as  the  ratio.  What  then  is  to  control  the  general  government.^" 
He  contends  that  if  the  interest  of  the  large  states  leads  to  increase, 
the  interest  of  the  small  leads  to  a  diminution  of  the  number,  and 
their  equality  in  the  senate  will  enable  them  to  oppose  the  large 
states  successfully.  He  thought  the  subject  had  been  sufficiently 
discussed. 

Mr.  Lansing  said,  40,000  was  the  number  agreed  upon,  and  he 
did  not  know,  if  that  had  been  determined  by  accommodation,  how 
the  number  came  to  be  reduced  to  30,000. 

Mr.  Hamilton  said,  such  (40,000)was  agreed  to,  but  after  other 
parts  were  agreed  to  and  the  convention  was  about  rising,  his  ex- 
cellency, the  president,  expressed  a  wish  for  reduction  to  30,000, 
and  it  was  agreed  to  without  opposition. 

Chancellor  Livingston  thought  Mr.  Melancthon  Smith,  had  mis- 
apprehended his  argument;  he  advocated  the  number  fixed  by  the 
new  constitution.  As  to  the  people,  he  would  have  their  interests, 
not  their  feelings  represented.  The  rich  are  objects  of  envy,  and 
envy  is  a  bar  to  promotion.  The  governour  of  the  state  was  not 
elected  for  his  riches,  but  his  virtues.  He  would  prove  that  the 
rich  and  great  are  not  aristocrats.  He  would  place  Mr.  Smith 
among  the  aristocrats  for  his  merit.     The  people  will  confide  in 


PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION.  269 

distinction  of  any  meritorious  kind.  Power  is  no  objection  to 
the  new  government.  All  good  _i]:overnujent  must  have  power, 
the  purse  and  sword.  He  compliments  Hamilton's  idea,  that 
the  ratio  of  representation  must  be  governed  by  the  population  of 
Delaware,  as  the  lowest,  and  yet  entitled  to  one.  He  thinks  the 
sense  of  the  people  not  in  favour  of  a  large  representation. 

Mr.  Melancthon  Smith  rose  again.  He  meant  and  expressed  that 
the  interests  of  the  people,  not  tlieir  feelings,  should  be  represented. 
Chancellor  Livingston  opposing  him,  distorts  his  ideas.  His  idea 
of  aristocrats  is  not  new. 

Mr.  John  Jay  for  the  first  time  addressed  the  chair.  It  seemed  to 
be  generally  agreed  that  a  strong  Federal  government  is  necessary 
to  the  United  States.  He  called  upon  Mr.  Smith  to  know  if  he 
understood  him,  that  our  country  is  too  extensive  for  a  complete 
repiesentation  ;  and  Mr.  Smith  answered  that  he  thought  a  proper 
representation  for  a  strong  Federal  government  was  unattainable 
under  the  proposed  constitution.  Mr.  Jay  went  on — No  Federal 
government  is  worth  having,  unless  it  provides  for  the  interests  of 
the  United  States.  If  the  proposed  constitution  dots  so^  it  is  what 
we  want.  He  thinks  the  number  provided  for  representation  suffi- 
cient, under  present  circumstances.  x\s  to  corruption,  during  the 
last  war  there  were  generally  less  than  sixty-five  men  in  congress,  and 
Great  Britain  could  not  corrupt  a  majority.  The  old  congress  was 
more  liable  to  corruption  than  the  intended  one,  because  a  foreign 
power,  by  bribing  one  member,  took  oft'  the  vote  of  a  state — two 
members  being  necessary  to  a  vote,  and  seldom  more  than  two 
attending. 

Mr.  M.  Smith  said  a  few  words  in  support  of  his  amendment, 
and  the  convention  adjourned. 

June  24th — the  3d  section  of  the  1st  article  being  read,  Mr.  G. 
Livingston  said,  the  senate  would  have  powers  co-extensive  with 
the  house  of  representatives,  except  as  to  originating  revenue  laws; 
they  would  have  greater  importance,  as  they  were  a  smaller  and 
firmer  body,  and  continuing  longer  in  office,  gave  them  more  dig- 
nity. He  thought  these  powers  made  them  dangerous.  They  had 
likewise  powers  in  a  judicial  capacity,  and  in  forming  treaties  ;  they 
were  likewise  a  council  of  appointment.  He  thought  tbese  powers 
too  great,  and  subversive  of  liberty.  Senators  would  associate 
with  senators,  forget  the  people,  and  become  the  aristocrats  of  the 
land.  He  would  shorten  the  term  of  office,  and  lessen  their 
powers.  He  moved  that  no  'person  he  eligible  as  senator  more  than 
six  years  in  any  twelve,  and  the  state  legislatures  have  power  to  recall 
their  senators  and  elect  others. 

Mr.  Lansing  said,  he  thought  it  was  the  intent  of  the  framers  of 
the  constitution  to  make  the  power  of  representatives  the  organ  of 


270  PROCEEDIXGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  COXVEXTION. 

the  people,  and  the  senate  that  of  the  states  :  therefore  the  states 
ought  to  have  a  control  over  the  senators.  The  idea  of  rotation 
he  liked.  He  wished  the  power  of  recall  to  exist.  Removing 
members  would  check  party  spirit^  which  had  been  known  to  pre- 
vail. He  thought  evils  might  result  from  the  small  number  of 
senators. 

Chancellor  Livingston  said,  six  years  was  not  too  long  time  for 
a  senator  to  remain  such,  considering  his  duties  and  the  knowledge 
required  to  perform  them.  Evil  would  result  if  the  state  could 
recall.  He  ridiculed  the  notion  of  corruption  started  by  G.  Liv- 
ingston, or  of  the  senators  rendering  themselves  perpetual. 

Mr.  Lansing  said,  the  object  of  the  amendment  was  to  make 
senators  more  independent  of  the  state  legislatures.  He  thought 
senators  would  be  elected  who  had  knowledge  of  foreign  states, 
and  therefore  need  not  be  continued  in  office  to  gain  that  know- 
ledge. And  if  one  third  go  out  every  two  years,  cannot  those 
who  come   in  obtain  knowledire  fiom  those  who  remain  ^     The 

o 

power  of  recall  existed  in  the  old  confederation,  and  although  not 
used,  might  deter  from  corruption.  The  senate  do  not  originate 
money  bills,  but  it,  by  its  power  to  declare  war,  makes  them  neces- 
sary.    All  publick  bodies  are  liable  to  corruption. 

Chancellor  Livingston  noticed  an  errour.  The  senate  had  not 
a  right  to  declare  war  ;  it  required  the  whole  legislature.  The 
power  of  recall  would  subject  the  senator  to  the  parties  in  the 
state. 

Mr.  Richard  Morris,  from  the  city  and  county  of  New  York, 
spoke  for  the  first  time,  and  advocated  the  freedom  of  senators 
from  a  power  of  recall. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston  asked,  if  any  person  would  suppose  that  a 
state  being  invaded,  any  other  state  would  refuse  its  protection  ? 

Mr.  Harrison  not  only  agreed  that  a  vigorous  government 
was  necessary,  but  that  it  be  divided  into  two  houses.  The 
lower  house  represents  the  people,  the  senate  is  to  give  stability  to 
government.  He  did  not  agree  to  either  rotation  or  recall.  He 
would  have  the  meritorious  senator  liable  to  re-election.  Shall  we 
deprive  the  people  of  the  power  of  re-electing  a  man  who  has  proved 
he  can  serve  them  ^ 

Chancellor  Livingston  said,  the  power  of  recall  w^ould  enable 
the  state  legislatures  to  annihilate  the  government. 

Mr.  Smith  said,  the  state  legislatures,  by  neglecting  to  re- 
appoint at  the  end  of  six  years,  had  the  power  of  destroying  the 
government. 

Mr.  Lansing  said,  it  had  been  already  proved  that  the  power  of 
recall  was  not  likely  to  be  used,  as  it  had  not  been  used  under  the 
old  government.  He  w^ould  agree  that  the  state  recalling  should 
be  obliged  to  re-appoint. 


PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION.  271 

Mr.  Hamilton  advocated  stability  and  vigour  in  the  government. 
Every  republick  should  have  a  permanent  body  to  check  the  fluc- 
tuations of  a  popular  assembly.  This  body  should  be  small — hold 
office  for  a  considerable  time — be  the  centre  of  political  knowledge. 
The  amendment  would  deprive  the  senate  of  its  permanency.  The 
state  governments  have  a  natural  superiority  over  the  general  gov- 
ernment. We  are  to  guard  against  local  prejudices.  The  object 
of  the  convention  in  forming  the  senate  was  to  prevent  fluctuations 
and  cabals.  The  senators  will  look  up  to  the  state  legislatures. 
Instability  has  been  the  prominent  and  defective  feature  in  most 
republican  systems.     Now  is  the  time  to  apply  the  remedy. 

INIr.  Lansing  had  not  had  his  opinions  changed  by  the  arguments 
urged  by  the  Federalists,  i.  e.  Hamilton,  Cliancellor  Livingston, 
etc.  He  admitted  the  necessity  of  two  houses  in  the  legislature.  He 
would  not  have  the  Federal  government  independent.  The  states 
having  no  constitutional  control,  would  be  gradually  extinguished. 
The  people  would  become  subjects  instead  of  citizens.  The  states 
had  no  power  to  contend  with  the  general  government.  The  people 
must  rebel  or  wait  till  the  long  term  of  the  senators  expired,  and 
then  elect  others. 

Mr.  Smith  observed,  that  the  checks  in  die  amendment  either 
were  or  were  not  sufficient  to  give  stability  to  the  government, 
and  he  considered  that  the  only  question. 

Wednesday,  June  25th.  Mr.  Smith  resumed.  He  still  adhered 
to  the  notion  of  rendering  the  same  men  ineligible  for  six  years,  after 
serving  six  years  as  senators.  He  did  not  wish  the  senate  to  be  jier- 
petual,  although  stable.  He  urged  other  arguments  in  favour  of  ro- 
tation. He  then  argued  for  the  power  to  recall.  He  feared  the 
people  would  be  tired  of  paying  officers  for  the  state  governments, 
and  that  the  state  legislatures  would  have  nothing  to  do.  In  time 
the  general  government  would  swallow  up  all.  He  insisted  upon 
the  fear,  or  danger  of  corruption,  by  means  of  the  q-fices  in  the  dis- 
posal of  the  general  government.  He  insisted  the  representatives 
in  the  state  governments  were  more  under  the  eyes,  and  in  fear  of 
the  people  than  representatives  in  congress  would  be. 

Mr.  Hamilton  observed  on  the  plausibility  of  his  opponents.  He 
answersthe  objection,  that  the  legislatures  and  not  the  people  appoint 
the  senate,  by  showing  that  the  legislatures  represent  the  people. 
The  senate  should  be  so  formed  as  to  check  the  state  governments. 
The  check  upon  the  senator  is,  that  his  future  existence  depends 
upon  his  state.  "  We  have  in  this  state  a  duty  of  6d  per  pound  on 
salt,  and  it  operates  lightly  and  to  advantage,"  but  to  some  states  it 
would  be  very  burthensome.  The  eastern  states  would  oppose  a 
salt  tax,  laid  by  congress.  Their  senators  might  see  the  reason 
for  this — would  it  be  wise  to  give  the  state  power  of  recall  ?  Six 
years  is  a  period  short  enough  for  stability  in  the  senate.    One  third 


272  PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION. 

of  them  go  out  at  the  end  of  two  years,  two  thirds  in  four,  and  the 
whole  in  six.  There  will  be  a  constant  and  frequent  change. 
There  is  a  difference  between  the  rights  of  a  state  and  its  interests. 
The  rights  are  defined  by  the  const^ituiion,  which  has  nothing  to  do 
with  the  interests.  "  Conoress  can  no  more  abolish  the  state  ofov- 
ernments  than  they  can  dissolve  the  Union."  Factions  in  congress 
have  arisen  from  state  prejudices.  The  principle  of  rotation  would 
cause  the  senator  to  attend  more  to  his  own  interest — he  will  en- 
deavour to  perpetuate  his  power  by  unconstitutional  means.  The 
amendment  would  discard  two  men,  however  valuable,  and  replace 
them  by  men  untried.  As  to  corruption,  the  president  has  offices 
at  his  disposal.  But  how  many  offices  are  there  for  which  a  man 
would  relinquish  his  senatorial  dignity  ?     Very  few. 

]Mr.  Smith  believed  that  factions  mis^ht  be  in  existence  in  the 
senate  and  unknown  to  the  legislatures  of  the  states.  Violent  fac- 
tions have  existed  in  congress  respecting  foreign  matters  "of  which 
the  publick  are  ignorant."  Some  things  have  happened  which  are 
not  proper  to  be  divulged.  There  are  other  causes  of  parties,  be- 
sides the  clashing  of  state  interests. 

Chancellor  Livingston  observed,  the  committee  should  remember 
that  the  circumstances  of  the  country  were  altered,  by  the  knowledge 
that  New  Hampshire  had  adopted  the  constitution.  The  confcde- 
ratio7i  ivas  now  dissolved.  The  question  now  before  the  convention 
is  one  of  policy  and  expediency.  He  looked  with  horrour  on  the 
idea  of  disunion.  Since  yesterday,  he  felt  that  the  news  had  made 
a  solemn  impression  on  him. 

Although  it  is  acknowledged  that  the  people  at  large  did  not  or 
could  not  judge  what  was  best  for  them  as  a  nation,  yet  state  legis- 
latures might  have  this  knowledge  ;  yet  he  thought  them  incom- 
petent judges  of  what  was  best  for  the  Union.  He  thought  the 
new  constitution  had  provided  every  check  necessary  for  the  senate. 

Mr.  Smith  observed  upon  an  assertion  of  some  one,  that  a 
majority  of  the  states  would  not  agree  to  the  amendment.  He 
said  the  constitution  had  been  carried  in  most  of  the  states,  so  that 
no  opportunity  for  amendment  was  afforded.  As  to  the  change  of 
circumstances,  he  said  it  made  none  in  his  views. 

Mr.  Lansing  said,  it  is  true  the  ninth  state  had  ratified  the  consti- 
tution, still  it  is  our  duty  to  maintain  our  rights.  Let  the  nine  states 
make  the  experiment.  He  wished  for  union,  but  thought  that  New 
York  could  provide  alone  for  her  own  safety.  He  wished  a  res9- 
lution  to  this  purpose,  that  nothing  in  the  constitution  authorized 
congress  to  alter  any  regulations  of  any  state  respecting  the  times, 
places,  or  manner  of  holding  elections  for  senators  or  representa- 
tives, unless  the  state  failed  to  make  or  could  not  make  the  neces- 
sary regulations. 

Mr.  Jay  observed  that,  if  by  design  or  accident,  the  states  should 


PROCEEDINGS  AXD  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION.  273 

not  appoint  representatives,  there  should  be  a  remedy.  He  believed 
this  was  the  design  of  the  Federal  convention. 

R.  Morris  suggested  that  the  power  of  continuing  the  govern- 
ment ought  to  belong  to  the  Federal  representatives  of  the  people. 

Governour  Clinton  reprobated  the  representations  made  of  the 
weakness  of  New  York  ;  he  likewise  denied  the  distinctions  made 
between  the  house  of  representatives  and  senate.  All  were  elected 
by  the  people.     Their  will  was  law. 

Mr.  Jay  thous^ht  the  Governour  had  mistaken  the  gentleman. 
The  only  question  was,  how  this  will  is  to  be  expressed. 

Mr.  Melancthon  Smith  proposed  further  amendments,  but  with- 
drew ihem. 

June  26th  ;  Thursday.  Mr.  M.  Smith  again  proposed  dividing 
the  state  into  districts  for  elections. 

Mr.  Duane  thought  no  one  state  should  dictate  the  mode  of  elec- 
tions to  others.  This  power,  by  the  constitution,  resides  in  each 
state. 

Mr.  Smith  only  wished  this  liberty  secured  to  each  stale. 

Mr.  Duane  thought  the  mode  proposed  would  embarrass  elec- 
tions, as  it  made  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  necessary,  to  return  a 
member. 

Mr.  Lansing  proposed  to  modify  Mr.  Smith's  amendment  so 
that  congress  could  not  prevent  the  states  passing  laws  to  divide 
the  state  into  districts  ;  which  being  agreed  to,  the  committee 
passed  the  succeeding  paragraphs,  without  debate,  until  they  came 
to  the  second  clause  of  Section  6th.  Mr.  Lansing  then  proposed 
this  amendment:  "No  senator  or  representative  shall,  during  the 
time  for  which  he  is  elected,  be  appointed  to  any  office  under  the 
United  States ;  and  no  officer  of  the  United  States  shall  be  elected 
a  representative."     On  this,  there  was  no  debate. 

Mr.  WilHams  objected  to  the  powers  given  congress  in  respect 
to  taxes,  and  moved  that  no  excise  shall  be  imposed  on  any  arti- 
cle the  growth,  or  manufacture  of  the  United  States — no  direct 
taxes  be  laid,  but  w^hen  moneys  arising  from  imposts  and  excise 
are  found  insufficient — and  under  certain  restrictions. 

June,  27th — Mr.  Melancthon  Smith.  Taxes  are  of  the  utmost 
importance.  The  constitution  gives  powers  to  congress  to  raise 
money  in  all  ways,  except  by  duties  on  exports.  The  indivi- 
dual states  in  time,  will  have  no  right  to  raise  any  money.  Under 
the  present  new  system,  he  thought,  the  state  taxes  and  United 
States,  would  clash.  The  power  of  the  confederacy  would  swal- 
low up  the  States.  They  will  be  undermined  and  sink  gradually. 
The  former  confederacy  had  upon  the  whole  worked  well.  Some 
certain  specifick  revenue  must  be  reserved  to  the  states. 

Mr.  Williams  followed  on  the  same  side.  This  clause  would 
destroy  the  state  governments.  A  poll  tax  is  unjust  and  oppressive. 
VOL.  II.  35 


274  PllOCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION. 

Chancellor  Livingston  agreed  that  no  government  could  exist 
without  revenues  ;  that  consideration  of  the  states  must  be  avoided, 
and  that  "  the  extent  of  our  country  will  not  admit  of  a  represen- 
tation upon  principles,  in  any  great  degree  democratick."  The 
amendment  of  Mr.  Williams,  excludes  excise  on  products  and  ma- 
nufactures of  the  United  States,  and  says,  a  requisition  shall  precede 
an  imposition  of  a  direct  tax.  In  time,  we  may  become  manufac- 
turers, and  the  necessity  of  imposing  excise  on  home  products 
arise.  As  to  requisitions,  we  have  seen  enough  of  them  to  be  sus- 
picious. The  United  States  may  be  obliged  to  lay  direct  taxes-, 
and  if  requisitions  precede,  we  shall  be  laughed  at — we  lose  the 
time  when  the  money  is  wanted,  and  waste  it  in  petitioning  for 
requisitions,  and  in  petitions  which  are  never  granted.  The  state  that 
is  invaded  has  always  been  the  first  to  pay  the  requisition  :  the 
state  unharmed  paid  little  or  nothing.  Indirect  taxes  will  be  gene- 
rally sufficient:  but  congress  must  have  power  in  case  they  are 
not.  If  the  requisition  is  refused,  the  amendment  proposes  compul- 
sion. This  supposes  a  complete  set  of  officers,  etc.,  kept  in  readi- 
ness. If  resistance  is  made,  who  will  lend  to  congress  the  money 
wanted  in  the  first  place,  and  that  necessary  to  compel  obedience  ? 
The  avails  of  direct  taxes,  are  the  funds  to  be  pledged  for  borrow- 
ing. This  state  has  been  and  will  be  (in  time  of  foreign  war,)  the 
theatre  of  war.  It  is  for  our  interest  to  give  congress  power 
to  relieve  us  by  imposing  direct  taxes.  The  United  States  govern- 
ment, and  that  of  the  states,  will  not  clash  in  laying  taxes.  It  is 
upon  the  interest  of  the  United  States,  or  of  congress,  we  must 
depend.  The  state  has  unlimited  power  of  direct  taxation  upon 
itself:  and  when  it  has  laid  a  great  tax  on  any  one  article,  it  would 
be  unwise  in  con2:ress  to  tax  the  same  :  it  would  not  be  the  inter- 
est  of  congress  to  do  so.  We  have  resources  enough  to  support 
our  state  and  our  general  government — if  we  have  not,  let  us  have 
only  one — a  state — or  a  consolidated  government.  As  to  the 
assertion,  (made  by  Mr.  Smith)  that  every  government  will  raise 
more  money  than  it  can  use — I  do  not  understand  it — let  the  con- 
vention keep  in  mind,  that  the  accounts  of  the  general  government 
are  to  be  submitted,  from  time  to  time,  to  publick  inspection. 

Mr.  Smith  remarked,  that  from  time  to  time,  meant  anything  or 
nothing — from  century  to  century. 

Chancellor  Livingston  said,  the  representatives  would  consider 
economy  essential  to  their  popularity. 

Mr.  Hamilton  remarked,  tliat  when  we  had  given  a  proper  bal- 
ance to  the  branches  of  the  government,  and  fixed  representation 
upon  pure  principles,  we  may  safely  furnish  it  with  the  necessary 
powers. 

We  want  (he  proceeds,)  a  free  government  with  mutual  checks. 


PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IX  COXVENTIOX.  275 

One  branch  of  the  legislature  by  the  constitution  is  to  be  elected  by 
the  people — the  same  iieople — who  choose  the  state  legislatures. 
They  are  for  two  years,  and  then  return  to  their  constituents.  Here  the 
people  govern.  You  have  another  branch,  a  senate,  chosen  by 
your  state  legislatures.  You  have  an  executive  created  by  an  admi- 
rable mode  of  election.  Here  are  checks  :  but  you  must  trust 
your  government  with  necessary  powers  ;  you  must  have  confi- 
dence in  it.  Government  must  have  the  power  of  the  sword  and 
the  purse  :  but  you  do  not  place  both  in  one  house  :  the  purse  is 
with  one  branch,  and  the  sword  with  another.  Is  it  not  the  same 
in  the  New  York  state  government  ? — The  state  government  has 
not  to  provide  against  invasion,  nor  maintain  fleets  and  armies — 
nor  to  regulate  commerce,  make  alliances,  or  form  treaties  of  peace. 
Their  object  is  civil  and  domestick,  peace  and  justice.  But  the 
general  government  has  all  the  former  cares  and  expenses.  In 
Great  Britain,  the  expenses  of  peace  to  those  of  war,  are  one  to 
fourteen.  The  proportion  between  the  state  and  general  govern- 
ment, will  be  infinitely  greater.  Where  then,  ought  the  resources  to 
be  lodged  ?  Your  government  must  have  power  to  call  the  ability 
of  the  country  into  action.  There  can  be  no  exclusive  revenues. 
The  imposts  may  so  increase  as  to  render  direct  taxation  wineces- 
sary.  The  laws  of  the  states  must  not  touch  ihe  appropriated 
resources  of  the  United  States  :  but  the  United  States  may  relin- 
quish to  the  states.  It  may  be  necessary  to  borrow — and  to  bor- 
row you  must  have  pledges  to  give.  You  must  give  credit  to  your 
government.  It  w^ould  be  melanclioly,  if  true,  that  a  free  govern- 
ment cannot  exist  in  an  extensive  country.  This  idea  comes  from 
an  author  unacquainted  with  representation.  The  confederacy  of 
states  makes  the  notion  still  more  false.  The  state  governments 
are  absolutely  necessary  to  the  Federal  system.  He  uses  many 
arguments  to  show,  that  we  may  more  safely  trust  the  general  go- 
vernment than  even  the  state  government. 

Mr.  Hamilton  continued :  As  commerce  increased,  and  know- 
ledge was  let  in  upon  the  people,  they  perceived  their  own  conse- 
quence— they  united  with  kings  to  throw  off  the  yoke  of  the  barons 
or  aristocracy.  Wherever  the  popular  weight  causes  the  vessel 
to  lean,  there  will  power  flow.  The  constitution  is  so  formed 
that  the  states  can  provide  for  their  own  existence.  The  laws  of 
the  United  States  are  supreme  for  constitutional  objects,  and  so 
are  the  state  laws,  in  the  same  way.  Tliey  are  not  hostile.  The 
United  States,  and  the  state  government,  may  tax  the  same  object : 
but  they  collect  the  tax  by  different  officers. 

June  28th — Mr.  Hamilton  introduced  papers,  to  show  how  much 
the  state  of  New  York  suffered  by  the  system  of  requisitions  during 
the  late  war. 

Governour  Clinton  supposed  this  was  in  consequence  of  a  con- 


276  PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTIOTf. 

versation  with   him,    and  thought  the  papers  related  to   matters 
previous  to  the  accession  of  all  the  states  to  the  union. 

Mr.  Duane  acknowledged  the  conversation,  but  thought  it  a 
duty  to  bring  forward  these  papers.  He  was  convinced  that  our 
greatest  misfortune  was  the  want  of  such  a  government  as  is 
now  offered. 

Governour  Clinton  did  not  wish  to  withhold  these  papers.  After 
some  further  discussion,  the  papers  were  read.  x\nd  Gov.  CHn- 
ton  said,  that  the  severe  distresses  of  the  people  at  the  time,  made 
them  think  the  confederation  too  weak.  He  declared  that  he  was 
a  friend  to  a  strong  and  efficient  government ;  but  he  feared  an 
extreme.  If  the  proposed  constitution  is  shown  to  be  safe,  he 
would  drop  all  opposition.  He  always  wdshed  to  grant  an  impost 
to  congress. 

Mr.  Puane  asked  the  governour,  if  he  had  not  received  at  times 
from  the  commander-in-chief  notices,  that  if  ^ew  York  did  not 
furnish  supplies,  the  army  must  be  disbanded. 

The  governour  said  it  was  true.  He  said,  he  had  been  sent 
for  to  councils  of  w^ar,  where  the  state  of  the  army  was  laid  before 
him,  and  it  was  melancholy  indeed.  In  one  instance,  this  state 
by  impressing  flour  from  the  people,  saved  the  army  from  disso- 
lution. 

Mr.  Hamilton  said,  the  view  in  introducing  the  papers,  w^as  to 
show  the  evils  this  state  suffered,  because  requisitions  were  insuf- 
ficient to  call  forth  the  exertions  of  the  country,  or  its  resources. 

This  distress  occasioned  the  mad  project  of  creating  a  dictator  : 
and  Governour  Clinton's  opposition  to  that  project  is  known,  and 
applauded.  He  objects  to  Governour  Clinton,  that  he  opposes  the 
new  constitution,  but  does  not  offer  a  substitute,  by  which  to  gain 
strength,  without  danger  to  our  liberties.  When  congress  requested 
an  impost  for  twenty  five  years,  this  state  opposed  it.  New  York 
and  Rliode  Island  prevented  it.  In  respect  to  the  proposed  tax- 
ation, there  is  not  a  word  in  the  constitution,  which  gives  an  ex- 
clusive powder  to  the  United  States,  except  in  imposts.  Other 
taxes  are  concurrent,  and  both  the  general  government  and  the 
state,  tax  the  same  thing,  and  the  individual  cannot  pay  both  :  the 
first  come,  first  served.  Neither  power  is  supreme.  The  impost 
given  to  the  United  States,  gives  them  power  to  discharge  the  debt, 
and  absolves  the  individual  states  from  responsibility. 

If  we  are  to  unite,  it  is  for  great  purposes,  and  these  require 
great  resources  and  powers.  The  Unhed  States  will  have  exten- 
sive and  uniform  objects  of  taxation.  The  states  a  great  variety, 
to  which  only  state  laws  can  apply.  The  legislature  of  New  York 
can  even  authorize  a  poll  tax.  There  may  exist  circumstances  to 
make  even  such  a  tax  necessary  ;  and  when  necessary,  the  people 
must  submit  to  it.     He  accused  the  opposition  of  jealousy  and 


PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION.  277 

conjecture.  No  one  difficulty  in  the  constitution  can  be  pointed 
out,  that  will  not  apply  to  the  state  governments.  The  most  am- 
bitious men  will  be  careful  to  draw  forth  the  resources  of  the  people 
as  gently  as  possible.  The  supposed  want  of  money  in  New  York 
is  complained  of,  but  it  is  a  want  of  confidence  in  the  old  govern- 
ment of  the  Union.  Mr.  Hamilton  contended  against  the  amend- 
ment which  required  that  no  direct  tax  should  be  laid  until  impost 
and  excise  had  proved  insufficient.  He  said.  New  York,  from  its 
situation  and  extent  of  unsetded  lands,  must  ever  be  a  commercial 
and  agricultural  state.  If  the  general  government  is  restrained 
from  free  application  to  other  resources  it  will  push  i7njjosts  to  an  ex- 
treme. Excessive  impositions  on  commerce  will  be  injurious  to  the 
state  of  ^ew  York.  Excise  will  operate  the  same  way.  Our  neigh- 
bours not  possessing  our  advantages  for  commerce  and  agriculture, 
will  be  manufacturers,  and  protected  by  the  amendment,  and  we 
burthened.  It  is  the  interest  of  New  York  that  those  articles  should 
be  taxed  in  which  our  neighbours  excel  us  ;  excises  on  manufac- 
tures are  for  our  advantage.  The  nature  of  our  union  requires 
that  we  should  give  up  our  state  impost.  With  apologies  for  his 
warmth,  and  objections  to  gentlemen  supposing  that  the  advocates 
of  the  new  government  were  influenced  by  ambition,  Mr.  Hamilton 
concluded. 

Mr.  Lansing,  in  reply,  said  it  was  conceded  that  the  constitution 
gave  powers  to  congress  to  lay  all  kinds  of  taxes.  Litigations  will 
succeed,  which  must  be  carried  to  the  courts  of  the  United  States. 
They  will  give  extensive  jurisdiction  to  the  courts  of  the  federation. 
The  amendment  would  prevent  excises  on  manufactures  of  the 
United  States,  and  prevent  direct  taxes  until  requisitions  have  been 
made.  The  Federal  government  being  but  part  of  a  system,  ought 
not  to  have  the  whole  power  of  exacting  support.  The  general 
government  should  have  general  powers.  As  to  requisitions,  those 
now  proposed  are  different  from  those  acknowledged  formerly  to 
have  been  incompetent;  the  amendment  requires  carrying  the  laws 
of  congress  to  the  doors  of  individuals,  and  not  calling  on  whole 
communities.  The  states  have  complied  with  the  requisitions,  by 
making  laws  for  their  effect;  but  it  has  been  individuals  who  have 
not  obeyed.  Congress  will  have  by  the  amendment  the  right  to 
enforce  the  requisitions. 

Mr.  Lansing  objected  to  the  supremacy  of  the  laws  of  the  Uni- 
ted States.  He  objected  to  the  assertion  that  danger  to  the  state 
governments  could  only  exist  in  a  distempered  fancy.  These  im- 
pressions thus  fanciful  to  him,  have  made  serious  impressions  on 
good  and  great  men.  History  shows  the  encroachments  on  the 
rights  of  the  people.  It  is  admitted  that  the  state  governments 
are  necessary.  Mr.  Hamilton  has  said,  the  idea  of  hostility  be- 
tween the  general  and  state  governments  is  chimerical ;  but  Mr. 


278  PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION. 

Lansing  was  persuaded  such  hostility  would  exist.  Lansing 
charged  Hamilton  with  holding  different  opinions  in  the  conven- 
tion at  Philadelphia.  Hamilton  -denied  this,  and  an  altercation 
took  place,  which  is  here  omitted. 

On  the  30th  of  June,  the  same  dispute  occupied  a  great  part  of 
the  day.  When  the  debate  again  took  place,  Mr.  Williams,  Mr. 
Smith,  and  Mr.  Jones  spoke.  Smith  said  that  the  national  head 
ought  not  to  have  all  the  means;  nor  should  the  power  charged 
with  the  national  defence  have  all  the  revenues.  Li  England,  the 
king  had  the  power  of  war,,  but  parliament  of  supply.  He  woulcl 
have  the  consthution  plain,  and  not  liable  to  different  constructions. 
He  thought  the  national  government  w^ould  have  too  great  control 
over  the  states,  and  could  set  aside  the  powers  in  the  state,  neces- 
sary for  its  well  being.  He  continued  to  remark  on  the  necessary 
hostility. 

Mr.  Duane  addressed  the  convention.  He  thought  the  system 
of  requisitions  ought  to  be  forever  discarded.  He  hoped  yet  to 
see  a  navy  of  the  United  States.  He  spoke  of  the  necessity  of 
both  army  and  navy,  to  repress  the  existing  aggressions  of  Great 
Britain. 

Mr.  Jay  began,  by  describing  the  general  characteristicks  for 
a  government  of  the  United  States.  Would  it  be  proper  that  the 
state  governments  should  limit  the  national  resources  ?  Would  it 
be  right  that  the  sovereign  power  of  the  nation  should  depend  on  the 
will  of  the  several  members  ?  That  the  interest  of  a  part  should 
govern  the  whole  ?  As  to  collecting  a  direct  tax,  after  requisition  ; 
would  not  the  motives  that  induced  non-compliance  likewise  induce 
resistance  to  collection?  A  number  of  states,  similarly  situated, 
might  unite,  and  control  the  general  government.  He  remarked 
upon  taxation,  and  thought  it  would  be  difficult  to  distinguish  some 
articles  of  American  from  foreign  manufacture. 

INIr.  M.  Smith  remarked  upon  Mr.  Duane's  wish  for  a  navy. 
He  thought  it  would  be  wild  and  ridiculous  for  years  to  come. 
He  talked  of  centuries,  and  did  not  wish  to  provide  for  times  so 
distant.  He  commented  on  Washington's  circular,  complaining 
of  requisitions.  He  stigmatized  Mr.  Jay's  notion  of  non-complying 
states  joining  to  resist  congress,  as  imaginary.  They  might  com- 
bine to  resist  a  tax,  although  no  requisition  had  been  made. 

Chancellor  Livingston  said,  the  opposition  talk  at  random,  and 
run  into  inconsistencies.  They  differ  from  each  other,  and  from 
themselves.  They  tell  us  congress  will  tax  to  the  utmost,  and 
oppress  the  people,  and  they  tell  us  congress  has  not  power  so  to 
do.  They  say  the  state  governments  will  be  left  powerless.  Is 
the  power  over  property  nothing? — over  life  and  death,  nothing? — 
Can  they  not  raise  money  ? — and  regulate  the  militia?  The  strain 
of  irony  and  ridicule  was   continued,  and   then   he  said: — The 


PROCEEDINGS  A-\D  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION.  279 

States  and  the  United  States  have  distinct  objects.  They  are  both 
supreme  :  the  one  as  to  national  objects,  the  other  as  to  doinestick 
and  internal  objects.  He  then  returned  to  ridicule  : — And  we  are 
told  that  we  are  not  to  make  a  government  for  futurity  !  We  are 
to  make  a  government  of  a  day  ! 

July  2d — Mr.  G.  Livingston  said,  if  the  clause  under  con- 
sideration was  not  amended  we  should  not  have  a  shadow  of  liberty 
left.  The  new  government  cannot  be  depended  on.  There  would 
be  a  contest  between  the  general  and  state  governments  for  the 
taxes,  and  collision  in  the  collecting.  He  endeavoured  to  ridicule 
the  arguments  of  the  Federalists,  but  very  feebly,  and  showed  him- 
self wounded  by  the  Chancellor's  ridicule,  by  what  approached 
to  personal  abuse. 

Mr.  Wilhams  thought  Chancellor  Livingston's  speech  unworthy 
of  notice  in  point  of  argument,  but  would  not  submit  to  have  his 
own  arguments  misstated.  He  would  not  enter  seriously  into  the 
•subject,  until  he  heard  serious  answers  to  his  arguments.  He  ap- 
peared very  much  vexed  by  the  Chancellor's  ridicule,  and  power 
of  exciting  laughter. 

Mr.  Smith  refers  to  the  same.  Perhaps  the  convention  wants 
something  to  divert  them.  He  compared  the  Chancellor's  speech 
to  a  farce  after  a  tragedy.  H^  thought  he  aimed  to  amuse  the 
auditors  without  the  bar  :  and  that  he  had  acquitted  himself  most 
admirably. 

Mr.  Smith  ridiculed  Chancellor  Livingston,  and  said  he  contra- 
dicts himself,  and  that  his  creed  was,  "  I  believe,  that  the  general 
government  is  supreme,  and  that  the  state  governments  are  su- 
preme, and  yet  they  are  not  two  supremes,  but  one  supreme."  He 
thought  it  no  proof  of  strength  of  argument,  when  ridicule  was 
resorted  to. 

The  Chancellor,  well  pleased  that  his  ridicule  had  succeeded 
in  irritating  his  antagonists,  pretended  to  apologize  for  it.  He  now 
charged  Smith  with  falsifying  him.  He  had  maintained  that  a 
single  league  of  states,  could  not  long  exist,  but  not  that  a  Fede- 
ral government  could  not  exist ;  but  ironically  says,  what  wounds 
him  deepest  is,  that  his  worthy  kinsman,  Mr.  G.  Livingston, 
should  join  his  dagger  with  the  rest,  and  force  him  to  exclaim 
"  thou  too  Brutus."  If  this  gendeman's  wrong  conclusions  from 
false  premises  are  ridiculous,  it  is  not  my  fault.  When  argu- 
ments appear  to  him  absurd  and  ridiculous,  he  must  expose 
them. 

Mr.  Lansing  proposed,  respecting  borrowing  money,  the  amend- 
ment, that  no  money  be  borrowed  on  the  credit  of  the  United 
States,  without  the  assent  of  two  thirds  of  the  members  of  both 
houses  present. 

Mr  Jones  moved  this  amendment  respecting  post  offices,  etc., 


280  PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION. 

"that  the  power  of  congress  to  estabhsh  post  offices  and  post 
roads,  is  not  to  be  construed  to  extend  to  the  laying  out,  making, 
altering,  or  repairing  highways  iri  any  state,  without  the  consent 
of  the  legislature  of  such  state." 

In  respect  to  armies,  Mr.  Lansing  proposed,  "  that  no  standing 
army,  or  regular  troops,  shall  be  raised,  or  kept  up,  in  time  of 
peace,  without  the  consent  of  two  thirds  of  the  members  of  both 
houses  present."  Mr.  Smith  moved  that  the  mihtia  should  not 
be  marched  out  of  their  own  state,  without  the  consent  of  the  exer 
cutive  of  the  state,  nor  continued  in  service  more  than  six  weeks,  with 
other  restrictions.  Mr.  Lansing  moved,  to  restrict  the  powers  of  con- 
gress to  those  expressly  given,  and  others  to  be  reserved  to  the  states. 
Mr.  Smith  moved  against  a  power  to  grant  monopohes.  Mr.  Tred- 
well  would  have  two  thirds  of  the  members  present,  necessary  to 
declaring  war.  Mr.  Lansing,  would  not  have  the  privilege  of  habeas 
corpus  to  be  suspended  more  than  six  months,  or  until  the  next 
meeting  of  congress.  Mr.  Tredwell  moved  respecting  ex-jjost 
facto  laws,  and  that  no  capitation  tax  should  ever  be  laid  ;  and 
the  words  from  "  time  to  time"  be  defined.  On  the  third  article, 
Mr.  Jones  and  Mr.  M.  Smith  spoke,  but  no  debate  ensued  :  and 
Mr.  Jones  submitted  several  resolves  respecting  the  jurisdiction  of 
courts,  particularly  the  United  States  court. 

On  the  7th  of  July,  the  secretary  read  the  fourth  and  fifth  arti- 
cles without  interruption  ;  but  in  the  sixth,  Mr.  Lansing  proposed 
that  no  treaty  should  operate,  to  alter  the  constitution  of  any  state. 
Mr.  Smith  moved,  that  all  officers  of  the  United  States,  should 
be  bound  by  oath  or  affirmation,  not  to  infringe  the  rights  of  the 
individual  states. 

After  the  constitution  had  been  gone  through,  Mr.  Smith  mov- 
ed, that  the  inhabitants  of  the  ten  miles  square,  to  be  granted  to 
congress,  shall  be  secured  in  the  privileges  of  others ;  with  certain 
restrictions. 

Mr.  Lansing  then  read  and  presented  a  bill  of  rights  to  be  pre- 
fixed to  the  constitution.  No  business  was  done  until  July  the 
10th,  when  INIr.  Lansing  divided  the  amendatory  resolves  into  ex- 
planatory, conditional,  and  recommendatory.  On  the  11th,  Mr. 
Jay  moved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  that  the  constitution 
under  consideration,  ought  to  be  ratified  by  this  convention  :  and 
further  that  the  explanations  ought  to  be  called  for,  and  amendments 
deemed  useful,  recommended. 

This  motion  was  supported  by  Chancellor  Livingston,  and 
Chief  Justice  Morris,  and  opposed  by  Mr.  Smith  until  the  15th, 
when  Mr.  Smith  moved  as  an  amendment  to  Mr.  Jay's  motion 
"  ujjon  condition  necertheless,''^  that  until  a  convention  shall  be  called 
and  convened  for  the  purpose  of  amendments  such  and  such 
powers  shall  not  be  exercised. 


PROCEEDINGS  AND  DEBATES  IN  CONVENTION.  281 

On  the  16th,  Judge  Hobart,  moved  an  adjournment,  which  was 
negatived.  Mr.  Dqane  brought  in  a  plan  of  ratification  with 
amendments.  Mr.  Smith's  proposition  was  debated  until  the 
19th,  when  Mr.  Lansing  proposed  a  conditional  ratification  with 
amendments.  On  the  23d,  the  word  condition,  was  struck  out,  and 
''^  in  full  confidence''  substituted,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Jones. 

Mr.  Lansing  wished  the  adoption  of  a  resolution,  that  the  state 
of  New  York,  should  have  a  right  to  withdraw  herself  from  the 
union,  after  a  certain  number  of  years,  unless  the  amendments  pro- 
posed should  be  previously  submitted  to  a  general  convention. 
This  was  negatived. 

The  committee  considered  the  amendments,  until  the  25th  July, 
when  they  agreed  to  them,  rose,  and  reported.  The  convention 
then  agreed  to  the  report,  and  a  circular  letter  was  agreed  to  be 
sent  to  the  different  legislatures  recommending  a  general  conven- 
tion. On  Saturday,  July  26th,  all  being  read,  and  the  question  put, 
there  appeared  for  the  affirmative,  INIessrs.  Jay,  Hobart,  Hamilton, 
R.  Livingston,  Roosevelt,  Duane,  Harrison,  Low,  Scudder,  Ha- 
vens, J.  Smith,  Jones,  Schenck,  Lawrence,  Carman,  Lefferts, 
Vandervoort,  Bancker,  Ryers,  L.  Morris,  P.  Livingston,  Hatfield, 
Van  Cortlandt,  Crane,  Sarles,  Woodhull,  Piatt,  M.  Smith,  G.  Liv- 
ingston, and  De  Witt.     30. 

For  the  negative,  Messrs.  R.  Yates,  Lansing,  Outhout,  J. 
Thompson,  Tredwell,  Cantine,  Schoonmaker,  Clark,  J.  Clinton, 
Wynkoop,  Haring,  Wisner,  Wood,  Swartwout,  Akins,  Harper, 
Frey,  Winn,  Veeder,  Staring,  Parker,  Williams,  Baker,  Hopkins, 
Van  Ness,  Ray,  and  Adgate.     27.* 

*  It  is  remarkable  that  for  the  adoption  we  see  the  names  of  so  many  distin* 
guished  men,  and  for  the  contrary  so  very  few. 

It  will  be  seen  that  several  of  the  Anti-federalists  voted  in  the  affirmative  when 
the  main  question  was  taken ;  in  reference  to  which  circumstance  Mr.  George  F. 
Hopkins  tells  me,  that  when  a  boy,  in  the  year  1788,  he  heard  the  conversations  at 
the  time  the  convention  was  sitting,  and  knows  that  Francis  Childs  was  the  short- 
hand reporter,  and  has  told  him  that  he  was  absent  (or  lost)  the  most  remarkable 
speech  made  on  that  occasion;  which  was  by  Alexander  Hamilton,  and  produced 
the  vote  in  favour  of  the  adoption.  The  convention  had  met  for  the  final  question, 
and  the  majority  was  known  to  be  for  rejecting  the  constitution.  After  a  time  of 
silence  he  arose  and  addressed  them  for  three  hours,  bringing  forward  every  ar- 
gument and  appealing  to  the  feelings  of  the  audience.  Many  even  melted  to  tears, 
when  he  dwelt  upon  the  miseries  that  must  ensue,  if  the  constitution  was  rejected, 
and  disunion  take  place  among  the  states.  Instead  of  proceeding  to  take  the 
yeas  and  nays,  as  was  expected,  Gilbert  Livingston,  one  of  the  opposition,  moved 
an  adjournment,  saying,  "There  is  much  weight  in  Mr.  Hamilton's  words."  That 
night  the  oppositionists  held  a  caucus,  and  it  was  determined  that  Gilbert  Livingston, 
M.  Smith,  and  another,  should  vote  for  the  constitution ;  which  they  did,  and 
made  a  majority  of  two.  Mr.  Hopkins  remembers  the  admiration  caused  by  the 
speech  at  the  time.  He  says,  that  at  the  door  of  the  post-office,  a  group  of  persons 
attracted  his  attention,  and  he  listened.  They  were  warm  in  expressions  of  ad- 
miration of  Hamilton's  speech.  At  this  time,  James  Kent,  (the  venerable  ex- 
chancellor,)  who  had  been  an  auditor,  came  up,  and  exclaimed,  ''  I  could  never 
have  believed  that  the  power  of  man  was  equal  to  the  production  of  so  much 
eloquence!" 

VOL.  II.  36 


282  CONCLUSION. 

Governour  Clinton,  the  president,  had  no  vote.  The  convention 
adjourned,  without  day ;  and  thus  New  York  became  an  integral 
member  of  this  great  (I  will  not  s^y  confederacy,  but)  nation. 

Although  the  Federal  constitution  had  been  adopted,  and  Wash- 
ington called  to  administer  the  government,  still  it  was  to  be  seen 
how  the  great  experiment  would  work.  It  was  yet  unknown  that 
confidence  in  the  United  States  would  be  established  at  home  and 
abroad  ;  that  the  inhuman  policy  of  Great  Britain,  in  stirring  up  the 
savages  to  desolate  our  frontiers  and  steep  in  blood  that  land  she 
had  been  forced  to  abandon  to  us,  would  be  firmly  met ;  and  the 
forts  held  and  strengthened  by  her,  in  contravention  of  the  articles 
of  peace,  for  the  purpose  of  stimulating  the  Indians  and  supplying 
them  with  the  means  of  murder,  would  be  wrested  from  her.  But 
the  new  system  of  government  proved  that  a  representative  com- 
monwealth was  better  than  any  other  mode  for  the  happiness  of 
mankind,  and  that  the  arts  of  a  baffled  monarchy  only  served  to 
bring  ruin  on  the  savage  nations  deluded  by  them  ;  until  after  a  war 
of  twelve  years,  carried  on  by  the  red  man,  in  whose  hands  Eng- 
land, though  pretending  friendship  for  us,  put  the  scalping-knife 
and  the  tomahawk,  the  men  of  the  wilderness  found  that  they  were 
only  the  tools  of  a  faithless  kingdom,  which  sacrificed  them  and  their 
country  to  her  hatred  of  the  people  who  had  rejected  her  laws  and 
defeated  her  armies.  In  1795,  Wayne  gave  peace,  by  victory,  to 
the  frontiers,  and  soon  the/ree  state  of  Ohio  exhibited  a  prosperity 
unexampled  in  the  history  of  the  world. 


APPENDIX. 


APPENDIX. 


Appendix  A. —  Vol.  1.,  p.  28. 

Foil  the  remains  of  Indian  towns,  and  forts,  and  of  forts 
supposed  to  be  anteriour  to  the  race  of  Red-men  found  by  the 
Europeans,  I  refer  the  reader  to  Moulton,  first  part  of  history  of 
the  state  of  New  York,  pubHshed  by  John  Van  Ness  Yates,  and 
Joseph  W.  Moulton,  and  the  memoir  by  the  Honourable  Dewitt 
Clinton. 

On  the  cast  bank  of  Seneca  river,  are  found  remnants  of  Indian 
defences.  These  fortifications  have  been  traced  eighteen  miles 
east  of  Manlius-square ;  and  in  Oxford,  Chenango  county,  on  the 
east  bank  of  Chenango,  are  remains  of  forts.  One  is  found  in  the 
town  of  Onondaga,  two  near  Auburn,  and  three  in  the  vicinity  of 
Canandaigua.  In  many  other  places,  there  are  found  cemeteries 
with  Indian  remains,  and  vestiges  of  fortifications.  In  the  year 
1815,  I  had  an  opportunity  of  visiting  those  of  Pompey,  Onon- 
daga, Canandaigua,  and  several  others.  Without  military  skill, 
and  perhaps,  devoid  of  the  feelings  which  appear  to  have  possessed 
the  Reverend  Mr.  Kirkland,  and  many  others,  I  could  form  no 
precise  notion  of  these  works  of  defence.  Some  appeared  to  me 
remnants  of  Indian  palisadoed  villages,  and  some  as  if  thrown  up 
by  the  French  in  their  excursions  into  what  is  now  our  state. 

Our  ingenious,  industrious,  and  learned  fellow  citizen,  Mr.  Moul- 
ton, has  given  us  all  the  various  theories  and  traditions  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  origin  of  the  Indians  known  to  Europeans,  and  of  those 
who  preceded  them.  The  Lenape,  or  Delawares,  told  Mr. 
Heckewelder,  that  they  came  from  the  west,  in  very  remote  times, 
and  met  the  Iroquois  journeying  likewise  from  the  west,  at  the 
great  river  Naimae  Sipic^  or  river  offish,  (another  derivative  name 
for  Mississippi,)  where  the  AUegewi  lived  in  great  fortifications, 
or  cities,  with  whom  they  contended  in  many  battles,  and  finally 
conquered.  They,  the  Lenape,  then  increased  and  spread  to  the 
Atlantick  coasts,  and  the  Hudson  river,  and  the  New  England 


II  APPENDIX  B. 

States.  The  Iroquois  took  the  country  of  the  lakes  and  the  St. 
Lawrence,  and  subsequently  quarreled  and  warred  with  the  Dela- 
wares,  w^ho,  as  they  told  the  story,  were  of  course  very  much 
abused. 

For  the  various  Indian  traditions,  I  refer  to  the  learned  author, 
above  named,  and  for  the  conjectures  of  European  writers  on  the 
first  peopling  of  our  continent  from  every  nation  of  every  part  of 
the  known  w^orld.  Onondaga  we  know  was  the  great  council-house 
of  the  Iroquois  confederacy.  But  we  do  not  know  that  it  was  the 
spot  "  where  men  of  the  Malay  race  from  the  southwest,  and  of  the 
Tartar  blood  form  the  northwest,  and  of  the  Gothick  stock  from 
the  northeast,  have  successively  contended  for  supremacy  and  rule, 
and  which  may  be  considered  as  having  been  possessed  by  each, 
before  the  French,  Dutch,  or  English,  had  ever  visited  or  known 
the  country  !"  Yet,  thus  philosophers  and  historians  amuse  them- 
selves by  writing  and  publishing,  what  is  called  history. 

All  that  has  been  said,  or  can  be  said,  is  brought  together  very 
pleasantly  in  a  small  compass  by  Mr.  Moulton,  and  he  ends — no 
fault  of  his — for  every  speculator  on  the  subject,  as  to  who  where, 
or  from  w^hence  came  the  aborigines  of  America,  must  end  with — 
"  Who  can  say." 


Appendix  B. —  Vol.  1.,  p.  29. 

The  following  is  from  an  intelligent  friend,  educated  in  New 
England,  travelled  in  Europe,  and  for  a  number  of  years,  settled 
in  the  western  part  of  New  York,  surrounded  at  the  time,  by  the 
Iroquois.  His  decease  is  a  loss  both  to  his  family  and  the  com- 
munity. I  may,  without  indelicacy,  name  the  late  Samuel  M. 
Hopkins,  at  one  time,  an  eminent  counsellor  at  law  in  this  city. 

*'  Deal'  Sir. — The  native  Indians  of  this  part  of  North  America, 
appear  to  me,  to  be  a  people  exceedingly  remarkable — whether  we 
look  at  the  question  of  their  origin  ;  their  character  and  manners, 
or  their  regular,  and  as  it  seems  necessary  tendency  to  final  ex- 
tinction. Before  this  last  event  shall  arrive,  I  have  often  felt  anx- 
ious, that  some  Tacitus  should  snatch  from  the  winds  the  Sybil-leaf 
which  contains  the  delineation  of  their  exceedingly  peculiar  cha- 
racter, and  hand  it  down  for  the  wonder  of  ages,  that  shall  pass 
after  the  enquirer  is  gone.  But  in  truth,  it  is  equally  wanted  by  the 
present  age,  and  even  by  men  of  information,  who  live  almost 
among  them — fori  think  that  the  greater  part  of  our  own  country- 


APPENDIX  B.  Ill 

men,  have  little  other  idea  of  Indians  than  Europeans,  who  seem 
to  conceive  of  them,  merely  as  wild,  ferocious — and  unsocial,  like 
beasts  of  prey. 

In  person,  it  appears  to  me,  that  our  Indians  are  above  the  size 
of  European  nations — thin  limbs,  both  neat  and  muscular.  In 
countenance,  course,  rough,  and  huge,  so  that  [qw  of  the  women 
even  in  youth,  possess  beauty,  and  in  age,  are  very  ugly. 

Their  capacities  of  mind,  place  them  in  my  judgment,  among 
the  most  bright  and  intelligent  of  all  the  varieties  of  the  race  of  man 
— Yet,  here  lies  their  peculiarity  which  strikes  my  mind  so  forceably, 
and  which  I  shall  be  too  feeble  and  imperfect  in  attempting  to 
describe. 

First  of  all  comes  their  ujitameahle  character,  as  I  call  it — and 
yet,  it  would  cost  me  sheets  to  explain  to  a  foreigner,  in  what  sense, 
and  how  untameabh — for  they  always  live  in  towns — no  people  on 
earth  are  so  peaceable  among  themselves — all  our  experience  on 
the  northern  frontier,  shews  them  to  be  good  and  kind  neighbours 
when  treated  justly — and  they  shew  the  utmost  aptitude  for  acquir- 
ing arts,  letters  and  sciences,  whenever  they  choose  to  apply  to  it — 
I  never  heard  of  family  broils — parties  of  any  kind,  nor  domestick 
quarrels,  except  when  excited  by  ardent  spirits — or  by  the  inter- 
ference of  white  people. 

Then  how  or  why  untameable  ?  They  seem  invincibly  attached 
to  the  hunter  state,  and  to  a  community  of  goods,  (lands)  or  more 
truly,  to  have  no  property  at  all  except  the  utensils  and  stock  of 
each  family,  and  the  gun,  etc.,  of  each  hunter  ;  this,  however,  as  to 
property  has  some  exceptions. 

But  to  the  position  that  they  never  sit  down  in  the  regular  pur- 
suit of  property,  or  comfort  in  agricultural  or  civick  life — that  they 
Tiever  adopt  the  manners  and  pursuits  of  white  peop]e  permanently 
— never  live  intermixed  among  us  in  any  manner  ;  to  this  as  far  as 
I  learn,  there  has  never  been  in  the  200  years  of  our  national  history 
one  single  exception. 

It  is  200  years  since  our  ancestors  began  to  study  their  language 
and  reduce  it  to  writing  and  grammar ;  to  teach  them  ours ;  build 
colleges  to  educate  their  children ;  caress,  bribe,  flatter,  and  make 
them  scholars,  and  in  some  instances  I  believe  sincere  christians. 
The  boys  learned  Latin,  Greek  and  Mathematicks,  and  often  were 
the  best  scholars  in  forms  and  classes,  by  which  they  were  caressed 
and  beloved.  Their  taste  was  fine,  and  their  manners  polished  ; 
but  some  went  immediately  back  to  their  tribe  and  hunted — some 
preached  Christianity  many  years,  and  then  became  drunkards. 
Some  (say  Skenando  of  Oneida)  Kved  and  died  Christians,  but 
with  Indian  manners.  I  have  never  heard  of  one  who  lived  and 
died,  reared  and  left,  a  family  and  property  in  the  manner  of  white 


IV  APPENDIX  B. 

people.  They  fly  the  face  of  civilized  society  and  domestick  ha- 
bits, and  yet  to  a  great  extent  have  a  civilization  of  their  own. 

I  could  answer  all  arguments^ about  their  depressed  condition 
and  much  such  stuff.  Tltey  are  not  depressed.  Their  chiefs  go  to 
Albany  and  Washington  and  dine  with  governours  and  presidents. 

How  wonderfully  different  the  African — dull,  sensual,  tame, 
beyond  all  the  tribes  of  men  ;  so  that  you  can  hardly  drive  him 
out  of  the  town,  nor  even  make  him  hunt,  or  go  into  the  woods  at 
all,  unless  you  drag  him  there  as  a  slave. 

The  Indian  tamed  is  like  a  fox  tamed,  and  not  more  hke  us 
than  that  fox  is  like  a  dog. 

Perhaps  their  oratory  is  the  only  trait  of  their  character  well 
understood  by  the  publick.  I  fully  accede  to  all  that  is  said  of  it, 
though  I  never  heard  their  speakers  on  any  great  occasion.  I 
knew  Red  Jacket  ivM  ;  I  place  him  in  point  of  native  talents  (and 
powers  as  I  believe  to  persuade,  delight  or  astonish)  on  a  level 
with  the  greatest  speakers  of  the  age,  in  England,  Ireland  or 
America.  A  friend  of  mine,  a  man  of  e^enius,  w4io  had  well 
studied  the  Ancients  and  Moderns,  and  who  heard  one  of  Red 
Jacket's  greatest  efforts,  declared  to  me  that  the  dignity,  grace, 
and  power  of  the  man,  gave  an  idea  which  he  could  never  other- 
wise have  had,  of  what  Demosthenes  must  have  been. 

But  the  publick  do  not  know  that  these  speeches  are  studied  and 
prepared  with  the  utmost  care — that  they  are  delivered  in  a  highly 
cultivated  dialect,  or  kind  of  court  (council)  language,  which  the 
common  people  can  scarcely,  if  at  all,  understand  ;  and  that  the  ear 
of  a  council  of  chiefs  is  as  nicely  tuned  to  all  the  harmonies  of 
language,  as  that  of  the  Athenian  populace  was.  To  aid  this 
harmony,  theirflexible  language  submits  (euphoniae  gratia)  to  every 
imaginable  contortion,  so  that  even  one  word  shall  be  divided  in 
two,  and  receive  another  entire  word  between  its  parts  to  aid  the 
harmony  or  force  of  a  sentence. 

If  I  am  right  in  the  assertion,  with  what  amazement  will  you  learn 
that  they  have  no  poetry  :  I  mean,  no  metrical  poetry.  At  least,  I 
never  could  hear  of  any  thing  of  the  kind.  Equally  astonishing — 
no  7nusick — for  thouo-h  I  have  heard  them  when  half  drunk  mutterins^ 
some  lugubrious  sounds  with  the  voice,  and  have  seen  and  heard  a 
flute  with  three  or  four  notes,  on  no  scale  or  proportion,  and  ma- 
king no  melody  whatever;  yet  I  conceive  these  are  merely  imita- 
tions of  what  they  have  seen  among  us,  and  not  their  own  ancient 
traditionary  attainments. 

From  my  infancy  I  heard  of  Indian  wit.  I  have  not  heard  much 
in  this  country,  except  a  few  fine  repartees,  in  the  serious  style,  by 
some  of  the  great  men.  But  in  my  boyhood,  every  tale  of  other 
times  in  New  England  was  fraught  with  instances  of  retorts  said  to 
be  made  by  squaws  and  Indians  of  the  common  sort — of  which  I 


APPENDIX  B.  V 

can  only  say,  that  if  our  fathers  made  them  for  the  Indians,  then 
they  made  better  speakers  for  tiicm  than  for  themselves.  I  could 
now  repeat  some,  (too  long  to  explain  intelligibly)  tlie  exquisite 
felicity  and  keenness  of  which,  equal  any  thing  which  we  have  re- 
corded of  the  Greeks — yet  tlie  style  is  widely  different — the  flavour 
as  different  as  Burgundy  and  Champaigne. 

Their  manners  are  Asiatic — (I  speak  of  the  men  of  rank) — 
sedate,  calm,  deliberate,  grave — a  strict  attention  to  these  things, 
which  not  even  the  approach  of  danger  (except  in  battle,  when  they 
become  animated  with  rage  and  fierceness)  can  ever  disturb. 

They  look  with  supreme  contempt  on  our  quick  walk  and  ges- 
tures, rapid  talking,  laughing,  and  trifling  airs.  Notliing  can  be 
more  decorous  than  their  councils.  Take  another  example,  well 
known  :  they  express  surprize  at  nothing — not  even  at  things  which 
to  them  must  be  most  astonishing.  Tliose  who  never  saw  a  city, 
will  walk  through  New  York  or  London,  and  neither  gaze  nor  even 
look  at  any  thing.  The  common  Indians  would  gaze  and  wonder 
at  many  articles  of  my  furniture,  when  I  came  here,  but  the  chiefs 
would  appear  to  see  nothing,  nor  would  have  so  much  the  air  of 
gazing  as  the  most  polished  Englishman  or  Frenchman. 

This  is  the  effect  of  much  inctdcation,  and  uould  lead  me  to 
speak  of  the  subject  of  their  Education — a  topick  which  would  sur- 
prize your  readers,  if  you  could  collect  a  full  statement.  I  mean 
too,  the  moral  not  the  physical  part  of  their  education — for  equally 
will  you  be  astonished  to  know  that  it  is  to  that  more  than  to  the 
physical,  that  1  th.inJc  they  attend.  I  ^7/0?^;  a  good  deal  of  this,  from 
conversation  with  some  of  their  chiefs,  through  interpreters.  They 
have  detailed  to  me  the  advice  they  gave  to  their  children — in  which 
there  was  a  great  deal  of  good  sense  and  real  wisdom.  1  once  saw 
the  young  men  of  two  towns  about  to  enter  upon  a  very  masculine 
and  somewhat  dangerous  game  of  hall,  where  some  rougher  sport 
might  be  expected,  and  therefore  danger  of  sudden  quairels,  (a 
more  elegant  game — (it  rival  for  any  drawings  I  have  seen  of  the 
Grecian — and  which,  perhaps,  I  may  try  to  describe  to  you  here- 
after) when  the  old  chief  addressed  them,  I  think,  more  than  an 
hour,  to  inspire  them  with  good  temper,  fortitude,  forbearance,  etc. 
The  effect  was  most  admirable  ;  for  when  they  entered  in  the  game 
a  young  man  was  soon  disabled  by  a  blow  from  his  antagonist's 
racket ;  but  the  smile  with  which  he  answered  that  the  hurt  was 
trifling,  and  the  perfect  fairness  with  which  his  antagonist  stopped 
the  pursuit,  (so  the  rules  were)  inspired  me  with  the  highest  idea  of 
the  power  with  which  they  are  taught  to  controul  themselves. 

They  have  distinct,  well  defined  notions  of  good  manners — more 
truly  just  than  ours.  These  are  inculcated  with  great  care;  and 
they  justly  remark  it.  when  our  freedom  of  manners  allow  of  real 


VI  APPENDIX  C. 

impoliteness — for  example,  several  talking  at  once,  or  one  inter- 
rupting another — which  they  holc[  to  be  unpardonable. 

Speaking  of  the  want  o(  miisick,  I  ought  to  have  mentioned  what 
fine  voices,  and  consequently  ears,  they  have,  wherever  they  have 
been  formed  into  religious  societies,  and  taught  musick:  their  voices, 
especially  of  the  women,  have  been  admired  as  not  merely  fine, 
but  remarkably  so. 


Appendix  C. —  Vol  L,  p.  30. 

The  Hudson  River  has  its  source  in  44o  5'  N.  Lat.,  and  runs 
winding  an  east  course  one  hundred  miles  to  Sandy  Hill,  receiving 
on  the  way,  Schropn  and  Sacandaga  Rivers.  Its  course  is  from 
Sandy  Hill  to  New  York  Harbour,  south ;  and  may  be  thus  divided : 
from  Sandy  Hill  to  Albany,  50  miles — thence  to  IVew  York,  143. 
If  we  measure  the  junction  of  the  great  river  with  the  ocean  at  the 
Narrows,  it  makes  eight  miles  more,  and  a  total,  from  its  source,  of 
301  miles. 

Hudson  commenced  his  voyage  up  the  North  River  on  the  13th 
of  September,  1609,  and  went  that  day  as  far  as  Yonkers.  The  next 
day,  passing  through  Tappan  and  Haverstraw^  (oat  straw)  Bays,  he 
arrived  between  Stony  and  Verplanck's  Points,  *'  a  strait  between 
two  points  which  trended  N.E.  by  N.  one  league:"  he  saw  "  very 
high  lands,"  and  proceeding,  anchored  off  West  Point.  The  ma- 
riner has  expressed  some  of  his  feelin2:s,  as  he  w^ent  forward,  and 
we  may  imagine  more.  Passing  the  Highlands,  he  anchored  for 
the  third  night,  in  the  bay  beyond.  Fifty  miles  on  the  fourth  day, 
brought  him  to  Catskill  Landing.  He  had  seen  the  mountains,  on 
his  way.  September  16th,  brought  him  between  Albaliy  and  Hud- 
son City.  The  sixth  day  carried  him  six  leagues  higher,  frequently 
grounding,  and  anchoring  for  the  night  among  shallows.  There- 
fore Moulton,  whom  I  follow,  supposed  the  Half-moon  to  have 
gone  up  as  high  as  Castleton — that  island  where  subsequently  the 
Dutch  built  their  first  fort  or  trading  house,  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Albany. 

During  the  17th  and  18th  of  September,  Hudson  had  continued 
friendly  intercourse  with  the  natives,  and  on  the  19th,  Mr.  Moulton 
supposes  the  Half-moon  proceeded  as  high  as  Albany.  For  four 
days  he  continued  his  friendly  intercourse  w^ith  the  Indians  and  an 
examination  of  the  river.  Here  the  skipper  made  the  natives 
drunk,  by  giving  them  ardent  spirits.  Whether  this,  or  the  drunken 
scene  on  Manhattan  Island,  described  by  Heckewelder,  was  the  com- 


APPENDIX  D.  VII 

mencement  of  native  degradation,  I  know  not.  Here  it  was  that 
Hudson  saw  some  warriours  of  the  Iroquois.  Thus  about  the 
same  time,  Hudson  introduced  rum,  and  Champlain,  gunpowder, 
for  the  destruction  of  the  Five  Nations.  Descending  the  Hudson, 
and  stopping  occasionally,  the  friendly  natives  on  all  occasions 
gave  them  welcome ;  but  the  mate  of  the  Half-moon  seeing  one  of 
these  poor  creatures  carrying  off  a  trifle,  the  value  or  use  of  which 
was  unknown  to  him,  showed  his  supeiiour  intelligence,  civilization, 
and  poiver,  by  shooting  him.  Panick-struck,  the  companions  of 
the  sufferer  fled — the  ship's  boat  was  manned  in  pursuit — an  Indian 
who  was  swimming,  put  his  hand  on  the  boat's  gunwale,  and  it  was 
struck  off  at  a  blow,  by  one  of  the  Christians,  and  the  bleeding 
wretch  drowned.  Thus  it  was  that  wherever  Europeans  came 
among  the  native  Americans,  they  marked  the  spot  with  blood. 
On  the  2d  of  October,  the  Half-moon  returned  to  Manhattan. 
Two  of  the  unoffending  natives  had  been  against  their  will,  seized 
somewhere  in  New  York  Harbour,  and  carried  up  the  river  by 
Hudson.  They  had  escaped,  and  preceded  the  ship  in  her  de- 
scent, no  doubt  communicating  the  story  of  their  wrongs.  The 
more  recent  injury  and  murders,  doubtless  had  been  told  to  the 
river  Indians,  near  Manhattan  Island  :  and  now,  armed  for  revenge, 
the  natives  appeared  in  their  canoes,  and  approached  the  ship. 
They  discharged  their  arrows,  and  in  return,  by  musketry  and 
cannon,  nine  were  killed,  and  the  rest  fled  in  dismay.  Three  or 
four  days  after  this,  Hudson  put  to  sea. 


Appendix  D. —  Vol.  L,  j).  34. 

1606  James  L,  by  letters  patent,  granted  to  Sir  Thomas  Gates, 
Sir  George  Somers,  Richard  Hakluyt  and  others,  all  the 
territory  in  America  lying  on  the  sea  coast,  between  the  34th  and 
45th  degrees  of  north  latitude :  i.  e.  from  Wilmington  North 
Carolina  to  Canada  :  together  with  the  Islands  within  100  miles 
from  the  shore.  The  design  was  to  colonize  Virginia ;  i.  e.  all 
the  territory  then  so  called,  and,  as  usual  to  propagate  Christianity, 
an  excuse  made  for  all  the  schemes  of  cupidity,  conquest  and  mur- 
der which  were  adopted  by  the  kings  and  people  of  that  good  old 
time.  The  patentees  were  divided  into  two  companies,  a  south 
and  north.  The  first  was  generally  for  the  division  since  called 
Virginia,  and  the  second  for  New  England.  The  supreme  go- 
vernment was  vested  in  a  council  residing  in  England  and  appoint- 
ed by  the  king.     A  second  council,   likewise  appointed  by  and 


Vni  APPENDIX  D. 

directed  by  royal  wisdom,  was  to  reside  in  the  colony.  The  colo- 
nists were  to  have  all  the  rights  afid  privilei^es  of  Englishmen,  but 
(a  glaring  contradiction)  no  voice  in  governing  themselves,  the  king 
and  his  council  and  his  deputies  framing  all  laws.  The  views  oi 
the  patentees  were  gain  alone,  and  by  the  shortest  road.  The 
views  of  James,  judging  by  the  code  of  laws  he  promulgated  for 
the  colonists,  were  more  liberal.  He  made  no  pretence  of  juris- 
diction over  the  Indians,  as  the  Spaniards  had  done  ;  and  appeared 
to  respect  their  personal  liberties,  while  he  gave  away  their  country. 
It  was  in  this  year  that  Bartholomew  Gosnold,  Captain  John  Smith 
and  George  Percy  embarked  for  Virginia  :  and  in  1607,  they  and 
150  others  arrived  in  Chesapeake  bay.  Jamestown  and  James 
river  received  their  names  from  these  first  Englishmen,  who  found- 
ed a  permanent  establishment  in  America.  Smith  was  the  hero 
of  Viroinia,  and  deserves  everv  American's  reverence.  He  and 
his  associates  are  chargeable,  however,  wiili  total  neglect  of  the 
claims  whicli  the  Indians  had  to  their  soil.  It  was  taken  from 
them  uidiesitatingly.  The  Dutch  of  Niew  Nederlandt,  and  the 
Puritans  of  New  England,   had   more  enlightened  views  on  this 

subject. 
1609  A  new  charter  was  granted  to  a  great  company  of  adven- 

turers, and  the  colony  in  Virginia  was  consigned  to  Lord 
Delaware  as  governour.  Error,  folly  and  tumult  threatened  the 
colony,  which  was  again  saved  by  Smith  ;  but  an  accidental  per- 
sonal injury  obliijed  him  to  return  to  England,  where  he  died,  June 

21st,  1631. 

1614         In  this  year.  Captain  Argall,  the  unprincipled- scoundrel 

who  seized   Pocahontas  to  exact  ransom  from   her  father, 

was  despatched  by  Dale,  the  governour  of  Virginia,  on  a  piratical 

voyage  against  Port  Royal.     The  French  had  in  1605,  built  Port 

Royal  in  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  (in  Acadie.)     Against  this  set- 

1605     tlement  In  time  of  peace  Argall  went,  plundered  the  place  and 

dispersed  the  inhabitants  ;  but  as  he  left  no  garrison,  the 

1614  French  soon  returned  to  their  habitations.     Argall,  on  his 
return  voyage,  visited  Manhattan  Island  ;  and  the  Dutch, 

(a  few  traders,)  submitted  to  acknowledge  themselves  tributary  to 
Virginia  ;  but  resumed  their  rights  as  soon  as  he  departed.  It 
was  only  in  1614  that  the  Dutch  West  India  Company  was  hcen- 
ced,  and  sent  Block  and  Christlansee  to  New  Netlierland,  where 
a  few  huts  were  erected  for  trading  with  the  Indians.     It 

1615  was  not  until  1615  that  these  Dutch  traders  built  a  small 
fort  on   the   island.     In    1614  there  was  neither  fort,  nor 

1621     governour,    nor   established   government.      In    1621,   the 
States  General  granted   New  Netherland  to  the  West  In- 
dian Company  ;  and  they  sent  a  reinforcement  to  the  settlers  at 


APPENDIX  E.  IX 

1623     New  Amsterdam  in  1623,  by  Captain  May.     In  this  year 

the  Dutch  in  Manhattan  built  a  fort  on  the  bluff  com- 
manding the  point  of  the  island,   and   probably  had  a  chief  man, 

captain  or  director,  although  we  know  of  no  authorized 
1625     director-general,  until  Peter  Minuit  in  1625.     Charles  I., 

succeeding  James,  assumed  arbitrary  power  over  Virginia. 
Oppressed  and  discouraged  by  the  tyranny  of  the  king  and  his 
governour,  Harvey,  the  colonists  were  attacked  by  the  Indians,  and 

another  bloody  strug2:le  ensued.  The  threatened  troubles 
1639     in  England  induced  Charles  to  relax  his  tyranny  in  Virginia, 

and  the  people  regained  a  part  of  their  rights,  which  occa- 

1651  sioned  the  espousal  of  his  cause  by  the  colonists.     The 
parliament  reduced  them.     The  celebrated  Navigation  Act 

1652  decreed,  that  no  production  of  Asia,  Africa  or  America, 
should   be  imported  into  the  English  dominions  except  in 

vessels  belonging  to  Englishmen,  (or  English  colonists)  the  captain 
and  majority  of  crew  being  Englishmen.  Cromwell  governed 
Virginia  with  wisdom,  and  allowed  the  assembly  to  choose,  as  gover- 
nour. Sir  William  Berkley.  The  Old  Cavalier,  at  Cromwell's  death 
declared  for  Charles  II.  He  returned  thanks  to  God,  that  there 
were  no  free  schools  nor  printing;  "for  learning  has  brought 
heresy  and  disobedience  and  sects  into  the  world,  and  printing  has 
divulged  them  and  libels  against  the  best  government :  God  keep 
us  from  both  !"     This  was  a  fit  king's  governour  of  a  colony. 


Appendix  E. —  Vol.  L,  p.  38. 

With  a  generous  disposition,  honest  intentions,  enthusiastick 
love  of  his  profession,  and  much  skill  as  a  navigator,  Henry  Hud- 
son w^as  not  without  faults ;  and  to  these,  as  usual,  his  misfortunes 
may  in  part,  if  not  altogether,  be  attributed.  Some  of  these  errours 
belonged  to  the  time  in  which  he  lived.  It  was  a  grievous  crime 
to  seize  men  in  New  York  Harbour,  or  any  where  else,  and  force 
them  to  accompany  him  and  his  ship,  they  knew  not  whither.  Al- 
though he  did  not  murder  the  man  who  had  borne  off  some  trifle 
from  his  ship  in  the  North  River,  yet  we  do  not  find  that  he  even 
reproved  his  mate,  the  second  in  command,  for  that  act;  and  it  was 
this  same  mate  who  was  a  principal  in  causing  Hudson's  dreadful 
death.  When  another  Indian  was  murdered  in  the  North  River 
by  one  of  the  crew,  we  do  not  hear  that  he  w^as  even  reproved  for 
the  barbarity.  iVnd  we  may  reasonably  suppose  that  the  resent- 
ment of  the  natives  who  appeared  hostile  on  the  return  of  the'  Half- 

B 


APPENDIX  E. 


i 

moon  to  Manhattan  Island,  might  have  been  allayed  by  other  means 
than  in  their  blood.  It  was  a  fi^ult  likewise  in  Hudson,  that  he 
took  with'  him,  on  his  last  voyage,  any  person  who  had  been  muti- 
nous, or  otherwise  guilty,  during  the  preceding.  He  had  in  addi- 
tion, as  it  seems,  refused  to  take  with  him  a  person  chosen  by  his 
employers,  and  instead,  placed  his  confidence  in  a  youth  called 
Henry  Green,  who  had  by  his  dissolute  life  reduced  himself  to 
beggary,  and  had  been  abandoned  by  his  relatives  and  friends. 
Yet  a  forgiving  disposition  might  have  caused  the  one  indiscretion, 
and  a  benevolent  hope  of  rescuing:  Green  from  his  evil  courses 
might  have  caused  the  second.  But  that  he  was  deceived  in  both, 
is  evident.  The  mate  w^ho  had  triumphed  in  murder,  was  unfit  to 
be  trusted  ;  and  the  youth  whose  life  had  been  passed  in  the  de- 
baucheries of  London,  was  more  likely  to  deceive  by  his  hypocrisy, 
and  be  guided  by  selfishness,  than  to  be  reformed  by  the  benevo- 
lence of  his  benefactor.  Thus,  Green  was  taken  on  the  voyage 
as  the  captain's  clerk,  instead  of  Colburn — chosen  by  the  merchants 
who  fitted  out  the  expedition.  But  his  evil  habits,  contracted 
by  a  life  of  sensuality,  prevailed,  to  Hudson's  destruction,  over 
every  good  natural  feeling  or  sense  of  gratitude.  He  had  become 
depravedly  selfish  ;  and  the  selfish  man,  whether  a  conqueroui",  like 
Napoleon  Bonaparte,  or  a  fugitive  from  starvation,  like  Green, 
will  sacrifice  the  lives  or  happiness  of  others  for  his  own  gratifica- 
tion. 

Before  Hudson  had  passed  the  straits  into  the  bay  which  bears 
his  name,  dissentions  and  mutinous  conduct  prevailed  among  his 
crew.  Green  had  gained  the  favour  of  the  captain,  and  domineered 
over  others  of  the  company.  He  had  beaten  the  surgeon,  quar- 
relled with  some  of  the  crew,  and  taken  part  with  others,  in  their 
discontents.  After  Hudson,  thinking  that  he  was  entering  the  In- 
dian Ocean,  refused  to  take  in  victuals  at  Digges's  Island,  sought 
a  passage  by  the  south  coast  of  the  bay  in  vain  ;  on  turning 
again  to  the  north,  his  discontented  crew,  stimulated  by  the  mate 
and  boatswain,  became  so  mutinous  that  the  master  displaced  these 
officers  and  appointed  others.  This  was  cause  of  deadly  enmity 
in  the  degraded  officers.  It  is  supposed  that  Hudson,  on  finding  in- 
stead of  the  India  passage,  that  he  was  embayed,  became  distracted, 
committed  many  errours,  especially  in  resolving  to  winter  in  that  deso- 
late region.  It  was  now  the  last  of  October.  The  summer  had 
passed,  while  he  was  sailing  to  and  fro,  fruitlessly  seeking  an  outlet 
where  there  was  none.  In  November,  he  moored  his  ship  in  a  cove, 
where  she  was  frozen  in,  and  remained  until  the  next  June.  Here 
the  carpenter  with  difficulty  erected  a  shelter  for  the  crew,  and  the 
remaining  stock  of  provisions  was  shared  among  the  men,  rewards 
being  offered  for  those  who  should  by  hunting,  or  fishing,  add  to  the 
stock.     For  three  months  they  subsisted  on  Ptarmagans  and  other 


APPENDIX  E.  XI 

grouse.  In  the  spring,  they  killed  swans,  wild  geese,  and  ducks. 
Sickness  afflicted  many  of  the  crew,  and  famine  by  degrees  stared 
all  in  the  face.  They  were  reduced  to  feed  on  moss  and  the  branch- 
es of  shrubs.  As  the  ice  broke  aw^ay,  they  obtained  some  relief, 
from  fishingj  and  some  from  the  natives  of  this  dreary  world  who 
visited  them. 

Hudson  seeing  the  distant  woods  on  fire,  fitted  out  his  shallop, 
and  went  in  search  of  relief  from  the  natives,  but  in  vain  ;  he  re- 
turned, worse  than  he  went.  He  now  prepared  to  leave  the  dreary 
cove  where  they  had  passed  seven  months  of  misery.  Hudson 
delivered  all  the  bread  out,  which  was  one  pound  per  man.  And 
Habakuk  Pricket  says,  that  when  he  did  so,  he  wept.  They  steered 
north-east,  to  find  a  passage  from  their  icy  prison — they  caught  a 
few  fish — they  were  obstructed  by  ice — the  discontents  increased, 
and  finally  broke  out  in  an  open  mutiny,  headed  by  the  infamous 
Green.  Juett,  the  discarded  mate,  and  Wilson,  the  reduced  boat- 
swain, were  now  the  friends  of  Green,  and  leaders  in  mutiny.  The 
mate  and  boatswain  thought  themselves  injured:  but  what  cause 
had  Green  for  hatred  towards  Hudson  ?  We  are  told  that  the 
gunner  having  died,  his  clothing,  as  is  customary,  was  put  up  at 
auction,  that  the  sailors  might  buy  what  they  wanted,  and  the  mo- 
ney resulting  from  the  sale  be  kept  for  the  heirs  of  the  deceased. 
Green  coveted  a  particular  garment,  but  Hudson  sold  it  to  one 
who  bid  more.  This  is  the  supposed  cause  of  the  young  man's 
enmity.  But  the  real  cause  was  the  wicked  disposilion  engendered 
by  his  previous  evil  habits  while  a  debauched  reveller  in  London. 
It  is  in  vain  that  you  give  to  the  selfish :  they  require  all;  if  you 
refuse  the  last  thing  coveted,  you  make  an  enemy  by  the  refusal. 
Alexander  wept  because  there  were  no  more  worlds  to  conquer — 
Bonaparte  sacrificed  millions  because  a  part  of  the  world  rejected 
his  sway — from  the  same  disposition.  Green  doomed  his  benefactor 
to  death,  because  he  was  denied  possession  of  a  garment  he  chose 
to  crave. 

The  mutineers  having  determined  to  sacrifice  Hudson,  his  son, 
his  friends,  and  the  sick  men  of  the  crew,  and  thus  reduce  the 
number  to  be  fed.  Green,  in  the  latter  part  of  June,  came  to  Pricket 
in  the  dead  of  night,  and  disclosed  the  plot,  wishing  to  save  him 
and  gain  his  influence  with  Sir  Dudley  Digges,  when  they  arrived 
in  England.  Pricket  endeavoured  in  vain  to  dissuade  the  conspi- 
rators from  the  execution  of  their  design.  Green  urged  that  what 
they  had  sworn  to  do  was  the  only  means  of  saving  the  lives  of  a 
part,  by  sacrificing  a  smaller  part,  and  Pricket,  the  narrator,  ack- 
nowledges that  he  took  an  oath  in  conjunction  with  the  mutineers; 
but  it  was  to  be  true  to  God,  his  prince,  and  his  country,  in  the 
action  then  in  hand. 

On  the  22d  of  June,  1610,  (which  we  may  consider  as  the  day 


XII  APPENDIX  F. 

of  Hudson's  death,)  upon  his  coming  out  of  the  cabin  at  the  call 
of  Juett,  the  discarded  mate,  tw^  conspirators,  John  Thomas  and 
Bennet  Matthews,  seized  him  by  the  collar,  and  Wilson,  the  boat- 
swain, stood  ready  to  tie  his  hands  behind  him.  He  asked  what 
they  meant?  They  answered,  "You  will  know  when  you  are  in 
the  shallop !"  They  drove  all  the  sick  people  upon  deck,  and  then 
forced  them  and  the  captain  into  the  small  boat,  which  they  had 
ready  to  receive  them.  John  King,  the  carpenter,  and  John  Hud- 
son, the  captain's  son,  who  would  not  join  the  conspirators,  but 
rather  chose  to  share  the  fate  of  the  honest  and  innocent,  were 
added  to  the  devoted  crew  of  the  boat;  and  thus  were  nine  persons, 
assuredly  the  best  of  the  ship's  company,  including  the  intelhgent 
and  honest  Henry  Hudson,  committed  in  an  open  shallop  to  the 
merciless  sea,  without  compass  to  guide,  or  food  to  sustain  their 
strength. 

The  mutineers  cut  the  fast  which  connected  the  shallop  to  the 
ship,  and  then  set  sail  from  the  devoted  victims  as  from  their  dead- 
liest enemies.  The  sufferings  of  these  wretches  were  deservedly 
great:  Green,  Wilson,  and  some  others  were  killed  by  savages  at 
an  island  where  they  had  landed.  In  the  course  of  their  home- 
ward voyage,  the  mutineers  suffered  the  extremes  of  famine,  and 
Juett,  the  mate,  died  of  hunger.  The  least  guilty  of  this  crev\r 
arrived  at  Ireland  on  the  16th  September  IGll  ;  from  whence  they 
were  forwarded  to  the  proprietors  of  the  ship,  in  London. 


Appendix  F. —  Vol  1.,  p.  40-46. 

1623  I  ABSTRACT  from  General  Jeremiah  Johnson's  translation, 
the  conditions  entered  into  and  made,  as  I  presume  at  this  time, 
"between  the  lords,  the  Burgomasters,  of  the  city  of  Amsterdam, 
and  the  West  India  Company,  by  the  approbation  of  their  high 
mightinesses,  the  Stales  General  of  the  United  Netherlands,"  pre- 
sented to  ail  who  wish  to  go  as  colonists  to  New  Netherlands,  who 
are  directed  to  apply  to  the  Honourable  Lord  Coeiirad  Burgh, 
counsellor  and  ancient  scheppen  ;  Henrick  Roeters,  upper  com- 
missary of  the  Exchange  ;  Echvart  Man,  Isaac  Van  Beeck,  Hector 
Pieteirz,  and  Joan  Taysjiel;  commissioners  and  directors,  ap- 
pointed by  the  Burgomasters,  upon  the  authority  of  the  council  of 
the  city,  (Amsterdam)  who  shall  hold  their  sittings  provisionally,  at 
the  West  India  house,  on  Tuesdays  and  Thursdays,  in  the  after- 
noon at  half  past  three  o'clock. 

1st. — The  colonists,  their  famiHes,  household  furniture  and  ne- 
cessaries to  be  found  proper  shipping,  on  the  following  conditions. 


APPENDIX  F.  XTII 

2d. — The  city  to  make  the  best  possible  conditions  with  the 
ship  owners  and  masters. 

3rd. — The  city  to  pay  the  transport  money  as  an  advance  to  the 
colonists,  to  be  repaid  as  hereafter  mentioned. 

4th  &  5th. — The  city  shall  transport  the  colonists  to  a  fruitful 
land,  of  temperate  and  healthful  climate,  on  a  salt  water  navigable 
river  ;  "  For  which  an  agreement  has  been  made  with  the  West 
India  Company,  and  where  no  other  persons  can  set  up  any 
claims." 

6th. — The  city  "  shall  provide  a  suitable  piece  of  land  on  the 
bank  of  a  river,  for  a  secure  and  proper  dwelling  place,  provided 
with  a  trench  and  wall  on  the  outer  side,  and  the  inner  ground  to 
be  laid  out  in  streets,  a  market  and  lots  for  the  advantage  of  mer- 
chants, mechanicks,  and  agriculturists,"  the  whole  to  be  done  at  the 
cost  of  the  city  of  Amsterdam. 

7th  &  8th. — Said  city  shall  send  to  said  place  a  capable  school- 
master, who  *'  shall  be  fore-reader  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  a 
leader  in  psalmody."     He  to  be  paid  by  said  city. 

9th. — The  colonists  are  to  be  provided  with  clothing  and  neces- 
saries for  one  year,  and  also  with  seed  grains,  by  said  city  :  and 
the  city  of  Amsterdam,  shall  erect  a  large  warehouse  or  magazine 
for  the  storage  of  clothing,  and  necessaries  for  the  colonists,  and 
keep  a  factor,  who  shall  supply  every  colonist  with  clothing,  house- 
hold necessaries  and  instruments  of  husbandry,  at  the  same  price 
as  they  bear  in  Holland ;  the  toll  of  the  company  not  to  be 
charged. 

10th. — Concerning  the  toll  (commission)  of  the  company  that 
is  to  be  paid  according  to  rates  annexed  :  and  the  tolls  paid  in 
the  New  Netherlands,  shall  be  there  expended  in  the  erection,  and 
support  of  such  publick  works,  as  shall  be  authorized  by  the  city 
of  Amsterdam  and  the  West  India  Company. 

11th. — The  said  fortified  place  whether  it  be  called  a  city  or 
town,  "  shall  be  governed  for  political  justice,  in  the  manner  of 
succession,  according  to  the  present  practice  of  the  city  of  iVm- 
sterdam." 

12th. — "They  shall  first  have  a  (Scout)  sheriff  as  chief  of  police 
(Justitia)  installed  as  is  done  here." 

13th. — The  scout  shall  be  installed  in  the  name  of  their  High 
Mightinesses,  and  of  the  West  India  Company,  for  the  deputies  of 
Amsterdam,  who  for  that  purpose  by  procuration,  shall  give  autho- 
rity to  the  directors. 

14th. — There  shall  also  be  three  burgomasters  chosen  by  the 
common  burghers,  from  the  honestest,  richest,  and  most  capable 
men. 

15th. — There  shall  be  five  or  seven  Scheppens,  (magistrates)  for 


XIV  APPENDIX  F. 

which  purpose  the  burghers  shall  name,  a  double  number,  from 
which  a  choice  shall  be  made  by  the  director,  upon  procuration, 
according  to  article  13th. 

16th. — When  the  city  or  town  shall  have  increased  to  the  num- 
ber of  two  hundred  families,  or  more,  then  the  burghers  shall  elect 
a  council  of  twenty  persons,  who  shall  assemble  in  council  with  the 
burgomasters  and  Scheppens,  and  resolve  upon  all  subjects  relating 
to  the  state  of  the  said  city.  And  this  council,  after  it  has  been 
thus  formed,  shall  have  power  to  fill  vacancies,  (arising  in  their 
number,  by  deaths  or  otherwise,)  by  ordering  the  election  of  other 
persons,  by  a  fair  majority  of  votes.  •  Elections  for  the  burgomas- 
ters, and  for  the  council  shall  be  held  annually.  "  The  said  body 
shall  also  have  the  nomination  of  the  double  number  of  Schep'pens 
from  which  the  same  shall  be  appointed  as  aforesaid." 

We  have  seen,  by  Art.  14,  that  three  burgomasters  shall  be  cho- 
sen by  the  burghers ;  and  by  Art.  15,  that  the  burghers  are  also  to 
nominate  ten  or  fourteen  persons,  from  w4iom  the  director  is  to 
choose  five  or  seven  as  scheppens  or  magistrates.  But  (if  I  under- 
stand aright,)  when  the  city  has  increased,  then  the  burghers  are 
to  elect  this  third  estate  of  representatives — a  council  of  twenty — 
after  which,  this  council  of  twenty  (or  that  council  in  conjunction 
with  the  three  burgomasters,)  are  to  nominate  the  scheppens,  instead 
of  the  mass  of  burghers,  as  at  first. 

17th. — The  scheppens  may  give  final  judgment  upon  suits  not 
exceeding  one  hundred  guilders.  For  a  sum  above,  the  aggrieved 
party  may  appeal  to  the  director  and  council. 

18th. — The  scheppens  may  try  criminal  causes,  but  an  appeal 
may  be  made  from  their  decision. 

19th. — The  city  of  iVmsterdam  shall  send  a  smitli,  a  wheelwright, 
and  a  carpenter,  to  the  new  settlement. 

20th. — The  city  of  Amsterdam  shall  cause  the  new  land  adja- 
cent to  the  new  settlement  to  be  laid  out  in  fields  for  tillage,  and 
make  roads  to  the  same. 

21st. — To  every  person  who  wishes  to  pursue  the  cultivation  of 
the  earth,  (or  farming)  there  shall  be  granted  as  much  cultivable 
land  as  he  and  his  family  can  till,  from  twenty  to  thirty  morgens  or 
more,  upon  condition  that  all  such  land,  within  two  years  after  it 
is  granted,  shall  be  brought  into  cultivation,  upon  pain  of  forfeiture, 
and  of  the  same  being  granted  to  another. 

22d. — No  per  centage  is  to  be  required  on  any  land  so  granted 
for  ten  years  from  the  time  the  land  is  sowed  or  mowed  ;  nor  any 
horn-money  nor  salt-money.  Neither  shall  the  cultivators  of  sowed 
land  be  burthened  at  the  expiration  of  the  ten  years,  more,  or  at 
higher  rates,  than  the  inhabitants  of  neighbouring  districts  which 
are  under  the  administration  of  the  W^est  India  Company  in  the 
New  Netherlands.     They  shall  also  be  free  from  the  tenths,  for 


APPENDIX  F.  XV 

twenty  years  from  the  time  of  the  sowing  or  mowing  as  aforesaid  : 
but  on  the  expiration  of  said  twenty  years,  a  tenth  shall  be  given  to 
the  city  of  Amsterdam,  it  being  understood  that  half  of  said  tenth 
shall  be  appropriated  to  the  publick  works  and  persons  employed  in 
the  public  service  for  repairing  and  preserving  the  same.  And 
also,  whenever  any  poundage  or  assessment  is  made,  the  same  shall 
be  employed  for  the  erection  and  maintaining  of  the  publick  works 
as  aforesaid. 

23d. — The  city  of  Amsterdam  shall  send  ships  from  Holland 
for  the  produce  of  the  colonists  for  their  benefit,  they  consigning 
the  freight  to  said  city. 

24th. — The  city  of  Amsterdam  shall  provide  warehouses  in  Hol- 
land for  the  reception  of  said  produce,  and  sell  the  same  for  the 
profit  of  the  shippers,  and  invest  and  remit  the  proceeds  to  order, 
for  a  commission  of  two  per  cent.,  and  one-tenth  of  the  profit  to 
reimburse  said  city  for  the  money  it  has  advanced  for  the  transpor- 
tation of  the  persons  and  goods  of  the  colonists  iintil  the  advance  is 
repaid  and  no  longer. 

25th. — The  colonists  maybe  supplied  with  necessaries  from  the 
chy  warehouse,  at  the  set  price.  The  accounts  of  such  to  be  trans- 
mitted to  Amsterdam. 

26th. — The  colonists  may,  for  house  or  ship-building,  and  also 
for  sale,  cut  any  timber  in  the  nearest  woods  of  their  district ;  and 
any  where  within  the  jurisdiction  of  the  West  India  Company  in 
New  Netherland,  from  land  that  has  not  been  reserved  or  granted, 
*'  subject  to  the  further  conditions  of  the  2Sth  Article." 

27th. — "  The  burgomasters  of  Amsterdam,  as  founders,  patrons, 
and  having  the  jurisdiction,  shall  appoint  a  secretary-legate  for 
advancing  the  subalterns." 

2Sth. — "  The  hunting  in  the  w^ilderness,  as  also  the  fishing  in 
all  waters  and  rivers  which  have  not  already  been  granted,  shall  be 
free  to  all  the  colonists  ;  subject  to  such  regulations  as  shall  be 
made  under  the  authority  of  the  States  General." 

29th. — The  city  of  Amsterdam  shall  provide  that  all  necessary 
implements  shall  be  shipped  for  the  colonists,  free  of  all  charges. 

30th. — The  discoverer  of  any  mine  or  mineral  is  to  possess  it 
free  from  any  impost  for  ten  years ;  then  to  pay  to  the  company 
one  tenth. 

31st. — The  city  of  Amsterdam  shall  provide  a  warehouse  where- 
in goods  intended  for  the  colony  may  be  inspected  by  a  person 
appointed  by  the  West  India  Company,  and  another  appointed  by 
the  city  ;  which  goods,  after  inspection,  shall  be  marked  by  the 
marks  of  both,  and  the  impost  paid  by  the  company. 

32d. — The  company  shall  oversee  the  shipment  of  the  goods  in 
vessels  provided  by  the  city. 

33d  and  34th. — If  the  city  should  send  goods  to  New  Amster- 


XVI  APPENDIX. 

dam,  they  must  be  subject  to  the  same  regulations ;  but  the  said 
goods  may  be  sent  direct  to  any  Warehouse  the  city  of  Amsterdam 
may  have  in  New  Netherlands,  and  to  the  agents  of  said  city. 

3oth. — Provides  the  rates  at  which  the  produce  of  the  colony 
shall  be  credited  to  the  company  by  the  city,  all  the  charges  being 
covered  by  10  1-4  per  cent.  The  tools  used  by  mechanicks  as 
well  as  the  instruments  of  agriculture,  were  free  of  duty  to  the 
colonists. 

*'  All  the  productions  of  the  soil  of  New  Netherland,  including 
salted  and  dried  fish,  were  exported  free.  Peltries  paid  from  8  to 
10  per  cent.  In  the  New  Netherlands,  4  per  cent,  in  light  money, 
in  addition,  was  charged  upon  all  goods  subject  to  any  charges." 

General  Johnson  made  his  translation  in  1833,  finishing  it  on 
the  4:thJulij,  that  year.  I  have  abridged  some  parts — those  marked 
with  inverted  commas,  are  literally  transcribed. 


Appendix  G. —  VoL  I.,  p.  47. 

Although  the  first  settlement  on  Long  Island  was  made  at  the 
Waal  Boght,  (Walloon's  Bay,  or  Wallabout,)  near  the  United 
States  Navy  Yard,  the  first  or  earliest  record  of  a  deed  for  land  in 
Brooklyn,  is  dated  1639,  to  Thomas  Besker,  at  Gawanus.  But 
there  is  a  patent  from  Wouter  Van  Twiller  to  Andreis  Hedden  and 
Wolfert  Gerritson.  The  first  English  settlement  made  on  Long 
Island  was  made  by  Lyon  Gardner,  on  Gardner's  Island,  considered 
a  part  of  the  larger  island,  and  his  first  claim  was  confirmed  by  the 
agent  of  Lord  Stirling,  in  1639.  In  the  reign  of  James  I.,  of 
England,  that  monarch  granted  to  Sir  William  i\lexander  a  great 
part  (or  all,)  of  Nova  Scotia,  which  grant  was  confirmed  by 
Charles  L,  in  1625.  Subsequently  Alexander  was  created  an 
Earl,  by  the  title  of  Stirling;  and  he,  to  reward  services  done 
for  him  in  Nova  Scotia  to  further  the  settlement,  made  a  per- 
son of  the  name  of  Etienne,  and  his  heirs  male,  to  all  eternity  Ba- 
ronets of  New  Scotland — to  take  precedence  of  all  persons  in  said 
country — and  the  dignity  to  their  wives  and  widows — and  he  grant- 
ed them  certain  coats  of  arms,  and  the  right  to  wear  an  orange  rib- 
bon, besides  other  honours  and  privileges  equally  valuable;  but  I 
do  not  find  any  gift,  grant,  or  conveyance  of  land.  However,  in 
a  subsequent  paper  from  the  same  to  the  same,  it  is  stated,  that  his 
majesty  having  granted  all  the  country  of  New  Scodand,  "  called 
by  the  French,  Acayde,"    to  William  Alexander,  in  1621,  he 


APPENDIX  H.  XVII 

grants  to  said  Etienne  a  great  extent  of  territory,  (mentioning  the 
bounds)  where  he  and  his  heirs  may  make,  build,  and  erect  villa- 
ges, towns,  castles,  and  fortresses,  as  they  shall  see  good.  Unfor- 
tunately for  the  Earl,  in  the  conflicting  claims  of  French,  English, 
and  Dutch,  the  French  first  settled  a  part  of  Acadie,  and  the  king 
of  England  having  given  Lord  Stirling  all  Long  Island,  the  Earl 
by  his  agents  sold  part ;  and  when  Charles  IL,  without  considering 
former  grants,  gave  to  his  brother,  the  Duke  of  York,  all  New 
Netherland,  James  prudently  purchased  the  previous  right  of  Lord 
Stirling,  for  .£300.  The  Earl  had,  besides,  the  island  conveyed 
to  Lyon  Gardner  which  bears  his  name,  sold  through  his  agent  a 
tract  of  land  near  Oyster  Bay  to  some  people  residing  near  Boston, 
but  Kieft  dispossessed  them  by  force. 


Appendix  H. —  Vol.  I.,  p.  48. 

Charter  of  Liberties  and  Exem2?tions  of  1629. 

L  That  such  members  of  said  Dutch  West  India  Compsny,  as 
may  be  inclined  to  settle  any  colony  in  New  Netherland,  shall  be  per- 
mitted, with  the  ships  of  this  company  going  thither,  to  send  three  or 
four  persons  to  inspect  into  the  situation  of  the  country,  provided, 
that  they  with  the  officers  and  ship's  company,  swear  to  the  instrument 
of  conditions  (articles)  so  far  as  they  relate  to  them ;  and  paying  for 
provisions,  and  for  passage,  going  and  coming,  six  stuyvers*  per 
day :  and  such  as  desire  to  eat  in  the  cabin,  twelve  stuyvers,  and 
to  be  subordinate,  and  to  give  assistance  like  others,  in  cases  offen- 
sive and  defensive  :  and  if  any  ships  be  taken  from  the  enemy,  they 
shall,  jn'o  rata,  receive  their  proportions  with  the  ship's  company, 
each  according  to  his  quality;  that  is  to  say,  that  the  colonists  eat- 
ing out  of  the  cabin  shall  be  rated  with  the  sailors,  and  such  as  eat 
in  the  cabin  with  those  of  the  companies'  men  as  eat  at  table,  and 
receive  the  lowest  wages. 

II.  Though  in  this  respect,  shall  be  preferred  such  persons  who 
have  first  appeared,  and  desired  the  same  from  the  company. 

III.  That  all  such  shall  be  acknowledged  patroons  of  New  Ne- 
therland who  shall,  within  the  space  of  four  years,  next  after  they 
have  given  notice  to  any  of  the  chambers,  (or  colleges)  of  the  com- 
pany here,  or  to  the  commander  or  council  there,  undertake  to 


Twelve  and  a  half  cents. 


XVIII  APPENDIX  H. 

plant  a  colony  there  of  fifty  souls,  upwards  of  fifteen  years  old,  one 
fourth  part  within  one  year,  and  within  three  years  after  the  send- 
ing of  the  first,  making  together  four  years,  the  remainder  to  the 
full  number  of  fifty  persons,  to  be^hipped  from  hence,  on  pain,  in 
case  of  wilful  neglect,  of  being  deprived  of  the  privileges  obtained ; 
but  it  is  to  be  observed  that  the  company  reserve  the  Island  of  the 
Manhattes  to  themselves. 

IV.  That  from  the  time  that  they  make  known  the  situation  of 
the  places,  where  they  propose  to  settle  colonies,  they  shall  have 
the  preference  to  all  others,  of  the  absolute  property  of  such  lands 
as  they  have  there  chosen ;  but  in  case  the  situation  should  after- 
wards not  please  them,  or  that  they  should  have  been  mistaken  as 
to  the  quality  of  the  land,  they  may,  after  remonstrating  the  same  to 
the  commander  and  council  there,  be  at  liberty  to  choose  another 
place. 

V.  That  the  patroons,  by  virtue  of  their  power,  shall  and  may 
be  permhted,  at  such  places  as  they  shall  settle  their  colonies,  to 
extend  their  Hmits  four  miles*  along  the  shore,  that  is  on  one  side 
of  a  navigable  river,  or  two  milest  on  each  side  of  a  river,  and  so 
far  into  the  country  as  the  situation  of  the  occupiers  will  permit. 
Provided  and  conditioned,  that  the  company  keep  to  themselves 
the  lands  lying  and  remaining  between  the  Hmits  of  colonies,  to 
dispose  thereof,  when,  and  at  such  time  as  they  shall  think  proper, 
in  such  manner  that  no  person  shall  be  allowed  to  come  within 
seven  or  eight  miles|  of  them,  without  their  consent ;  unless  the 
situation  of  the  land  thereabout  were  such,  that  the  commander 
and  council  for  good  reasons  should  order  otherwise ;  always  ob- 
serving that  the  first  occupiers  are  not  to  be  p^-ejudiced  in  the  right 
they  have  obtained,  other,  than  unless  the  service  of  the  company 
should  require  it  for  the  building  of  fortifications,  or  something  of 
that  sort;  remaining,  moreover,  the  command  of  each  bay,  river, 
or  island,  of  the  first  settled  colony,  under  the  supreme  jurisdiction 
of  their  High  Mightinesses  the  States  General  and  the  company :  but 
that  on  the  next  colony's  being  settled  on  the  same  river  or  island, 
they  may,  in  conjunction  with  the  first,  appoint  one  or  more  council, 
in  order  to  consider  what  may  be  necessary  for  the  prosperity  of 
the  colonies  on  the  said  river  and  island. 

VI.  That  they  shall  forever  possess  and  enjoy  all  the  lands  lying 
within  the  aforesaid  limits,  together  with  the  fruits,  rights,  minerals, 
rivers,  and  fountains  thereof;  as  also  the  chief  command,  and 
lower  jurisdictions,  fishing,  fowling,  and  grinding,  to  the  exclusion 
of  all  others,  to  be  holden  from  the  company  as  an  eternal  inherit- 
age,  without  its  ever  devolving  again  to  the  company,  and  in  case 


•  16  English  miles.         t  8  English  miles.         X  28  or  32  English  miles. 


APPENDIX  H.  IIX 

it  should  devolve,  to  be  redeemed  and  repossessed,  with  twenty 
guilders*  per  colony  to  be  paid  to  this  company,  at  their  chamber 
here,  or  to  their  commander  there,  within  a  year  and  six  weeks 
after  the  same  happens ;  each  at  the  chamber  where  he  originally 
sailed  from.  And  further,  that  no  person  or  persons  whatsoever, 
shall  be  privileged  to  fish  and  hunt,  but  the  patroons,  and  such  as 
they  shall  give  liberty  :  and  in  case  any  one  should  in  time  prosper 
so  much,  as  to  found  one  or  more  cities,  he  shall  have  power  and 
authority  to  establish  officers  and  magistrates  there,  and  to  make 
use  of  the  title  of  his  colony,  according  to  his  pleasure,  and  to  the 
quality  of  the  persons. 

VII.  That  there  shall  likewise  be  granted  to  all  patroons  who 
shall  desire  the  same,  Veiiia  Testandi,  or  liberty  to  dispose  of  their 
aforesaid  heritage,  by  testament. 

VIII.  That  the  patroons  may,  if  they  think  proper,  make  use  of 
all  lands,  rivers,  and  woods,  lying  contiguous  to  them,  for  and 
during  so  long  time  as  this  company  shall  grant  them  to  other 
patroons  or  particulars. 

IX.  That  those  who  shall  send  persons  over  to  settle  colonies, 
shall  furnish  them  with  proper  instructions,  in  order  that  they  may 
be  ruled  and  governed  conformably  to  the  rule  of  government  made, 
or  to  be  made  by  the  assembly  of  nineteen,  as  well  in  the  political 
as  judicial  government;  which  they  shall  be  obliged  first  to  lay 
before  the  directors  of  the  respective  colleges. 

X.  That  the  patroons  and  colonists  shall  be  privileged  to  send 
their  people  and  effects  thither,  in  ships  belonging  to  the  company, 
provided  they  take  the  oath  and  pay  to  the  company  for  bringing 
over  the  people,  as  mentioned  in  the  first  article ;  and  for  freight 
of  the  goods  five  per  cent,  ready  money,  to  be  reckoned  on  the 
prime  cost  of  the  goods  here  :  in  which  is,  however,  not  to  be  in- 
cluded, such  creatures  and  other  implements  as  are  necessary  for 
the  cultivation  and  improvement  of  the  lands,  which  the  company 
are  to  carry  over  without  any  reward,  if  there  is  room  in  their  ships. 
But  the  patroons  shall,  at  their  own  expense,  provide  and  make 
places  for  them,  together  with  every  thing  necessary  for  the  support 
of  the  creatures. 

XL  That  in  case  it  should  not  suit  the  company  to  send  any 
ships,  or  that  in  those  going  there  should  be  no  room  ;  then  the 
said  patroons,  after  having  communicated  their  intentions,  and  after 
having  obtained  consent  from  the  company  in  writing,  may  send 
their  own  ships  or  vessels  thither ;  provided,  that  in  going  and 
coming  they  go  not  out  of  their  ordinary  course  ;  giving  security  to 
the  company  for  the  same,  and  taking  on  board  an  assistant,  to  be 


A  guilder  was  20  stivers,  or  3s.  4d.  currency. 


XX  APPENDIX  H. 

victualled  by  the  patroons  and  paid  his  monthly  wages  by  the  com- 
pany ;  on  pain  if  doing  the  contrary,  if  forfeiting  all  the  right  and 
property  they  have  obtained  to  the  colony. 

XII.  That  as  it  is  the  intention  of  the  company  to  people  the 
island  of  the  Manhattes  first,  all  fruits  and  wares  shall,  for  the  pre- 
sent be  brought  there,  that  arise  upon  the  north  river,  and  lands 
laying  thereabouts,  before  they  may  be  sent  elsewhere :  excepting 
such  as  are  from  their  nature  unnecessary  there,  or  such  as  cannot, 
without  great  loss  to  the  owner  thereof,  be  brought  there.  In  which 
case,  the  owners  thereof,  shall  be  obliged  to  give  timely  notice  in 
writing,  of  the  difficulty  attending  the  same  to  the  company  here, 
or  the  commander  and  council  there,  that  the  same  may  be  remi- 
died  as  the  necessity  thereof  shall  be  found  to  require. 

XIII.  That  all  the  Patroons  of  colonies  in  New  Netherland,  and 
of  colonies  on  the  island  of  Maiihattes,  shall  be  at  liberty  to  sail 
and  traffick  all  along  the  coast,  from  Florida  to  Terra  Neuf^  pro- 
vided, that  they  do  again  return  with  all  such  goods  as  they  shall 
get  in  trade,  to  the  island  of  Manhattes,  and  pay  five  per  cent,  for 
recognition  to  the  company,  in  order,  if  possible,  that  after  the  ne- 
cessary inventory  of  the  goods  shipped  be  taken,  the  same  may 
be  sent  hither.  And  if  it  should  so  happen  that  they  could  not  re- 
turn, by  contrary  streams  or  otherwise,  they  shall  in  such  case  not 
be  permitted  to  bring  such  goods  to  any  other  place  but  to  these 
dominions,  in  order  that  under  the  inspection' of  the  directors  of  the 
place  where  they  may  arrive,  they  may  be  unladen,  an  inventory  there- 
of made,  and  the  aforesaid  recognition  of  five  per  cent,  paid  to  the 
company  here,  on  pain,  if  they  do  to  the  contrary,  of  the  forfeiture 
of  their  goods  so  trafficked  for,  or  the  real  value  thereof. 

XIV.  That  in  case  of  the  ships  of  the  Patroons,  in  going  to, 
coming  from,  or  sailing  on  the  coast,  from  Florida  to  Teira  Nenfy 
and  no  farther,  without  our  grant  should  overpower  any  of  the 
princes  of  the  enemy,  they  shall  be  obliged  to  bring,  or  cause  to  be 
brought,  such  prince  to  the  college  of  the  place  from  whence  they 
sailed  out,  in  order  to  be  rewarded  by  them  :  the  company  shall 
keep  the  one  third  part  thereof,  and  the  remaining  two  thirds  shall 
belong  to  them,  in  consideration  of  the  cost  and  risk  they  have 
been  at,  all  according  to  the  orders  of  the  company. 

XV.  That  it  shall  also  be  free  for  the  aforesaid  Patroons,  to 
traffick  and  trade  all  along  the  coast  of  New  Netherland  and  places 
circumjacent,  with  such  goods  as  are  consumed  there,  and  receive 
in  return  for  them,  all  sorts  of  merchandizes  that  may  be  had  there, 
except  beavers,  otters,  minks,  and  all  sorts  of  peltry,  which  trade 
the  company  reserve  to  themselves.  But  the  same  shall  be  per- 
mitted at  such  places  w4iere  the  company  have  no  factories,  condi- 
tioned that  such  traders  shall  be  obliged  to  bring  all  the  peltry  they 
can  procure  to  the  island  of  Manhattes,  in  case   it  be  at  any  rate 


APPENDIX  H.  XXI 

practicable,  and  there  deliver  to  the  director  to  be  by  him  shipped 
hither,  with  the  ships  and  goods  ;  or  if  they  should  come  here,  with- 
out going  there,  then  to  give  notice  thereof  to  the  company,  that  a 
proper  account  thereof  may  be  taken,  in  order  that  they  may  pay 
to  the  company,  one  guilder  for  each  merchantable  otter  and  beaver 
skin ;  the  property,  risk,  and  all  other  charges,  remaining  on 
account  of  the  Patroons  or  owners. 

XVI.  That  all  coarse  wares  that  the  colonists  of  the  Patroons 
there  shall  consume,  such  as  pitch,  tar,  weed-ashes,  wood,  grain, 
fish,  salt,  hearthstone,  and  such  like  things,  shall  be  brought  over 
in  the  company's  ships  at  the  rate  of  eighteen  guilders  per  last,* 
four  thousand  weight  to  be  accounted  a  last,  and  the  company's 
ships  crew  shall  be  obliged  to  wheel,  and  bring  the  salt  on  board, 
whereof  ten  lasts  made  a  hundred.  And  in  case  of  the  want  of 
ships,  or  room  in  the  ships,  they  may  in  ships  of  their  own  order  it 
over  at  their  own  cost,  and  enjoy  in  these  dominions,  such  liberties 
and  benefits  as  the  company  have  granted ;  but  that  in  either  case 
they  shall  be  obliged  to  pay,  over  and  above  the  recognition  of 
five  per  cent.,  eighteen  guilders  for  each  hundred  of  salt,  that  is  car- 
ried over  in  the  company's  ships. 

XVII.  That  for  all  wares  which  are  not  mentioned  in  the  fore- 
going article,  and  which  are  not  carried  by  the  last,  there  shall  be 
paid  one  dollar  for  each  hundred  pounds  weight,  and  for  wines, 
brandy,  verjuice,  and  vinegar,  there  shall  be  paid  eighteen  guilders 
per  cask. 

XVIII.  That  the  company  promises  the  colonists  of  the  Pa- 
troons, that  they  shall  be  free  from  customs,  taxes,  excise,  imposts, 
or  any  other  contributions,  for  the  space  of  ten  years  :  and 
after  the  expiration  of  the  said  ten  years,  at  the  highest,  with  such 
customs  as  the  goods  are   taxable  with  here  for   the  present. 

XIX.  That  they  will  not  take  from  the  service  of  the  Patroons 
any  of  their  colonists,  either  man  or  woman,  son  or  daughter,  man- 
servant or  maid-servant :  and  though  any  of  them  should  desire  the 
same,  that  they  will  not  receive  them,  much  less  permit  them  to 
leave  their  Patroons,  and  enter  into  the  service  of  another,  unless 
on  consent  obtained  from  their  Patroons  in  writing.  And  this  for  and 
during  so  many  years  as  they  are  bound  to  their  Patroons ;  after  the  ex- 
piration whereof,  it  shall  be  in  the  power  of  the  Patroons,  to  send  hither 
all  such  colonists  as  will  not  continue  in  their  service,  and  until  then 
shall  not  enjoy  their  liberty.  And  all  such  colonists  as  shall  leave  the 
service  of  his  Patroon,  and  enter  into  the  service  of  another,  or 
shall  contrary  to  his  contract  leave  his  service  ;  we  promise  to  do 
every  thing  in  our  power  to  apprehend  and  deliver  the  same  into 
the  hands  of  his  Patroon,  or  attorney,  that  he  may  be  proceeded 


$7,50  for  two  tons. 


XXII  APPENDIX  H. 

against  according  to  the  customs  of  this  country,  as  occasion  may 
require. 

XX.  That  from  all  judgmenits  given  by  the  courts  of  the 
Patroons  for  upwards  of  fifty  guilders,*  there  may  be  an  appeal 
to  the  company's  commander  and  council  in  New  Netherland. 

XXI.  That  touching  such  particular  persons,  who,  on  their  own 
account,  or  others  in  the  service  of  their  master  here,  (not  enjoy- 
ing the  same  privileges  as  the  Patroons,)  shall  be  minded  to  go 
thither  and  settle  ;  they  shall,  with  the  approbation  of  the  directgr 
and  council  there,  be  at  liberty  to  take  up  as  much  land,  and  lake 
possession  thereof,  as  they  shall  have  ability  properly  to  improve, 
and  shall  enjoy  the  same  in  full  property,  either  for  themselves  or 
masters. 

XXIL  That  they  shall  have  free  liberty  of  hunting  and  fowl- 
ing, as  well  by  water  as  by  land,  generally  and  in  publick  and  pri- 
vate woods  and  rivers,  about  the  colonies,  according  to  the  orders 
of  the  director  and  council. 

XXIII.  That  whosoever,  whether  colonists  of  Patroons,  for  their 
Patroons,  or  free  persons  for  themselves,  or  other  particulars  for 
their  masters,  shall  discover  any  shores,  bays,  or  other  fit  places  for 
erecting  fisheries,  or  making  of  salt  ponds,  they  may  take  posses- 
sion thereof,  and  begin  to  work  on  them  in  their  own  absolute  pro- 
perty, to  the  exclusion  of  all  others.  And  it  is  consented  to,  that 
the  Patroons  of  colonists  may  send  ships  along  the  coast  of  New 
Netherland,  on  the  cod  fishery,  and  with  the  fish  they  catch  to 
trade  to  Italy,  or  other  neutral  countries  ;  paying  in  such  case  to  the 
company  for  recognition,  six  guilders  per  last  ;t  and  if  they  should 
come  with  their  lading  hither,  they  shall  be  at  liberty  to  proceed 
to  Italy,  though  they  shall  not  under  pretext  of  this  consent,  or 
from  the  company,  carry  any  goods  there,  on  pain  of  arbitrary 
punishment :  and  it  remaining  in  the  breast  of  the  company  to 
put  a  supercargo  on  board  of  each  ship  as  in  the  eleventh 
article. 

.XXIV.  That  in  case  any  of  the  colonists  should  by  his  industry 
and  diligence,  discover  any  minerals,  precious  stones,  crystals,  mar- 
bles or  such  like,  or  any  pearl  fishery,  the  same  shall  be  and  re- 
main the  property  of  the  Patroon  or  Patroons  of  such  colony  ; 
giving  and  ordering  the  discoverer  such  premium  as  the  Patroon 
shall  beforehand  have  stipulated  with  such  colonist  by  contract. 
And  the  Patroon  shall  be  exempt  from  all  recognition  to  the  com- 
pany for  the  term  of  eight  years,  and  pay  only  for  freight  to  bring 
them  over,  two  per  cent.,  and  after  the  expiration  of  the  aforesaid 


$20  83i  t  Or,  $1  25  per  ton. 


1 


APPENDIX  H.  XXIII 

eight  years  for  recognition  and  freight,  the  one  eighth  part  of  what 
the  same  may  be  worth  here. 

XXV.  That  the  company  will  take  all  the  colonists  as  well 
free,  as  those  that  are  in  service,  under  their  protection,  and 
the  same  against  all  outlandish  and  inlandish  wars  and  powers, 
with  the  forces  they  have  there,  as  much  as  in  their  power  layeth 
to  defend. 

XXVI.  That  whoever  shall  settle  any  colony  out  of  the  limits 
of  the  Manhattes  Island  shall  be  obliged  to  satisfy  the  Indians  for 
the  land  they  shall  settle  upon,  and  that  they  may  extend  or  enlarge 
the  limits  of  their  colonies  if  they  setde  a  proportionate  number  of 
colonists  thereon. 

XXVII.  That  the  Patroons  and  colonists  shall  be  particular, 
and  in  the  speediest  manner,  endeavour  to  find  out  ways  and  means 
whereby  they  may  support  a  minister  and  schoolmaster,  that  thus 
the  service  of  God  and  zeal  for  religion  may  not  grow  cool,  and 
be  neglected  among  them  ;  and  that  they  do,  for  the  first,  procure 
a  comforter  for  the  sick  there. 

XXVIII.  That  the  colonies  that  shall  happen  to  lay  on  the  re- 
spective rivers  or  islands  (that  is  to  say,  each  river  or  island  for  it- 
self, )  shall  be  at  liberty  to  appoint  a  deputy,  who  shall  give  infor- 
mation to  the  commander  and  council  of  that  western  quarter,  of  all 
things  relating  to  his  colony,  and  who  are  to  further  matters  relating 
thereto,  which  deputies  there  shall  be  one  altered,  or  changed,  in 
every  two  years ;  and  all  colonies  shall  be  obliged,  at  least  once 
in  every  twelve  months,  to  make  exact  report  as  to  the  colony  and 
lands  thereabout,  to  the  commander  and  council  there,  in  order  to 
be  transmitted  hither. 

XXIX.  That  the  colonists  shall  not  be  permitted  to  make 
any  woollen,  linen,  or  cotton  cloth,  nor  weave  any  other  stuffs 
there,  on  pain  of  being  banished,  and  as  perjurours  to  be  arbitrarily 
punished. 

XXX.  That  the  company  will  use  their  endeavours  to  supply 
the  colonists  with  as  many  blacks,  as  they  conveniendy  can,  on  the 
conditions  hereafter  to  be  made  ;  in  such  manner,  however,  that 
they  shall  not  be  bound  to  do  it  for  a  longer  time  than  they  shall 
think  proper. 

XXXI.  The  company  promises  to  finish  the  fort  on  the  island 
of  the  Manhattes^  and  to  put  it  in  a  posture  of  defence  without 
delay.  And  to  get  these  privileges  and  exemptions  approved  and 
confirmed  by  their  High  Mightinesses,  the  Lords  States  General. 


XXIV  APPENDIX  1. 


Appendix  I. —  Vol.  L,  jp»  109. 

The  Dutch  Reformed  Church,  was  of  the  classis  of  Amster- 
dam. The  first  minister  the  Dutch  West  India  Company  sent  to 
their  colonists,  was  Everard  Bogardus  ;  the  second  persons  who 
preached  in  the  church  at  tlie  fort,  were  John  and  Samuel  Mega- 
polensis — the  latter  of  whom  was  likewise  the  physician  of  the 
colony,  and  preached  in  the  church  at  the  time  that  Nicholls  took 
possession. 

Gov^ernour  Stuyvesant  was  one  of  the  principal  officers  of  the 
church,  and  built  a  chapel  on  his  own  farm,  it  is  believed,  after  the 
church  in  the  fort  was  called  the  king's  chapel. 

On  the  31st  of  May,  1647,  the  director-general  of  New  Nether- 
land,  Curaooa,  etc.  etc.,  commander  of  all  vessels  in  the  company's 
service  sailing  in  the  West  Indies,  etc.,  found  it  necessary  to  issue 
the  decree  from  which  I  make  the  following  extracts  : 

*'  Whereas,  we  have  observed  the  improper  behaviour  of  some 
of  our  inhabitants,  who  even  on  the  Lord's  day,  appointed  for 
rest,  thankfulness,  and  prayer,  so  far  forget  their  duty  as  to  get 
drunk,  quarrel  and  fight  with  each  other ;  of  which  infamous  con- 
duct we  ourselves  on  the  last  Lord's  day  were  witnesses  ;  and 
whereas,  such  painful  and  disgraceful  scenes  take  place  in  defiance 
of  the  magistrates,  in  contempt  of  our  person  and  authority,  and  the 
dishonour  of  God's  holy  laws,  which  enjoin  us  to  honour  him  and 
keep  holy  this  day  set  apart  by  him  for  devotion  and  rest,  and  has 
prohibited  those  temptations  that  lead  to  evil  doing  :  We  there- 
fore by  and  with  the  advice  of  our  council,  to  prevent  the  effects  of 
God's  anger  falling  upon  us,  do  by  these  presents  command  all 
tapsters  and  innkeepers,  that,  on  the  sabbath  of  the  Lord,  commonly 
called  Sunday,  they  shall  not  sell  or  deliver  to  any  person  what- 
ever, any  wines,  beer,  or  strong  hquours  of  any  kind,  excepting  only 
to  travellers,  or  boarders  in  their  houses,  before  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  on  those  days  when  there  is  no  preaching ;  and  when 
there  is  preaching,  not  until  after  four  o'clock." 

This  is  enforced  by  a  penalty  of  "six  Carolus  guilders"  for 
each  offence.  And  further,  all  tapsters  and  innkeepers  are  forbid- 
den to  keep  their  houses  open  on  any  day  whatever,  "  after  the 
ringing  of  the  bells  in  the  evening,  which  shall  take  place  at  nine 
o'clock  in  the  evening." 

By  the  same  decree  or  proclamation,  the  governour,  by  the  ad- 
vice of  the  council  of  the  city  of  New  Amsterdam,  decrees,  that 
any  person  who  shall  in  anger  draw  a  knife  or   dagger  against 


i 


APPENDIX  I.  XXV 

another,  shall  be  fined  for  the  offence  one  hundred  Carolus  guil- 
ders, and  in  failure  of  payment  be  subjected  to  the  most  menial 
labour,  with  bread  and  water  for  subsistance ;  and  in  case  any 
person  shall  be  wounded  by  another  w4th  knife  or  dagger  so  drawn 
as  aforesaid,  then  the  offender  shall  be  fined  three  hundred  Carolus 
guilders,  or  further  confinement  to  labour  as  aforesaid. 

It  is  by  the  necessity  of  such  enactments,  that  we  learn  the  vices 
of  one  part  of  the  inhabitants,  and  the  virtues  of  another,  with  the 
general  simplicity  reigning  through  the  village-like  city  of  our 
Dutch  ancestors. 

Again,  on  the  18th  of  June,  the  director-general  and  his  council, 
published  for  the  regulation  of  trade,  and  because  certain  persons 
having  license  to  trade  to  the  south,  take  the  liberty  of  going  to  the 
north  into  the  territories  of  the  Maquas  or  Mohawks,  and  thereby 
injuring  the  regular  traffick  with  the  Indians,  to  the  loss  and 
damage  of  those  who  have  regular  licenses,  and  carry  their  cargoes 
to  assigned  places  of  deposit ;  and  because  by  such  unhcensed 
traders,  the  Indians  may  be  provoked  to  acts  of  hostility — there- 
fore all  persons  are  prohibited  under  severe  penalties,  from  going 
into  the  interiour,  but  all  traders  are  directed  to  carry  on  their  traf- 
fick at  the  places  of  deposit  appointed. 

On  the  1st  of  July,  the  governour  and  council,  issued  an  order 
forbidding  the  sale  of  strong  liquor  of  any  description,  on  any  pre- 
tence, to  the  Indians,  and  making  the  persons  who  abet  the  savages 
in  buying,  as  well  as  the  seller,  liable  to  fine  and  punishment,  for 
any  mischief  that  may  arise  therefrom.  And  all  trespassers  upon 
fields  and  orchards  that  are  fenced,  are  liable  for  damages,  while 
the  inhabitants  are  commanded  to  erect  sufficient  fences  about  their 
plantations,  and  the  Fiscal,  Van  Dyke,  is  to  erect  a  pound  to  detain 
cattle  until  damages  are  paid. 

I  find  at  this  council,  besides  the  former  Director,  William  Kieft, 
the  names  of  Derick  Wngen,  Monsieur  La  Montaignle,  Captain 
Newton,  Paulus  Laenders,  Jacob  Losiere,  Soloman  Tenvassen, 
and  John  Classon  Boll. 

Besides  these  mandates,  I  find  others  in  possession  of  the  com- 
mon council  of  New  York,  and  translated  by  the  Reverend  Mr. 
Westbrook,  by  which  Governour  Stuyvesant  endeavoured  to  re- 
medy irregularities  in  building,  and  for  the  prevention  of  fires,  "as 
the  greater  number  of  the  houses  are  constructed  of  wood,  and  are 
covered  with  reeds ;"  and  I  likewise  find  the  fact,  that  some  of  the 
buildings  had  wooden  chinmies.  The  governour  prohibited  from 
that  time,  all  wooden  chimnies,  between  the  fort  and  Fresh  Wate?', 
or  Collect ;  and  places  those  already  existing,  under  the  protec- 
tion, and  in  the  power  of  Fire-icardens,  (Thomas  Hall,  Martin 
Crozier,  and  George  Woolsey,)  and  the  commissary  Adrian  Keyser. 


XXVI  APPENDIX  J. 


Appendix  J. —  Vol.  L,  p.  116. 

\ 

Stuyvesanfs  Letter  to  the  Commissioners.* 

"  My  Lords  : — ^Your  first  letter,  unsigned,  of  the  20-31st  o( 
August,  together  with  that  of  this  day,  signed  according  to  form, 
being  the  first  of  Septenriber,  have  been  safely  delivered  into  our 
hands  by  your  deputies,  unto  which  we  shall  say,  that  the  rights  of 
his   majestie  of  England,  unto  any  part  of  America  here  abou't, 
amongst  the  rest,  unto  the  colonies  of  Virginia,  Maryland,  or  others 
in  New  England,  whether  disputable  or  not,  is  that  which,  for  the 
present,  we  have  no  design  to  debate  upon.     But  that  his  majestie 
hath  an  indisputable  right  to  all  the  lands  in  the  north  parts  of  Ame- 
rica, is  that  which  the  kings  of  France  and  Spain  will  disallow,  as 
we  absolutely  do,  by  virtue  of  a  commission  given  to  me,  by  my 
lords,  the  high  and  mighty  States  General,  to  be  governour-general 
over  New  Holland,  the  isles  of  Curaooa,  Bonaire,  Aruba,  with  their 
appurtenances   and  dependencies,  bearing  date  the  26th  of  July, 
1646.     As  also  by  virtue  of  a  grant  and  commission,  given  by  my 
said  lords,  the  high  and  mighty  States  General,  to  the  West  India 
Company,  in  the  year  1621,  with  as  much  power  and  as  authentick, 
as  his  said  majestie  of  England  hath  given,  or  can  give,  to  any  co- 
lony in  America,  as  more  fully  appears  by  the  patent  and  commis- 
sion of  the  said  lords  the  States  General,  by  them  signed,  registered, 
and  sealed  with  their  great  seal,  which  were  showed  to  your  depu- 
ties. Colonel  George  Carteret,  Captain  Robert  Needham,  Captain 
Edward  Groves,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Delavall ;  by  which  commission 
and  patent  together,  (to  deal  frankly  with  you,)  and  by  divers  let- 
ters, signed  and  sealed  by  our  said  lords,  the  States  General,  directed 
to  several  persons,  both  English  and  Dutch,  inhabiting  the  towns 
and  villages   on  Long  Island,   (which,  without  doubt,  have  been 
produced  before  you,  by  those  inhabitants,)  by  which  they  are 
declared  and  acknowledged  to  be  their  subjects,  with  express  com- 
mand, that  they  continue  faithful   unto   them,  under   penalty  of 
incurring  their  utmost  displeasure,  which   makes  it  appear  more 
clear  than  the  sun  at  noon-day,  that  your  first  foundation,  (viz.  that 
the  right  and  title  of  his  majestie  of  Great  Britain,  to  these  parts  of 
America  is  unquestionable,)  is  absolutely  to  be  denied.    Moreover, 
it  is  without  dispute,  and  acknowledged  by  the  world,  that  our  pre- 
decessors, by  virtue  of  the  commission  and  patent  of  the  said  lords, 
the  States  General,  have  without  control,  and  peaceably  (the  contrary 
never  coming  to  our  knowledge)  enjoyed  Fort  Orange  about  forty- 
eight  or  fifty  years,  the  Manhattans  about  forty-one  or  forty-two  years, 


Smith's  History  of  New  York,  Vol.  1.,  pp.  20-26. 


APPENDIX  J.  XXVII 

the  South  River  forty  years,   and  the  Fresh  Water  River  about 
thirty-six  years. 

*'  Touching  the  second  subject  of  your  letter,  (viz.  his  majestic 
hath  commanded  me,  in  his  name,  to  require  a  surrender  of  all 
such  forts,  towns,  or  places  of  strength,  which  now  are  possessed 
by  the  Dutch  under  your  command.)  We  shall  answer,  that  we 
are  so  confident  of  the  discretion  and  equity  of  his  majestic  of  Great 
Britain,  that  in  case  his  majestic  were  informed  of  the  truth,  which 
is,  that  the  Dutch  came  not  into  these  provinces,  by  any  violence, 
but  by  virtue  of  commissions  from  my  lords,  the  States  General,  first 
of  all  in  the  years  1614, 1615,  and  1616,  up  the  North  River,  near 
Fort  Orange,  where,  to  hinder  the  invasions  and  massacres,  com- 
monly committed  by  the  savages,  they  built  a  little  fort ;  and  after, 
in  the  year  1622,  and  even  to  this  present  time,  by  virtue  of  com- 
mission and  grant,  to  the  governours  of  the  West  India  Company; 
and  moreover,  in  the  year  1656,  a  grant  to  the  honourable  the  bur- 
gomasters of  iVmsterdam,  of  the  South  River ;  insomuch,  that  by 
virtue  of  the  above  said  commissions  from  the  high  and  mighty 
States  General,  given  to  the  persons  interested  as  aforesaid,  and 
others,  these  provinces  have  been  governed,  and  consequently  en- 
joyed, as  also  in  regard  of  their  first  discovery,  uninterrupted  pos- 
sessions, and  purchase  of  the  lands  of  the  princes,  natives  of  the 
country,  and  other  private  persons  (though  Gentiles,)  we  make  no 
doubt  that  if  his  said  majestic  of  Great  Britain  were  well  informed 
of  these  passages,  he  would  be  too  judicious  to  grant  such  an  order, 
principally  in  a  time  w^ien  there  is  so  straight  a  friendship  and  con- 
federacy, between  our  said  lords  and  superiours,  to  trouble  us  in 
the  demanding  and  summons  of  the  places  and  fortresses,  which 
were  put  into  our  hands,  with  orders  to  maintain  them,  in  the  name 
of  the  said  lords,  the  States  General,  as  was  made  appear  to  your 
deputies,  under  the  names  and  seal  of  the  said  high  and  mighty 
States  General,  dated  July  28,  1646.  Besides  what  had  been  men- 
tioned, there  is  little  probability  that  his  said  majestic  of  England 
(in  regard  the  articles  of  peace  are  printed,  and  were  recommended 
to  us  to  observe  seriously  and  exactly,  by  a  letter  written  to  us  by 
our  said  lords,  the  States  General,  and  to  cause  them  to  be  observed 
religiously  in  this  country)  would  give  order  touching  so  dangerous 
a  design,  being  also  apparent,  that  none  other  than  my  said  lords, 
the  States  General,  have  any  right  to  these  provinces,  and  conse- 
quently, ought  to  command  and  maintain  their  subjects ;  and  in 
their  absence,  we,  the  governour-general,  are  obliged  to  maintain 
their  rights,  and  to  repel  and  take  revenge  of  all  thrcatenings,  unjust 
attempts,  or  any  force  w^hatsocver,  that  shall  be  committed  against 
their  faithful  subjects  and  inhabitants,  it  being  a  very  considerable 
thing,  to  affront  so  mighty  a  state,  although  it  w^ere  not  against  an 
ally  and  confederate.     Consequently,  if  his  said  majestic  (as  it  is 


XXVIII  APPENDIX  J. 


fit)  were  well  Informed  of  all  that  could  be  spoken  upon  this  subject, 
he  would  not  approve  of  what  expressions  were  made  in  your  let- 
ter ;  which  are,  that  you  are  commanded  by  his  majestic,  to  demand 
in  his  name,  such  places  and  fortresses  as  are  in  the  possession  of 
the  Dutch  under  my  government ;  which,  as  it  appears  by  my  com- 
mission before  mentioned,  was  given  me  by  my  lords,  the  high  and 
mighty  States  General.  And  there  is  less  ground  in  the  express  de- 
mand of  my  government,  since  all  the  world  knows,  that  about  three 
years  agone,  some  English  frigotts  being  on  the  coast  of  Africa, 
upon  a  pretended  commission,  they  did  demand  certain  places  un- 
der the  government  of  our  said  lords,  the  States  General,  as  Cape 
Vert,  river  of  Gambo,  and  all  other  places  in  Guyny,  to  them  be- 
longing. Upon  which,  our  said  lords,  the  States  General,  by  virtue 
of  the  articles  of  peace,  having  made  appear  the  said  attempt  to  his 
majestic  of  England,  they  received  a  favourable  answer,  his  said 
majestic  disallowing  all  such  acts  of  hostility  as  might  have  been 
done,  and  besides,  gave  order  that  restitution  should  be  made  to 
the  East  India  Company,  of  whatsoever  had  been  pillaged  in  the 
said  river  of  Gambo ;  and  likewise  restored  to  them  their  trade, 
which  makes  us  think  it  necessary  that  a  more  express  order  should 
appear  unto  us,  as  a  sufficient  warrant  for  us,  towards  my  lords, 
the  high  and  mighty  States  General,  since  by  virtue  of  our  said  com- 
mission, we  do  in  these  provinces,  represent  them,  as  belonging 
to  them,  and  not  to  the  king  of  Great  Britain,  except  his  said  majes- 
tic, upon  better  grounds,  make  it  appear  to  our  said  lords,  the  States 
General,  against  which  they  may  defend  themselves  as  they  shall 
think  fit. 

"  To  conclude  :  we  cannot  but  declare  unto  you,  though  the 
governours  and  commissioners  of  his  majestic  have  divers  times 
quarrelled  with  us  about  the  bounds  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  high 
and  mighty  the  States  General,  in  these  parts,  yet  they  never  ques- 
tioned their  jurisdiction  itself;  on  the  contrary,  in  the  year  1650, 
at  Hartford,  and  the  last  year  at  Boston,  they  treated  with  us  upon 
this  subject,  which  is  a  sufficient  proof  that  his  majestic  hath  never 
been  well  informed  of  the  equity  of  our  cause,  insomuch  as  we  can- 
not imagine,  in  regard  of  the  articles  of  peace  between  the  crown 
of  England  and  the  States  General,  (under  whom  there  are  so  many 
subjects  in  America  as  well  as  Europe,)  that  his  said  majestic  of 
Great  Britain  would  give  a  commission  to  molest  and  endamage  the 
subjects  of  my  said  lords,  the  States  General,  especially  such,  as 
ever  since  fifty,  forty,  and  the  latest  thirty-six  years,  have  quietly 
enjoyed  their  lands,  countries,  forts,  and  inherhances  ;  and  less, 
that  his  subjects  would  attempt  any  acts  of  hostility  or  violence 
against  them  :  and  in  case  that  you  will  act  by  force  of  arms,  we 
protest  and  declare,  in  the  name  of  our  said  lords,  the  States  Gene- 
ral, before  God  and  men,  that  you  will  act  an  unjust  violence,  and 


APPENDIX  IC.  XXIX 

a  breach  of  the  articles  of  peace,  so  solemnly  sworn,  agreed  upon, 
and  ratified  by  his  majestie  of  England,  and  my  lords,  the  States 
general,  and  the  rather,  for  that  to  prevent  the  shedding  of  blood,  in 
the  month  of  February  last,  we  treated  with  Captain  John  Scott, 
(who  reported  he  had  a  commission  from  his  said  majestic,)  touch- 
ing the  limits  of  Long  Island,  and  concluded  for  the  space  of  a  year ; 
that  in  the  mean  time,  the  business  might  be  treated  on  between  the 
king  of  Great  Britain  and  my  lords,  the  high  and  mighty  States 
General :  and  again,  at  present,  for  the  hindrance  and  prevention 
of  all  differences,  and  the  spilUng  of  innocent  blood,  not  only  in 
these  parts,  but  also  in  Europe,  we  offer  unto  you,  a  treaty  by  our 
deputies,  Mr.  Cornelius  Van  Ruyven,  secretary  and  receiver  of 
New  Holland,  Cornelius  Steinwick,  burgomaster,  Mr.  Samuel 
Megapolensis,  doctor  of  physick,  and  Mr.  James^Cousseau,  here- 
tofore sheriff.  As  touching  the  threats  in  your  conclusion,  we  have 
nothing  to  answer,  only  that  we  fear  nothino;  but  what  God  (who  is 
as  just  as  merciful,)  shall  lay  upon  us  ;  all  things  being  in  his  gra- 
cious disposal,  and  we  may  as  well  be  preserved  by  him  with  small 
forces  as  by  a  great  army,  which  makes  us  to  wish  you  all  happi- 
ness and  prosperity,  and  recommend  you  to  his  protection.  My 
lords,  your  thrice  humble  and  affectionate  servant  and  friend, 
signed  P.  Stuyvesant. — At  the  fort  at  Amsterdam,  the  second  of 
September,  new  style,  1664." 


Appendix  K. —  Vol.  L,  p.  116. 

In  January,  1664,  the  States  General  give  notice  to  all  who, 
forgetful  of  the  treaty  of  1650,  have  put  themselves  under  the 
English  government,  that,  under  pain  of  the  high  displeasure  of  the 
states,  they  shall  submit  and  take  the  oaths  to  the  Dutch  authorities.* 

In  1662,  October  13th,  Governour  Stuyvesant  wrote  thus  to  the 
honourable  deputy-governour  and  court  of  magistrates,  at  Hart- 
ford : — 

*'  Honoured  and  worthy  sirs. — By  this  occasion  of  my  brother- 
in-law's  being  necessitated  to  make  a  second  voyage  for  ayd  his 
distressed  sister,  .Judith  Varlott,  imprisoned,  as  we  are  informed, 
upon  pretend  accusation  off  wychery,  we  realey  believe,  and  out 
her  well  known  education,  life,  conversation,  and  profession  of  faith, 
we  dare  assure  that  she  is  innocent  of  such  a  horrible  crimen,  and 


See  manuscript  in  secretary  of  state's  office,  Hartford. 


XXX  APPENDIX  K. 

wherefor  I  doubt  not  he  will  now,  as  formerly,  finde  your  honour's 
favour  and  ayde  for  the  innocentw  I  kan  not  omit  to  acquaint  you 
(which  should  have  been  done  sooner  if  my  absence  had  not  hin- 
dered it,)  that  one  John  Jonge,  whether  upon  your  orders,  as  he 
pretend,  I  doubt  had  undertaken,  as  by  his  seditious  letters  may 
appear,  to  divert  and  revoce  the  En_!^]ish  towns  in  this  province 
under  the  protection  of  the  high  and  mighty  lords,  the  Estaats  Gene- 
ral of  the  United  Belgic  Provences,  and  in  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
right  honourable  lords  of  the  West  India  Compagnie,  settled  of  their 
oath  and  due  obedience  unto  us,  their  lawful  governour,  which  his 
unlawful  proceedings  amongst  the  silly  and  common  people,  with- 
out any  acknowledgment  or  addresses  unto  us,  as  governour  of  this 
province — if  you  will  owne  as  we  do  not  hope  you  may — take  no- 
tice that  it  is  a  absolute  breatch  and  a  nulHfication  of  the  argreement 
about  the  limits,  A.  D.  1650,  made  at  Hardfort,  between  the 
honourable  commissioners  of  New  England,  and  us,  as  governour- 
generall  of  this  province,  and  that,  by  that  means  the  aforementioned 
hio-h  and  mio^htv  lords  Estaats  General,  and  ridit  honourable  lords 
of  the  West  India  Company  ware  given  just  grounds  and  reason  to 
demand,  and  by  such  means  as  in  wisdom  shall  thinke  meete,  to 
recover  al  that  tract  of  land  between  Greenwich  and  the  Fresh 
River,  so  longh  unjustly  as  it  now  doth  appear,  without  any  patent 
or  commission,  possessed  and  detayned  from  the  aforementioned 
first  possessors  and  owners,  as  it  appears  by  the  monuments  of  the 
howse,  the  hope  by  commission  of  the  aforesaid  lords,  built  and 
without  molestation  upon  the  Fresh  or  Connecticut  River,  possessed 
many  years  before  any  of  the  English  nations  did  come  there,  but 
confyding  and  trusting  most  for  the  words  and  promises  of  the 
honourable  Governour  Winthrop  as  he  did  depart  from  hence,  we 
shall  with  more  discretion  expect  his  desired  arival,  and  leave  the 
matters  to  our  superiours  in  Europe,  and  shall  after  my  respects 
and  love  presented,  expect  with  the  bearer  your  categorical  answer, 
over  and  about  tlie  aforementioned  John  Jonge's  seditious  doings 
and  writinirs. 

*'  Remaining  in  the  mayne, 

"  Your  loving  friend  arid  neighbour, 

"  P.  Stuyvesant. 
*'  N.  Amst^-dam  in  Netherlandt,  the  ISth  of  Or.,  1662." 

The  journal  of  the  Dutch  commissioners,  Cornelius  Van  Ruy- 
ven.  Burgomaster  Van  Cortlandt,  and  Mr.  John  Lawrence,  of  the 
city  of  New  Amsterdam,  October,  1663,  to  Hartford,  having  been 
published  in  Hazard,  and  various  other  collections,  I  will  only  give 
an  abstract  of  the  voyage  and  proceedings. 

The  first  thing  that  strikes  the  reader  of  the  present  day,  is  the 
clumsy  and  tedious  travelling.     On  the  second  day  of  the  voyage, 


APPENDIX  K.  XXXI 

they  cast  anchor  within  sight  of  Stratford  Point.  By  rowing  and 
luffing,  on  the  third  day  they  landed  at  Milford,  where  they  left 
their  yacht  under  care  of  Mr.  Treat,  in  case  any  privateers  should 
attack  her.  Here  they  procured  horses,  and  arrived  that  evening 
at  New  Haven.  On  the  fourth  day,  they  reached  Hartford,  where 
the  governour  and  court  being  assembled,  to  lose  no  time,  they  that 
day  delivered  their  letter,  and  the  court  provided  a  room  for  them 
with  the  marshal.  On  the  next  day,  October  19th,  they  called  on 
Mr.  John  Winthrop,  and  obtained  his  promise  that  he  w^ould  re- 
move all  misunderstandings,  etc.  They  then  addressed  the  com- 
mittee who  were  appointed  to  consider  of  their  business,  begging  a 
categorical  answer.  A  time  was  appointed,  and  they  were  disap- 
pointed, but  invited  to  dine  at  the  Town-hall ;  accepted  the  invita- 
tion, and  after  dinner,  pressed  their  business,  and  were  required  to 
state  briefly  the  demand — which  was  to  know  whether  the  colony 
held  to  the  limits  settled  in  1650;  if  not,  that  they  would  appoint 
persons  to  treat : — finally,  if  that  matters  should  be  referred  to  their 
superiors  in  Europe,  whether  in  the  mean  lime  matters  should  remain 
as  settled  in  1650.  The  whole  afternoon  was  spent  without  effect- 
ing any  thing.  The  New  England  gentlemen  offered  to  refer  the 
matter  to  Europe  pi;ovided,  meantime,  the  English  towns  on  Long 
Island  and  Westchester  should  be  under  the  government  of  Connec- 
ticut. Mr.  Allen  said  that  the  English  towns  on  Long  Island  would 
no  longer  remain  under  the  Dutch  government,  and  if  the  Dutch 
attempted  to  force  them,  they  were  resolved  to  defend  themselves ; 
he  therefore  advised  the  relinquishment  by  the  Dutch  until  the  mat- 
ter was  setded  in  Europe.  The  Dutch  deputies  said  it  would  never 
be  allowed,  and  that  Connecticut  caused  this  disposition  in  said 
towns  by  prompting  them.  They  argued  the  matter  pro  and  couy 
while  it  was  already  determined  in  England  to  seize  the  whole. 
They  parted  in  the  evening  to  resume  the  fruitless  debate  next 
morning.  Finally,  the  Connecticut  gentlemen  told  the  Dutchmen 
that  the  towns  must  remain,  as  they  had  chosen,  under  English 
jurisdiction,  and  that  if  attacked,  Connecticut  would  defend  them. 
The  Dutch  deputies  pleaded  right  and  possession  in  vain  :  they 
talked  till  dinner  time,  were  again  invited,  and  again  dined  with  the 
governour,  to  whom  they  complained  after  dinner,  with  the  same 
effect,  and  w^ere  promised  a  written  answer  to  the  letter  brought. 
The  next,  21st,  being  Sunday,  is  passed  at  church,  and  in  the  eve- 
ning with  the  governour,  supping  and  talking.  The  22d  and  23d, 
no  written  answer,  but  the  debate  continued  :  the  English  said  the 
towns  were  included  in  his  majesty's  patent.  The  Dutch  deputies 
said  the  patent  spoke  of  bounds  in  New  England,  and  not  in  New 
Netheiland.  The  reply  was,  "we  know  of  no  New  Netherland." 
The  debate  continued  until  noon,  which  being  dinner  time,  it  was 
adjourned  till  that  affair  was  over.    Finally,  say  the  Dutch  deputies, 


XXXII  APPENDIX  K. 

ihe  unreasonable  articles  were  delivered  to  them,  to  wit :  that  West- 
chester and  all  lands  between  tliat  and  "Stanford"  shall  belong  to 
Connecticut,  and  she  will  forbear  exercising  any  authority  over 
Hempstead,  Jamaica,  etc.,  until  the  case  be  further  considered, 
provided  tlie  Dutch  will  forbear  to  coerce  the  towns  of  Long  Island. 
These  articles  being  objected  to,  the  Dutch  deputies,  to  concede 
something,  propose  that  Westchester  and  the  settlements  to  Stan- 
ford, shall  remain  under  the  dominion  of  Connecticut,  until  the 
limits  were  fixed  by  reference ;  but  in  the  meantime,  the  Long  Island 
towns  "shall  absolutely  abide  the  government  of  New  Netherland." 
Having  delivered  this  proposal,  they  were  answered,  that  the  Long 
Island  townships  icould  not  continue  under  the  Dutch;  that  they 
knew  no  NewNetherland  province  but  a  Dutch  government  over  a 
Dutch  plantation  on  the  ^lanhattans;  that  Long  Island  was  included 
in  their  patent,  and  they  would  possess  and  maintain  it. 

After  further  useless  talk,  an  answer  was  asked  to  the  letter,  as 
the  Dutch  deputies  wished  to  depart  on  the  morrow.  The  letter 
was  brought  in  the  evening  with  this  superscription — "  To  the 
Honourable  Peter  Stuyvesant,  Director-General,  at  the  Manados." 
It  was  objected  that  the  direction  ought  to  be  to  the  Director- 
General  of  New  Netherland.  It  was  answered,  that  it  was  at  their 
option  to  receive  it  or  not. 

On  the  2'Ith  the  deputies  departed  from  Hartford,  and  arrived 
at  Manhattan  on  the  evening  of  the  26th. 

While  Connecticut  and  New  Netherland  were  disputing  which 
should  have  Westchester  and  the  towns  on  Long  Island,  the  royal 
Duke  had  appropriated  all  the  territory  in  question  to  himself;  and 
his  royal  brother  was  fitting  out  an  armament  to  give  him  posses- 
sion of  all  the  Dutch  province,  and  the  part  Holland  had  resigned 

to  her  English  neighbours. 
1658  It  appears  by  the  researches  of  Silas  Wood,  Esq.,  that 
at  this  time  the  custom  of  most  towns  of  Long  Island,  was 
to  pay  for  public  services  in  produce,  and  probably  barter  was 
common  in  trade.  Hempstead  paid  the  herdsman  twelve  shillings 
Stirling,  in  butter,  corn,  wheat  and  oats.  Six  bushels  of  corn  was 
given  for  killing  a  wolf.  East  Hampton  agreed  to  pay  Thomas 
James,  their  minister,  sixty  pounds  a  year,  "  in  such  pay  as  men 
raise,  as  it  passes  from  man  to  man."  Jamaica  gave  Zachariah 
Walker,  their  minister,  sixty  pounds,  in  wheat  and  corn,  at  fixed 
prices.  Gravesend  gave  their  herdsman  and  assistant  600  guilders 
in  "  bacon  and  corn."  Newtown  paid  her  minister  by  a  capitation 
of  forty  shillings  a  head,  "half  in  corn,  and  half  in  cattle."  The 
town  court  of  Jamaica,  gave  damages  in  favour  of  a  plaintiff,  of 
twelve  and  a  half  bushels  of  wheat.  Mr.  Wood  says,  "  the  prac- 
tice of  paying  in  produce  continued  until  about  1700." 


APPENDIX   K.  XXXIII 

1659  The  chief  sachem  of  the  Montauks  presented  to  Lyon 
Gardiner,  the  proprietor  of  Gardiner's  Island,  a  deed  for 

that  territory,  which  is  now  (1839)  Smithtown  ;  in  token  of  gra- 
titude for  having  ransomed  his  daughter  from  the  hostile  Narragan- 
setts.  In  1659,  and  on  to  1661,  the  dispute  respecting  the  line 
between  the  Dutch  and  English  on  Long  Island,  though  once 
agreed  upon,  was  a  subject  of  controversy. 

1660  Bushwick  settled.     Mr.  Wood   has  given  the  names  of 
the   tribes  of  Indians  of  Long  Island  when   first  settled. 

Their  villages  were  on  the  bays,  creeks  and  harbours,  for  the  faci- 
lity of  taking  fish,  and  large  beds  of  shells  mark  to  this  day  the 
scites  of  their  wigwams.  In  New  Jersey  the  same  may  be  re- 
marked ;  and  Perth  Amboy  has  many  such  mounds  of  oyster  and 
clam  shells  now  covered  by  the  soil  of  many  years. 

The  east  end  of  Long  Island  has  marks  of  a  greater  Indian 
population  than  any  other  part,  and  the  Montauks  have  left  their 
name  to  posterity  at  the  extremity  of  Suffolk  county,  on  the  point 
and  fight-house  which  terminates  the  Island.  A  few  families  of 
the  aborigines  exist  at  this  time,  (1839)  poor,  degraded,  squalid — 
and  some  few  young  men  become  sailors,  and  mingle  with  the 
crews  of  the  whalers  from  Sagg  Harbour. 

In  1660,  the  commissioners  of  the  United  Colonies,  ordered 
the  people  of  East  Hampton  to  protect  the  Montauks  from  the 
Narragansetts  ;  and  in  case  the  latter  came  within  six  miles  of  the 
town,  to  remove  them  peaceably  ;  but  if  they  pursued  the  Mon- 
tauks to  the  English  houses,  or  widiin  two  miles  of  any  town,  the 

English  were  authorized  to  attack  the  aggressors. 
1663  Smithtown,  Long  Island,  settled.     This  land  had  been 

presented  to  Lyon  Gardiner  by  Wyandanee,  chief  sachem  of 
the  Montauks,  in  gratitude  for  having  ransomed  his  daughter  from 
the  Narragansetts.  Lyon  Gardiner  was  a  Scotchman,  and  had  served 
as  a  lieutenant  in  the  British  army  in  the  low  countries :  he  came 
to  this  country  in  1635,  and  erected  a  fort  at  Saybrook,  under  Lord 
Say  and  Seal,  and  commanded  the  garrison.  In  1639,  having  pur- 
chased the  island  bearing  his  name  from  the  Indians,  and  had  the 
purchase  confirmed  by  the  European  proprietors,  (so  called)  he 
removed  thither.  His  son  David,  born  at  Saybrook,  is  supposed 
to  be  the  first  white  child  born  in  Connecticut.  Elizabeth  the 
daughter  of  Lyon  Gardiner,  born  on  Gardiner's  Island,  September 
14th,  1641,  was  probably  the  first  English  child  born  within  the 
territory  of  New  York.  Gardiner's  Island  in  1663,  (when  Lyon 
Gardiner  died)  was  appraised  at  ,£700  :  and  in  1824  it  payed  one 
sixth  of  the  taxes  of  East  Hampton.  It  continues  entire  in  the 
family,  and  belonged  in  1824  to  David  Gardiner,  the  eldest  son 


XXXIV  APPENDIX  K. 

of  the  late  John  Lyon  Gardiner,.Esq.,  the  eighth  hneal  descendant 
from  Lyon  Gardiner.* 

Southampton  had  been  received  into  the  government  of  New 
Haven,  September  7th,  1643 ;  and  in  September  1651,  I  find 
Southampton  complaining  to  Connecticut  against  the  Dutch  for 
selling  guns,  powder,  and  lead,  to  the  Indians. 

In  1644,  the  commissioners  for  the  United  Colonies  gave  per- 
mission to  Connecticut  to  receive  Southampton,  on  Long  Island, 
into  its  jurisdiction. 

In  September,  1657,  New  Haven  had  permission  to  receive 
Oyster  Bay  and  Huntington,  on  Long  Island,  into  its  jurisdiction. 

In  September,  1660,  "  liberty  is  granted  to  the  jurisdiction  of 
Connecticut  to  take  Huntington  and  Sataucket,  two  Enghsh  plan- 
tations on  Long  Island,  into  their  government,"  by  the  commis- 
sioners met  at  New  Haven :  and  at  the  same  time  the  JMontauk 
Indians  having  petitioned  for  protection  from  the  Narragansetts,  the 
commissioners  ordered,  that  if  the  Narragansetts  came  within  six 
miles  of  any  of  the  English  towns  under  their  jurisdiction,  the 
English  might  remove  them ;  and  if  the  said  Indians  invade  the 
Montauks,  contrary  to  the  order  of  the  commissioners,  and  the 
Montauks  retreat  to  the  English  houses  or  within  two  miles  of  any 
English  towns,  viz ;  Easthampton  or  Southampton,  they  may  be  re- 
sisted by  the  English  inhabitants  there. 

At  a  session  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut,  at  Hart- 
ford, March  10, 1663,  it  was  voted  that  Mr.  Wyllys  and  Mr.  Matthew 
Allyn  go  over  to  Long  Island  to  settle  the  government  on  the  west 
end  of  the  Island,  "  according  to  the  agreement  at  Hempstead  in 
February  last."  They  are  desired  to  take  the  assistance  of  the 
commissioners  in  those  towns  for  regulating  any  disturb- 
1664  ances.  And  in  1664  the  same  assembly  resolved  that, 
"  whereas  his  majesty  hath  been  graciously  pleased  to  con- 
firm unto  this  colony,  by  charter,  all  that  part  of  his  dominion  in 
New  England,  bounded,  as  in  the  said  charter  is  expressed,  with 
the  Islands^''''  therefore  they  claim  Long  Island. 

March  1st,  a  meeting  was  held  at  Hempstead,  to  settle  the  limits 
of  Flushing,   Jamaica,  and  Hempstead.     A  committee  was  ap- 
pointed of  1  from  East  Hampton,  4  from  Southton,  4  from  Sawta-    j 
cott  or  Brookhaven,  Gravesend,  Westchester,  Oyster  Bay,   and    | 
Huntington. 

A  minister  was  setded  at  Newtown  before  1 664,  his  name  Moore.    , 

John  Scott  imposes  on  the  people  of  Sawtacott  with  an  instru- 
ment called   a  'perpetuity — ordered   to  appear  before  the  court  of   i 


S.  Wood. 


.1 


APPENDIX  K.  XXXV 

assizes  at  New  York,  by  NIcolls,  and  his  agreements  with  the 
people  made  void. 

Captain  John  Underhill  appointed  high  constable  and  under 
sheriff  of  the  North  Riding  of  Yorkshire,  on  Long  Island,  March 
18th,  by  Nicolls. 

First  commission  as  justice  of  peace,  given  by  Nicolls  to  Daniel 
Denton,  of  Jamaica.  March  16th,  other  civil  officers  appointed. 
John  Hicks,  of  Hempstead,  Jonas  Wood,  of  Huntington,  and 
James  Hubbard,  of  Gravesend,  justices.  William  Wells  appoint- 
ed high  sheriff  of  all  the  ridings  of  Yorkshire,  on  Long  Island  ;  he 
lived  at  Southold,  in  the  East  Riding. 

In  1664,  the  commissioners  advise  that  New  Haven  and  Con- 
necticut be  united  as  one  colony  ;  and  in  1667,  I  find  them  united 
as  at  the  meeting  of  commissioners  at  Hartford,  5th  September, 
1667,  "  now  appearing  for  the  colonies  of  New  Haven,  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Leete  and  Mr.  Samuel  Willis,  commissioners  above  said,  for 
Connecticut,  declared  that  the  colonies  of  Connecticut  and  Nevy 
Haven  were  entered  into  one." 

Berkley  and  Cartaret  assured  to  the  settlers  of  New  Jersey,  that 
the  province  should  be  ruled  by  laws  enacted  by  the  representatives 
of  the  people  who  had  the  power  of  peace  and  war  entrusted  to 
them.  No  tax,  custom,  subsidy,  tallage,  assessment  or  duty  what- 
ever is  to  be  imposed,  except  by  the  authority  and  consent  of  the 
general  assembly.  No  person  to  be  in  any  way  molested  for  any 
difference  in  opinion  or  practice  in  matters  concerning  religion, 
unless  he  disturb  the  peace  of  the  province  :  any  law,  custom  or 
statute  of  England  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  They  the 
settlers,  had  assurance  that  ihey  were  exempted  from  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  English  parliament  as  to  taxation  or  religion.  The 
proprietors  reserved  the  executive  power,  and  the  right  to  affirm  or 
reject  laws.  Land  was  allotted  according  to  the  time  of  arrival, 
and  the  number  of  indented  servants  mid  slaves  ;  the  settler  paid  a 
half  penny  per  acre  quit  rent,  and  was  bound  to  maintain  one  able 
bodied  male  servant  per  one  hundred  acres.  The  code  w^as  called 
"  The  Laws  of  the  Concessions,"  and  regarded  as  the  charter. 
Philip  Cartaret,  the  first  governour  added,  that  the  settlers  should 
be  obliged  to  purchase  the  land  so  alloted  to  them,  from  the  In- 
dians. And  some  years  after  the  proprietors  ordered  the  Indian 
lands  to  be  purchased  by  the  governour  and  council,  which  were 
re-purchased  at  the  same  rate  by  the  settlers.* 

When  Richard  Nicolls,  the  duke's  governour,  convened  an  as- 
sembly from  the  towns  of  Long  Island,  and  Westchester  to  meet 
at  Hempstead,  March  1st,  1665,  there  appeared  the  following  de- 


Scott,  Smith,  Chalmers. 


XXXVI  APPENDIX  K. 

puties.  From  New  Utrecht,  Jaques  Cortelleau  and  Younges 
Hope.  From Gravesend,  James  Hubbard  andJohn  Browne.  From 
Flatlands,  Elbert  Elbertson  and  RolofFe  Martens.  From  Flatbush, 
John  Striker  and  Hendrick  Gucksen.  From  Bushwick,  John 
Stealman  and  Gilbert  Tunis.  From  Brooklyn,  Hendrick  Lub- 
bertzen  and  John  Evertsen.  From  Newtown,  Richard  Betts 
and  John  Coe.  From  Flushing,  Ellas  Doughty  and  Richard 
Cornhill.  From  Jamaica,  Daniel  Denton  and  Thomas  Bennedict. 
From  Hempstead,  John  Hicks  and  Robert  Jackson.  From  Oys- 
ter Bay,  John  Underbill  and  Matthias  Harvey.  From  Hunting- 
ton, Jonas  Wood  and  John  Ketcham.  From  Brookhaven,  Daniel 
Lane  and  Roger  Barton.  From  Southold,  William  Wells  and 
John  Young.  From  South  Hampton,  Thomas  Topping  and  John 
Howell.  From  East  Hampton  Thomas  Baker  and  John  Stratton. 
From  Westchester,  Edward  Jessup  and Quinnby. 

At  this  meeting,  Nicolls  promulgated  the  laws  called  the  duke's 
laws,  which  continued  in  force,  notwithstanding  the  peoples  dis- 
content, until  Dongan  was  forced  to  convene  a  general  assembly 
in  16S3,  who  by  degrees  modified  them  and  passed  others. 
1665  Nicolls,  by  letter  dated  April  20th,  informs  the  justices 

of  Long  Island  that,  obliged  by  his  majesty's  commission, 
he  was  going  to  Boston,  and  leaves  Captain  Needham  in  command. 
Sheriff  Wells,  Captain  Topping,  of  the  governour's  council,  and 
Matthias  Nicoll,  secretary  of  the  council,  appointed  to  sit  with  the 
justices  of  the  sessions  on  Long  Island,  to  explain  the  laws  to 
them. 

A  proclamation  is  issued  for  apprehending  two  persons  accused 
of  assaultino^  the  constable  in  the  execution  of  his  office. 

o 

The  deputies  assembled  at  Hempstead,  in  March  1665,  to  jus- 
tify an  address  made  to  the  Duke  of  York,  by  a  narrative  asserting 
that,  when  Nicolls  commission  was  first  read  at  Gravesend,  Gover- 
nour  Winthrop  was  present,  and  declared  that  Connecticut  claimed 
no  jurisdicdon  dc  jure  over  Long  Island;  that  what  they  had  done 
was  for  the  welfare  of  the  colony,  etc. ;  and  Governour  Nicolls 
replied,  that  he  would  not  put  out  any  of  the  officers  which  Con- 
necticut had  set  up  in  the  civil  state,  but  confirmed  them.  Some 
alterations  were  made  by  Nicolls  in  the  laws  he  presented,  and  a 
disposition  shown  to  accommodate  them  to  the  people.  The  depu- 
ties propose  .£200  to  defray  public  charges,  and  applied  to  Nicolls 
to  know  whether  they  might  not,  after  the  example  of  the  other 
colonies,  choose  their  own  magistrates  ;  on  which,  he  showed  his 
instructions,  and  told  them,  that  if  they  wished  for  a  greater  share 
in  the  government  than  his  instructions  gave  them,  they  must  go  to 
the  king  for  it. 

A  judgment  having  been  obtained  against  William  Lawrence,  of 
Flushing,  the  governour,  on  appeal,  made  it  void.     Nicolls  en- 


APPENDIX  K.  XXXVII 

couraged  Paul  Richards  in  the  cultivation  of  the  vine  on  Long 
Island,  in  1664.     The  wine  to  be  free  of  excise  for  thirty  years. 

October  3d,  1665.  The  Indians  of  Long  Island  submit  to  the 
English  government,  requiring  protection  from  other  Indians  and 
Christians,  and  requiring  that  no  one  sachem  should  have  authority 
given  him  over  others,  but  each  sachem  govern  his  people  and 
family  as  formerly ;  that  they  shall  have  equal  rights  with  Christians 
in  courts  of  justice,  and  they,  agree  not  to  enter  into  any  wars  with- 
out leave  from  the  English. 

February  22d,  (1665.  ?)  The  freemen  of  Southold  in  a 
meeting,  appoint  William  Wells  and  Captain  John  Youngs  to  con- 
clude any  cause  or  matter  relating  to  the  several  towns  and  to  Wait 
upon  the  governour,  according  to  his  letter  of  the  Sth  February. 
They  ask  that  they  may  enjoy  their  lands  in  free  sockage  and  their 
heirs  forever  ;  that  the  freemen  may  choose  yearly  their  civil  offi- 
cers ;  that  all  trained  soldiers  may  choose  their  officers  yearly  ;  and 
that  the  people  may  not  pay  for  any  fortifications,  "  but  what  may 
be  within"  themselves  ;  nor  be  enjoined  to  train  without  the  limits 
of  the  town  ;  that  they  may  have  three  courts  in  Southold  in  a 
year,  and  choose  assistants  to  sit  with  the  magistrates,  and  that 
they  may  have  power  to  try  all  causes  except  criminal,  and  deter- 
mine w^ithout  appeal  all  to  ^5  ;  that  no  magistrate  shall  have  yearly 
maintenance ;  that  no  tax  be  raised  "  without  the  consent  of  the 
major  part  of  the  deputies  in  a  general  court  or  meeting." 

A  letter  from  Nicolls  to  Messrs.  Howell  and  Youngs,  without 
date,  gives  permission  to  inform  all  persons  on  Long  Island  that 
the  commissioners  have  settled  the  boundaries  between  the  Duke 
of  York's  patent  and  Connecticut ;  and  have  agreed  with  "  Master 
Winthrop"  that  all  Long  Island  remains  to  the  Duke.  That  as  it 
is  winter,  he  does  not  think  it  convenient  to  put  the  inhabitants  to 
the  trouble  of  sending  deputies  to  meet  in  relation  to  the  affairs  of 
the  island,  but  weather  permitting,  he  will  notify  them  of  time  and 
place  of  meeting  :  in  the  mean  time,  magistrates  formerly  appointed 
shall  remain  under  the  Duke's  government,  and  in  his  majesty's 
name.  That  he  has  not  considered  of  any  tax,  but  they  may  assure 
themselves  of  equal  freedom  and  immunities,  if  not  greater,  than 
his  majesty's  subjects  of  any  of  the  New  England  colonies  enjoy ; 
and  that  he  will  promote  trade,  and  encourage  all  sober  and  indus- 
trious persons  in  their  plantations.  He  further  says,  he  will  require 
no  further  service,  than  upon  due  notice  to  be  as  ready  to  defend 
his  majesty's  territory,  as  they  were  to  reduce  it  to  obedience. 
1674  The  inhabitants  of  Southold  met  November  17th,  1674, 

and  declared  and  owned  that  they  were  under  his  majesty's 
government  of  Connecticut,  and  wish  so  to  continue.  They  una- 
nimously vote  that  speedy  application  be  made  to  the  government 
of  Connecticut  for  council  how  to  answer  the  demands  of  Andres. 


XXXVIII  APPENDIX  K. 

They  vote  that  a  standing  committee  be  appointed  to  manage  their 
affairs  during  these  transactions,  either  in  regard  to  Connecticut,  to 
whom  they  profess  to  owe  their  protection  and  defence,  or  to  New 

York :  and  accordingly  they  chose  their  committee. 
1676  On  the  7th  day  of  October,   the  court  of  assizes,  upon 

the  reading  of  certain  letters  from  Southampton  and  South- 
old,  stating  their  reasons  for  not  complying  with  the  law  in  taking 
out  grants,  patents,  or  confirmations  for  their  towns  or  lands — viz : 
law  of  1664,  or  of  council  and  assizes,  1666  and_1670,  relating 
thereunto — give  judgment  that  the  said  towns  for  their  disobedience 
to  law,  have  forfeited  all  their  titles,  rights,  and  privileges  to  the 
lands  in  said  townships,  and  give  them  to  Monday  fortnight,  the 
23d  inst.  to  acknowledge  their  fault  and  obey.  This  time  is  granted 
to  the  towns  or  individuals. 

December  10th,  1674 — Salisbury  informs  the  inhabitants  of 
Southold  and  Singleland  that  he  is  empowered  by  the  governour 
to  receive  the  return  of  this  place  into  the  colony  of  J^ew  York, 
agreeable  to  the  grant  to  the  Duke  of  York,  and  he  accordingly 
declares  that  he  does  so  receive  the  return  of  said  place  or  territory 
from  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  by  whose  help  and  protection 
they  have  been  secured  from  the  Dutch  invasion,  unto  the  obedi- 
ence of  his  Royal  Highness. 

In  1657  is  the  first  notice  of  Quakers  in  New  Netherland ;  when 
Robert  Hodshone,  Christopher  Holden,  Humphrey  Norton,  Mary 
Wetherhead  and  Dorothy  Waugh,  arrived  at  New  Amsterdam  ; 
and  the  two  women  were  confined  or  put  into  a  dungeon  for  preach- 
ing in  the  streets.  Hodshone  went  to  Hempstead  on  Long  Island, 
where  he  preached,  and  w^as  taken  up,  as  were  two  women  for 
entertaining  him.*  Other  Quakers  coming  from  New  England, 
were  treated  with  severity  by  Stuyvesant :  their  number  was  small, 
and  they  met  in  the  woods  for  worship  about  Flushing,  Jamaica 
and  Newtown. 

John  Bowne  of  Flushing  was  a  baptist,  but  his  wife  was  a  Qua- 
ker minister ;  and  John  went  to  the  meetings  of  the  Quakers,  and 
was  so  touched  that  he  joined  the  sect  and  offered  his  house  for 

their  meetings  ;  in  consequence  of  which  he  was  forcibly 
1662     carried  to  New  Amsterdam,  and  as  he  would  not  agree  to 

discontinue  the  use  of  his  house  for  the  Quaker  meetings, 
he  was  in  1662  sent  prisoner  on  board  a  ship  of  war  to  Holland  ; 
but  was  landed  in  consequence  of  stress  of  weather  in  Holland, 
and  suffered  to  go  at  large  on  his  promise  to  appear,  which  he 
did,  and  was  heard  before  the  West  India  Company ;  who  finding 
him  stedfast,  set  him  at  liberty.  When  he  returned  home  he 
found  the  government  with  the  English ;  and  Stuyvesant  "  made 


*  See  Sewel's  History,  p.  256. 


APPENDIX  L.  XXXIX 

an  acknowledgment  to  him  for  the  cruel  treatment  inflicted  on  him 

by  his  order." 
1671  The  Quakers  encreased  much  in  the  two  western  coun- 

ties of  Long  Island.  Quarterly  meetings  w^ere  held,  and 
1692  in  1692  a  yearly  meeting  was  held  at  Flushing.  In  1696 
a  meeting  house  was  built  in  New  York.  From  this  time 
1696  the  society  has  encreased,  and  their  history  is  w^ell  known. 
There  is  an  engaving  from  a  picture  of  George  Fox, 
painted  in  1624,  aged  30,  in  the  Historical  Society's  Library.  The 
first  meeting  house  for  Quakers  that  I  remember  in  New  York,  was 
in  Crown  street,  (now  Liberty  street,)  it  was  afterwards  Grant 
Thorburn's  seed-store,  and  now  (1839)  a  number  of  houses  oc- 
cupy this  ground.  The  second  meeting  house  was  in  Queen 
street,  (changed  to  Pearl  street,)  and  now  the  place  built  up  with 
houses  near  Madison  street ;  while  many  places  have  been  pur- 
chased in  more  private  and  less  costly  situations,  and  houses  of 
worship  built,  at  the  same  time  that  the  sect  has  divided  into  Uni- 
tarians and  Trinitarians  ;  but  both  have  adhered  to  many  of  the 
admirable  moral  and  political  regulations  and  customs  which  dis- 
tinguish them  from  other  nominal  Christians. 


Appendix  L. —  Vol.  L,  p.  118. 
Memoranda  of  the  Genealogy  of  the  Stuyvesant  Family. 

GovERNOUR  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  came  from  Amsterdam. 
Arrived  here  the  27th  of  May,  1647.  He  was  married  to  Judith 
Bayard,  (a  fugitive  from  France)  who  died  in  1686.  They  had 
two  sons — Balthaza  Lazar,  born  1647,  and  Nicholas  William,  born 
1648. 

Balthaza,  after  the  surrender  of  the  Province  to  the  English, 
removed  (in  disgust)  to  St.  Thomas  in  the  West  Indies,  He  died 
at  Nevis,  1675.  He  married  in  the  West  Indies,  and  had  two 
daughters  born  at  St.  Eustace ;  viz.,  Judith,  born  in  1674,  mar- 
ried to  Edsall ;  and  Katharine,  born  1675,  married  to 

Abraham  Tassamaker. 

Nicholas  William,  (the  son  of  the  governour)  married  to  Maria 
Beekman,  of  New  Amsterdam,  who  died  without  issue.  He  then 
married  Elizabeth  Sleghtenhorst,  by  whom  he  had  two  sons  and 
one  daughter  ;  viz.,  Petms,  born  March  1684 — drowned  in  1705, 
having  never  been  married.  A?ina,  who  married  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Pritchard,  of  New  York,  a  clergyman  of  the  church  of  England, 
and  died  without  issue  ;  and 


XL  APPENDIX  M. 

Gerardus^  who  married  Judith  Bayard,  who  had  four  sons,  only 
two  of  whom  survived  their  father ;  viz.,  Nicholas  William,  who 
subsequently  died  without  issue,  having  never  been  married  ;  and 

Fetrus,  born  1727,  died  September  7th,  1705.  He  married 
Margaret  Livingston,  (daughter  of  Gilbert  Livingston)  who  died 
January  8,  1818.  They  had  several  children,  six  of  whom  sur- 
vived their  parents  ;  viz.,  Judith,  (the  wife  of  Benjamin  Winthrop) 
Cornelia,  (the  wife  of  Dirck  Ten  Broeck)  died  February  24, 1825^; 
Nicholas  William,  died  IVIarch  1833,  leaving  several  children  ; 
Margaret,  died  unmarried,  October  29,  1824 ;  Elizabeth,  the 
widow  of  Colonel  Nicholas  Fish,  and 

Peter  Gerard  Stuijvesant,  Esq.,  the  present  representative  and 
head  of  the  family,  and  President  of  the  New  York  Historical 
Society. 

Of  the  children  of  Petrus  Stuyvesant,  there  are  now  living, 
Peter  Gerard  Stuyvesant,  Esq.,  Mrs.  Winthrop,  and  Mrs.  Fish  ; 
also  a  large  number  of  grand  children,  and  great-grand  children. 


Appendix  M. —  Vol  I.,  p,  139. 

It  has  often  been  insisted  on,  that  this  conquest  did  not  extend 
to  the  whole  province  of  New  Jersey,  but  upon  what  foundation 
I  cannot  discover.  From  the  Dutch  records,  it  appears  that  de- 
puties were  sent  by  the  people  inhabiting  the  country,  even  so  far 
westward  as  Delaware  river,  who  in  the  name  of  their  principals, 
made  a  declaration  of  their  submission  ;  in  return  for  which, 
certain  privileges  were  granted  to  them,  and  three  judicatories 
erected  atNiewer  Amstel,  Upland,  and  Hoer  Kill.  Colve's  com- 
mission to  be  governour  of  this  country  is  worth  printing,  because 
it  shows  the  extent  of  the  Dutch  claims.  The  translation  runs 
thus : 

"  The  honourable  and  awful  council  of  war  for  their  High  Might- 
inesses the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  and  his  Se- 
rene Highness  the  Prince  of  Orange,  over  a  squadron  of  ships,  now 
at  anchor  in  Hudson's  river,  in  New  Netherlands :  To  all  those 
who  shall  see  or  hear  these,  greeting  :  As  it  is  necessary  to  ap- 
point a  fit  and  able  person  to  carry  the  chief  command  over  this 
conquest  of  New  Netherlands,  with  all  its  appendencies  and  depen- 
dencies, from  Cape  Hinlopen,  on  the  south  side  of  the  South  or 
Delaware  bay,  and  fifteen  miles  more  southerly,  and  the  said  bay 
and  South  river  included ;  so  as  they  were  formerly  possessed  by 
the  directors  of  the  city  of  Amsterdam,  and  after  by  the  English 


APPENDIX  M.  XLl 

government,  in  the  name  and  right  of  the  Duke  of  York  ;  and  fur- 
ther, from  the  said  Cape  Hinlopen,  along  the  Great  Ocean,  to  the 
east  end  of  Long  Island,  and  Shelter  Island  ;  from  thence  west- 
ward to  the  middle  of  the  Sound,  to  a  town  called  Greenwich,  on 
the  main,  and  to  run  landward  in  northerly  ;  provided  that  such 
line  shall  not  come  within  ten  miles  of  North  river,  conformable 
to  a  provincial  treaty  made  in  1650,  and  ratified  by  the  States  Ge- 
neral, February  22d,  1656,  and  January  23rd,  1664;  with  all 
lands,  islands,  rivers,  lakes,  kills,  creeks,  fresh  and  salt  waters, 
fortresses,  cities,  towns,  and  plantations  therein  comprehended.  So 
it  is,  that  we  being  sufficiently  assured  of  the  capacity  of  Anthony 
Colve,  captain  of  a  company  of  foot,  in  the  service  of  their  High 
Mightinesses,  the  States  General  of  the  United  Netherlands,  and 
his  Serene  HigTiness  the  Prince  of  Orange,  etc.,  by  virtue  of  our 
commission,  granted  by  their  before  mentioned  High  Mightinesses 
and  His  Highness,  have  appointed  and  qualified,  as  we  do  by  these 
presents  appoint  and  qualify,  the  said  Captain  Anthony  Colve,  to 
govern  and  rule  these  lands,  with  the  appendencies  and  dependencies 
thereof,  as  governour-general ;  to  protect  them  from  all  invasions 
of  enemies,  as  he  shall  judge  most  necessary  ;  hereby  charging  all 
high  and  low  officers,  justices,  and  magistrates,  and  others  in  au- 
thority, soldiers,  burghers,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of  this  land,  to 
acknowledge,  honour,  respect,  and  obey  the  said  Anthony  Colve, 
as  governour-general  ;  for  such  we  judge  necessary,  for  the  ser- 
vice of  the  country,  waiting  the  approbation  of  our  principals. 
Thus  done  at  Fort  William  Henderick,  the  12th  day  of  August, 
1673. 


,,  o-       J   u     r        Cornelius  Evertse^  Jun^ 
"Signed  by^    ^^  Jacob  Benkcs." 


)igned   by  > 


The  Dutch  governour  enjoyed  his  office  but  a  very  short  season, 
for  on  the  9th  of  February,  1674,  the  treaty  of  peace  between  Eng- 
land and  the  States  General  was  signed  at  Westminster  ;  the  sixth 
article  of  which  restored  this  country  to  the  English.  The  terms 
of  it  were  generally  :  "  That  whatsoever  countries,  islands,  towns, 
posts,  castles,  and  forts  have  or  shall  be  taken  on  both  sides,  since 
the  time  that  the  late  unhappy  war  broke  out,  either  in  Europe  or 
elsewhere,  shall  be  restored  to  the  former  lord  and  proprietor,  in 
the  same  condition  they  shall  be  in,  when  the  peace  itself  shall  be 
proclaimed  ;  after  which  time  there  shall  be  no  spoil  nor  plunder 
of  the  inhabitants,  no  demolition  of  fortifications,  nor  carrying  away 
of  guns,  powder,  or  other  military  stores,  which  belonged  to  any 
castle  or  fort,  at  the  time  when  it  was  taken."* 


Smith's  history  of  New  York,  V'ol.  1.,  pp.  43-46. 
F 


XLII  APPENDIX  N. 


Appendix  N. —  Vol.  L,  j).  135. 

16S3  At  a  general  assembly,  held  in  New  York,  17th  October, 
35th  of  Charles  II.,  and  continued  by  adjournment  untjl 
3d  November  following,  it  was  enacted,  that  the  supreme  authority 
under  the  king  and  duke  "  shall  forever  reside  in  a  governour, 
council,  and  the  people  met  in  general  assembly." 

2.  The  exercise  of  the  chief  magistracy  shall  be  vested  in  a 
governour,  assisted  by  a  council,  who  is  to  govern  according  to  law. 

3.  In  the  governour's  absence,  the  oldest  of  the  council  to  take 
his  place. 

4.  Assemblies  to  be  held  at  least  triennially. 

5.  Voters  for  assembly  to  be  freeholders  or  freemen. 

6.  The  number  of  representatives  for  the  city  and  county  of  New 
York,  four;  Suffolk,  two  ;  Kings,  two  ;  Queens,  two  ;  Richmond, 
two ;  Westchester,  two ;  Albany,  two ;  Schenectady,  (in  Albany 
County,)  one  ;  Duke's  County,  two  ;  Cornwall,  two:  and  as  many 
more  as  his  R.  H.  shall  think  fit  to  establish. 

7.  These  delegates,  with  the  governour  and  council,  to  have  the 
sole  legislative  power. 

8.  The  said  representatives  to  appoint  their  times  of  meeting 
during  the  session,  and  to  adjourn  from  time  to  time  at  their  will. 

9.  Sole  judges  of  the  qualifications  of  their  own  members. 

10.  Free  from  arrest  while  sitting  and  going  and  coming — also, 
three  servants. 

11.  Bills  passed,  to  be  presented  to  the  governour  for  concur- 
rence, and  laws  repealed  by  the  authority  that  made  them,  with  con- 
currence of  the  DuJce, 

12.  In  case  of  vacancy  in  the  assembly,  the  governour  issues 
summons  for  a  new  election. 

13.  Freemen  exempt  from  imprisonment,  etc.,  but  by  judgment 
of  peers,  according  to  law. 

14.  No  tax  but  by  consent  of  the  three  powers — governour, 
council,  and  representatives. 

15.  Trials  by  j  Liry  of  twelve.     16.  Grand  jury. 

17.  Bail  allowed,  except  for  treason  and  felony. 

18.  No  freeman  compelled  to  receive  soldiers  into  his  house  but 
in  time  of  war. 

19.  "  From  henceforward,  no  land  in  the  province  to  be  ac- 
counted a  chattel  or  permanent  estate,  but  an  estate  of  inheritance, 
as  in  England." 

20.  No  court  to  have  power  to  issue  execution  against  any 


APPENDIX  N.  XLIII 

man's  land,  to  be  sold  or  otherwise  disposed  of,  without  the  owner's 
consent ;  but  the  profits  and  issues  of  his  land  to  be  liable  for 
debts,  etc. 

21.  No  estate  of  a  femme  covert  to  be  sold  without  her  consent 
— she  to  be  secretly  examined. 

22.  All  wills  attested  by  two  credible  witnesses,  and  registered 
forty  days  after  the  testator's  death,  as  valid  to  convey  real  property 
as  a  deed. 

23.  Widows  to  have  the  thirds,  and  to  have  the  privilege  of 
living  in  the  chief  house  of  the  deceased  husband  forty  days  after 
his  death. 

24.  All  persons  professing  faith  in  God  by  Jesus  Christ,  to  have 
free  and  full  liberty  unmolested  to  exercise  the  mode  of  worship 
agreeable  to  them,  provided  they  do  not  disturb  the  good  people. 
Ministers  can  recover  money  engaged  to  be  paid  to  them  "  by  law 
— by  sale  and  distress,"  and  a  mode  pointed  out  by  a  justice  and 
constable,  "  provided  the  subscription  do  not  exceed  40s  ;  if  it  do, 
to  be  recovered  as  the  law  directs." 

25.  All  the  Christian  churches  in  the  province  to  have  the  same 
privileges  as  heretofore. 

2Q>,  Duties  imposed  to  defray  the  charges  of  government — 40s 
upon  a  pipe  of  wine,  20s  per  hogshead  of  Rhenish  wine,  2  per 
cent,  on  merchandize,  (the  cost)  etc.,  10  per  cent,  ad  volorem 
upon  India  goods  and  some  enumerated  articles,  12  upon  a  barrel 
of  powder,  and  6s  on  a  cwt.  of  lead,  etc.  etc.  An  excise  was  laid 
on  liquors,  beer  and  cider  excepted,  of  12d  per  gallon  on  sales  less 
than  five  gallons,  and  the  same  on  that  carried  up  the  Hudson. 
Beaver  skins,  9d,  and  others  in  proportion. 

In  1683,  the  province  was  divided  into  shires  and  counties. 

1.  The  city  of  New  York  included  Manhaltoes,  Manning's,  and 
Barn  Island. 

2.  Westchester  contained  East  and  West  Chester,  Bronxland, 
Fordham  ,  and  all  as  far  eastward  as  the  province  extends,  and  as 
far  north  as  the  Highlands. 

3.  Ulster  had  the  towns  of  Kingston,  Hurly,  Marbletown,  New 
Paltz,  and  all  the  villages  and  Christian  habitations  on  the  west  side 
of  the  Hudson  from  Mindane's  Creek  near  the  Highlands,  to  Saw- 
yer's Creek. 

4.  Albany  extended  beyond  Renssellaerwyck,  and  Schenectady, 
including  as  above  from  Sawyer's  Creek  to  Saratoga. 

5.  Duchess,  from  the  bounds  of  Westchester  on  the  south, 
along  the  Hudson  to  Jamson's  Creek,  and  east,  into  the  woods 
twenty  miles. 

6.  Orange,  as  now,  except  on  the  west  it  ran  to  Delaware  River. 

7.  Richmond,  as  now.  •. 


XLIV  APPENDIX  O. 

8.  Kings,  to  contain  Brooklyn,  ^Bedford,  Bushwick,  Fladands, 
New  Utrecht,  and  Gravesend. 

9.  Queen's Newtown,  Jamaica,   Flushing,    Hempstead,  and 

Oyster  Bay. 

10.  Suffolk — Huntington,  Smithfield,  Brookhaven,  Southamp- 
ton, Southold,  Easthampton  to  Montauk  Point,  with  Shelter  Island, 
Isle  of  Wight,  Fisher's  Island,  and  Plumb  Island. 

11.  Duke's  County,  to  contain  the  islands  of  Nantucket,  Mar- 
tha's Vineyard,  Elizabeth  Island,  and  No-man's-land. 

12.  Cornwall  to  contain  Pemaquid,  and  all  his  R.  H.'s  dominions 
in  those  parts,  and  the  islands  adjacent,  etc.  A  high  sheriff  to  be 
appointed  for  each  county,  who  was  allowed  his  deputy. 

An  act  was  also  passed  which  naturalized  all  persons  residing  in 
the  province,  professing  Christianity,  and  taking  the  oaths. 

Another  repealed  former  laws  respecting  county  rates,  and  allowed 
justices  £20  per  annum,  on  Long  Island. 

Other  laws  were  passed  this  year,  establishing  county  courts,  etc. 
and  presenting  Dongan  w^ith  Id  on  the  pound,  on  all  estates  real 

and  personal  in  the  province. 
1684  Another  assembly  in  the  city  of  New  York,  the  same 
delegates  appearing.  They  settled  and  explained  former 
acts — passed  one  concerning  Swgeons  and  medicines* — concern- 
ing marriages ;  none  valid  unless  the  banns  are  published  three 
Lord's  days  ;  a  justice  might  marry  ;  marriages  contrary  to  this  act 
considered  fornication,  and  proceeded  against  as  in  such  cases  ;  a 
married  person  being  absent  unheard  of  for  five  years,  justifies  his 
partner's  marrying  again. 


Appendix  O. —  Vol.  J.,  p.  136. 

1683  On  the  2Sth  of  November,  Dongan  agreed  with  Robt.  Treat, 
governour  of  Connecticut,  and  certain  other  commissioners 
joined  with  him,  that  the  bounds  between  the  Duke  of  York's  ter- 
ritory and  Connecticut,  should  begin  at  Byram  river,  between  Rye. 
and  Greenwich,  where  it  falls  into  the  sound  at  Lyon's  Point,  the 
east  point  of  said  river,  from  thence  run  with  the  river  to  the  place 
where  the  common  road  or  wading  place  is  over  the  river,  from 
thence,  N.  N.  W.  into  the  country,  eight  miles  from  Lyon's  Point, 
and  a  line  of  twelve  miles  being  measured  from  Lyon's  Point,  ac- 


*  See  Duke's  Laws. 


APPENDIX  P.  XLV 

cording  to  the  course  of  the  sound  east,  from  the  end  of  said  twelve 
miles  another  line  shall  run  from  the  sound  eight  miles  N.  N.  W., 
and  a  fourth  line  be  run  from  the  northwest  of  the  line  first  men- 
tioned, and  unto  the  northmost  end  of  the  eight  mile  line,  being  the 
third  mentioned  line,  which  fourth  line,  with  the  first  mentioned, 
shall  be  the  bound  where  they  shall  fall  to  run.  And  that  from 
the  eastward  end  of  the  fourth  mentioned  line,  (which  is  to  be 
twelve  miles  in  length,)  a  line  parallel  to  Hudson's  river,  in  every- 
place twenty  miles  distant,  shall  be  the  bounds  of  Connecticut,  so 
far  as  Connecticut  doth  extend  northward,  that  is  the  S.  line  of 
Massachusetts. 

There  are  some  provisos  that  the  first  mentioned  line,  shall  not 
take  from  the  twenty  miles  aforesaid,  and  the  surveyor  to  run  the 
lines  in  October  next.  They,  accordingly  met  at  Stamford,  and 
concluded  ihe  business. 

In  1664,  commissioners  had  represented  the  claims  of  Connec- 
ticut, and  to  show  that  Long  Island,  siiould  be  under  Connecticut: 
but  the  S.  bounds  of  Connecticut,  were  increased  to  the  sea,  and 
Long  Island  belonged  to  the  Duke  of  York.  The  creek  of  Mama- 
roneck,  thirteen  miles  east  of  Westchester,  and  a  line  drawn  from 
the  E.  point  or  side,  where  the  fresh  water  falls  into  the  salt  at  high 
water  mark,  N.  N.  W.,  to  the  line  of  Massachusetts,  to  be  the  western 
bounds  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut.  Agreement  dated,  1st  of  De- 
cember, 1664,  between  Richard  Nicolls,  George  Cartwright,  and 
Samuel  Maverick  ;  and  John  Winthrop,  Alleyn,  Sen.,  Richards, 
Gold,  and  John  Winthrop,  Jun. 


Appendix  P. —  Vol.  L,  p.  212. 

Laws  establiahed  in  New  York,  1664,  hy  James  Duke  of  York,  pub' 
lished  in  this  year,  March  1st.,  *'  at  Hempstead  upon  Long  Island."*^ 

Debts. — Actions  under  <£5,  shall  be  referred  to  two  arbitrators 
chosen  by  the  constable  :  if  a  party  refuse  such  arbitration,  then 
the  next  justice  of  the  peace,  shall  appoint  three  arbitrators,  and 
the  party  refusing,  shall  pay  the  additional  cost.  In  the  first  case, 
the  constable  is  to  have  one  shilling  and  the  arbitrators  two  shil- 
lings and  sixpence  each  :  in  the  second  case,  the  justice  to  have 
seven  shillings  and  sixpence,  the  arbitrators  five  shillings  each, 
and  the  constable  two  shillings  and  sixpence,  to  be  paid  by  the 
party  cast.     Actions  above  £20,  to  be  tried  at  the  sessions. 


XLVI  APPENDIX  S. 

Arrests. — No  arrest  to  be  made  on  the  sabbath  day,  the  day  of 
humiUatlon  for  the  death  of  Charles  I.,  the  day  of  thanksgiving  for 
the  restoration  of  Charles  IL,  or  upon  the  5th  of  November:  but 
the  sheriff  may  seize  any  rioters,  felons,  or  jail  breakers. 

Slavery. — No  Christian  shall  be  held  in  slavery  except  judged 
thereto  by  authority  ;  or  such  as  willingly  sell  themselves. 

Capital  punishment,  Death. — For  denying  the  true  God  and 
his  attributes  :  for  premeditated  murder  :  for  slaying  with  weapon 
one  who  has  no  weapon  :  for  poisoning  :  for  beastly  copulation  : 
for  sodomy  :  for  kidnapping  :  for  false  witness  in  trial  for  life  :  for 
denying  his  Majesty's  right,  or  resisting  his  authority  by  arms  :  for 
treason  to  surprize  town  or  fort.  For  striking  a  parent  the  child  is 
adjudged  to  death  if  above  sixteen  and  not  an  idiot. 

Churches. — Every  parish  to  build  a  church.  Eight  householders 
in  each  parish  to  be  chosen  by  the  majority  to  be  overseers,  of 
whom  two  to  be  church  wardens,  and  assessments  for  building, 
supporting  ministers,  etc.,  to  be  made  by  the  overseers.  Every 
minister  shall  produce  testimonial  to  the  governour  of  ordination, 
by  a  bishop  or  minister  of  the  reformed  religion,  and  be  elected  by 
a  majority  of  the  householders.  Church- wardens  are  to  present 
once  a  year  all  misdemeanours  and  sins. 

Courts. — To  be  held  in  each  ridiug  three  times  a  year.  Many 
necessary  regulations  are  made  relative  to  the  administration  of 
justice.  Every  town  to  provide  a  "  pair  of  stocks  for  offenders," 
and  a  pound  for  cattle.  Prisons  and  pillories  are  likewise  to  be 
provided  where  courts  are  held. 

Public  charges. — "  Every  inhabitant  is  to  contribute  to  all 
churches,  both  in  church  and  colony." 

Records  to  be  kept  at  New  York  city. 

Votei's  are  freeholders  and  householders. 

Wolves. — Wolves  heads  paid  for  to  Christian  or  Indian  to  the 
value  of  an  "  Indian  coat." 

Richard  Nicolls  added  explanations  and  amendments  ;  and  in 
1666,  Matthias  Nicolls,  secretary  to  the  Court  of  Assizes,  pub- 
lished further  amendments :  and  again  in  1672,  and  in  1675. 


Appendix  S. —  Vol.  I.,  p.  246. 

Copj  of  a  Letter  from  Earl  Bellomont  to  Col.  Abraham  De  Pcyster. 

"  Boston,  4th  Sept.  —99. 
*'  Sir, — I  cannot  perform  my  promise  of  looking  over  your  ac- 
count, as  yet,  for  I  am  engaged  at  present,  and  have  been  so  all 


^  APPENDIX  S.  XLVII 

this  last  week,  in  writing  packets  or  volumes  of  letters  to  England 
by  a  ship  that  stays  for  me. 

"  I  writ  to  my  cousin  Nanfan  last  post,  to  let  the  city  of  New- 
York  have  the  stones  of  the  old  bastions  or  batteries,  to  build  their 
Town-house.  I  am  not  dissatisfied  with  the  sherifFe,  since  my 
cousin  Nanfan  and  you  vouch  so  much  for  his  honesty ;  but  he 
should  have  taken  more  care  of  Brickmaster. 

*'  I  have  writ  to  my  cous.  Nanfan,  this  post,  my  reasons  why  it 
will  not  be  fit  to  continue  the  same  mayor  and  sherifFe  another  year 
for  the  city  of  New  York.  As  soon  as  you  receive  the  original  or 
a  copy  of  the  letter  to  Delhus  from  the  French  woman  at  Canada,  I 
desire  you  will  not  fail  to  send  it  to 

"  Your  affectionate  servant, 

"  Bellomont. 

"  Our  service,  I  pray,  to  Madame  De  Peyster. 

"  Mr.  Leisler  tells  me  an  ugly  story  of  Mr.  Graham's  design  of 
cheating  him  of  a  house  and  lot  at  New  York.  I  desire  you  will 
send  for  Mr.  Walters  privately,  and  advise  him  to  caution  old  Mrs. 
Leisler  (with  whom  her  son  has  left  a  general  letter  of  attorney)  not 
to  part  with  that  piece  of  ground  to  Graham,  nor  any  thing  else. 
That  man  will  undo  himselfe  with  his  knavish  tricks.  One  would 
thinke  he  has  guilt  enough  on  his  head  for  being  the  principal  au- 
thor of  the  murther  of  Leisler  and  Milbourne ;  but  it  seems  bathing 
his  hands  in  the  blood  of  the  father  is  not  enough,  but  he  will  also 
cheat  the  son.  I  am  content  that  you  show  this  letter  to  Mr.  Wal- 
lers, and  pray  get  him  to  send  me  his  affidavit  of  Mr.  Graham's 
insinuations  to  his  father,  Leisler,  and  himselfe,  to  procure  their 
interest  to  be  chosen  a  member  of  the  assembly  ;  which  they  were 
prevailed  wuth  to  do,  and  afterwards  he  became  Leisler's  and  Mil- 
bourne's  mortall  enemy.  This  account  Mr.  Walters  told  me  once 
or  twice. 

"  Dr.  Staats  also  told  me  how  he  was  affronted  and  threatened 
by  a  papist,  in  the  field,  when  the  election  was  of  members  to  serve 
for  New  York  in  that  very  assembly  that  worried  Mr.  Leisler  and 
Milbourne  to  death,  under  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Graham.  Let  me 
also  have  Dr.  Staats's  affidavit  of  that,  and  some  proof  of  Major 
Tredwell's  imprisonment,  to  hinder  either  his  being  chose  or  his 
sitting  in  assembly  after  he  was  chose.  If  it  be  possible,  let  me 
have  these  evidences  next  post." 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Earl  Bellomont  to  Col.  Abraham  De  Peyster, 

**  Sir, — I  have  received  yours  of  the  4th  inst.,  and  will  not  fail 
to  write  to  England  about  your  affair  with  Van  Sweeten,  with  this 
packet,  which  I  am  to  send  away  within  four  or  five  days.  I  am 
very  sorry  I  have  not  the  letter  to  DelHus  to  send  home.     I  desire 


XLVIII  APPENDIX  T. 

you  will  speak  to  Mr.  Walters  to  deliver  you  upon  oath  what  was 
transacted  between  Mr.  Graham  and  him  at  the  time  Graham  pre- 
vailed with  Captain  Leisler  and  him  to  make  an  interest  for  Gra- 
ham's being  chose  of  the  assembly,  that  press'd  Coll.  Sloughter  to 
take  away  the  lives  of  Capt.  Leisler  and  Mr.  Milbourne,  as  I  writ 
to  you  in  my  last  letter.  And  pray  get  Dr.  Staats's  affidavit,  as  I 
desired  in  that  letter.  'Tis  wonderful  to  me  that  Dr.  Staats  and 
the  rest  of  Leisler's  party  have  not  in  all  this  time  got  counter-sub- 
scriptions signed  by  their  party  at  Albany,  against  Dellius — as  the 
other  party  got  subscriptions  in  favour  of  Dellius.  They  are  just 
the  people  that  will.  Nichols  paints  Staats  to  be,  in  his  pamphlet, 
Impenetrable  B. 

"  When  you  hear  any  news  from  Schermerhorn  about  the  trees 
for  masts,  pray  let  me  know  it.  My  wife's  and  my  service  to  Ma- 
dame De  Peyster. 

"  I  am  your  affectionate  friend,  and  servant, 

"  Bellomont. 

**  I  have  writ  to  Coll.  Courtland  to  pay  you  my  arrear  of  salary, 
and  for  the  time  to  come  to  pay  it  to  you  monthly,  as  it  grows  due. 

"  Coll.  D'Peyster." 


Appendix  T.— FoZ.  J.,  p.  247. 

'^Abstract  from  the  Records  of  the  Corporatio?i  of  New  York* 

1701  September  29th. — The  usual  return  of  aldermen  and 
assistants  for  next  year,  is  :  Dock  Ward — PhiHp  French 
and  Robert  Livingston.  South  Ward — Nicholas  Rosevelt  and 
Hendrick  Jellison.  West  Ward — David  Provoost,  Jun.,  and 
Peter  Williamse  Roome.  East  Ward — Johannes  De  Peyster  and 
Abraham  Brazier.  North  Ward — Jacob  Barker  and  Garret  Ocle- 
berg.  Out  Ward — Martin  Clock  and  Abraham  Mesier.  A  war- 
rant under  the  hand  and  seal  of  the  honourable  He  u  ten  ant-go  ver- 
nour  read,  etc.,  appointing  persons  to  examine  into  the  election  of 
aldermen.  Whereupon,  ordered,  that  the  recorder  and  Alderman 
De  Peyster  be  a  committee  forthwith  to  acquaint  his  excellency 
that  the  common  council  of  this  city  are  the  sole  judges  of  their  due 
elections^  and  returns  of  the  magistrates  and  officers  for  their  corpo- 
ration. The  committee  report  that  Governour  Nanfan  is  gone 
abroad,  and  it  is  adjourned  to  to-morrow.  Lawrence  Van  Hook 
is  appointed  high  constable  by  the  mayor. 

October — The  lieutenant-governour  and  council  appoint  Thomas 


APPENDIX  T.  XLIX 

Noel,  Esq.,  mayor  for  next  year.  The  committee  appointed  to 
inform  Governour  Nanfan  that  the  common  council  are  the  sole 
judges,  etc.,  report,  "  that  they  acquainted  him  with  the  opinion  of 
this  court,  and  gave  him  the  warrant  which  he  had  directed  to  Wil- 
liam Sharpe  and  Barne  Cossens,  who  put  the  warrant  into  his 
poaket  and  told  them  he  would  consider  the  matter,  and  give  an 
answer  in  a  day  or  two." 

October  4th.— Complaints  made  of  undue  returns  by  Alderman 
De  Peyster.     A  committee  appointed  to  examine. 

10th. — ^The  committee  report  that  the  returns  are  right,  and  the 
court  approve.  The  mayor,  Dr.  Rheiner,  produces  six  writs  of 
mandamus,  requiring  the  mayor,  aldermen,  and  recorder  to  swear 
John  Hutchins  alderman  of  the  West  Ward,  Brandt  Schuyler  of 
the  South,  and  William  Morris  of  the  East :  and  Jeremiah  Tothel 
assistant  of  the  East  Ward  ;  Johannes  Johnson,  of  the  South  ;  and 
Robert  White,  of  the  West.  Ordered,  that  the  common  council 
make  return  of  the  said  writs  cum  protestando  of  misnomer,  and  all 
the  defects  of  the  same,  and  that  the  mayor  fee  council  for  the 
city.* 

14th. — The  new  Mayor,  Noel,  sworn  before  Governour  Nanfan. 

November  11th. — Thomas  Noel,  Esq.,  mayor,  acquainted  the 
court  that  from  the  day  he  was  sworn  in,  *'  for  want  of  a  settled 
magistracy,  he  had  kept  a  memorandum  or  journal  of  several  mat- 
ters that  had  been  transacted  within  this  city  which  related  to  the 
publick."     This  is  read  and  entered  on  the  records. 

Abstract  of  the  memorandum, — That  he  was  sworn  the  14th  of 
October,  before  Nanfan,  lieutenant-governour,  at  Fort  William, 
with  due  solemnity,  and  went  through  the  usual  formalities  which 
are  enumerated. 

That  upon  his  ordering  the  recorder  to  swear  the  new  alder- 
men, he  said  they  were  already  sworn  by  the  old  mayor,  except 
Mr.  Phillip  French  and  Mr.  Lurting,  whereupon  they  were  sworn; 
that  then  there  were  delivered  to  Noel  six  of  her  majesty's  writs  of 
mandamus  directed  to  the  mayor  and  recorder  for  the  time  being, 
one  of  which  was  for  swearing  Brandt  Schuyler  alderman  of  the 
southward,  and  naming  the  persons  appointed  as  above:  these 
writs  being  openly  read  by  many  people  in  the  room,  several  dis- 
putes thereupon  arose,  several  affirming  that  the  aldermen  and  assis- 
tants sworn  by  the  old  mayor  were  not  legally  sworn,  it  being 
contrary  to  the  ancient  rights,  privileges  and  customs  granted  by  the 
charter,  and  contradicting  the  usage  in  such  cases ;  it  being  the 
usage  that  the  new  mayor  swear  the  new  aldermen  and  assistants  ; 


*  Here  we  have  the  mayor  in  office  and  common  council,  beginning  opposition 
to  the  heutenant-governour  and  the  Leislcrian  party. 


L  APPENDIX  T. 

and  that  those  sworn  by  the  old  mayor  had  illegally  returned  them- 
selves, and  the  persons  named  in  the  mandamus  were  legally  elect- 
ed ;  and  great  heats  arose,  "  and  I"  said  Noel,  "  thought  it  conve- 
nient to  leave  the  chair  and  dissolve  that  assembly  to  prevent  the 
danger  that  seemed  to  threaten."  "  Upon  which  the  multitude 
dispersed."  He  says,  that  the  aldermen  and  assistants  were  always 
sworn  by  the  iiew  mayor,  and  by  the  books  *'  there  is  not  one  pre- 
cedent that  the  old  mayor  took  that  authority  upon  him."  That  he 
(Noel)  called  the  common  council  "  on  Monday  the  20th  October," 
in  order  to  swear  the  aldermen  mentioned  above  as  opposed  to 
Dr.  Rheiner's  party  ;  that  he  went  into  the  court  room  and  told  the 
gentlemen  what  he  intended  to  do  ;  they  answered,  they  were 
already  sworn  ;  "  I  answered,  not  by  me  or  my  consent,  and  I 
could  not  consent  to  set  with  them."  Noel  offered  the  oaths  and 
they  refused  them  :  he  desired  them  not  to  come  upon  the  bench  ; 
they  said  they  were  duly  sworn  and  had  a  right  to  sit  there.  Noel 
left  the  room  telling  them  he  could  not  act  with  them.  *'  Mr. 
David  Provoost  answered,  that  he  would  not  be  sworn  by  me, 
and  thereupon  I  went  home." 

On  the  21st  he  says,  that  he  and  Alderman  French  went  to  the 
City  Hall,  in  order  to  adjourn  the  Mayor's  Court,  "  when  I  found 
Messrs.  Depeyster,  Provoost  and  Roosevelt,  who  followed  me  up 
into  the  court-room,  and  there  stood  until  I  and  Alderman  French 
opened  and  adjourned  the  court,  and  then  went  away." 

That  he  told  the  recorder  that  he  would  swear  the  alderman 
and  assistants  that  were  returned  without  dispute  if  they  would 
admit  of  it ;  which  done,  there  would  be  a  sufficient  number  to  hold 
a  common  council  for  the  renewal  of  the  city  laws,  and  he  proposed 
to  the  recorder  to  join  him  in  this  business. 

On  the  22d  the  recorder  told  Noel,  at  his  house,  that  he  could 
not  assist  him  in  this  plan.  Noel  proceeded  on  the  scrutiny,  and 
appointed  Rip  Van  Dam  and  others  to  scrutinize,  and  accordingly 
issued  a  warrant  for  the  said  persons  to  act.  The  persons  so  call- 
ed on  by  Noel's  warrant  would  not  serve  or  obey,  except  Rip  Van 
Dam  and  Matthew  Long ;  and  before  them  certain  persons  swore 
they  were  not  of  lawful  age  when  they  voted,  and  others  did  not 
reside  in  the  wards  where  their  votes  were  taken. 


AFPENDIX  U.  I-I 


Appendix  U. —  Vol.  L^  p.  254. 

"  Lord  Cornbury's  father,  the  Earl  of  Clarendon,  adhered  to 
the  cause  of  the  late  abdicated  king,  and  always  refused  the  oaths 
both  to  King  Wilham  and  Queen  Anne ;  but  the  son  recommended 
himself  at  the  revolution  by  appearing  very  early  for  the  Prince  of 
Orange,  being  one  of  the  first  officers  that  deserted  King  James's 
army.  King  WiUiam,  in  gratitude  for  his  services,  gave  him  a 
commission  for  this  government,  which,  upon  the  death  of  the  king, 
was  renewed  by  Queen  Anne,  who  at  the  same  time  appointed  him 
to  the  chief  command  of  New  Jersey,  the  government  of  which  the 
proprietors  had  lately  surrendered  into  her  hands.  As  Lord  Corn- 
bury  came  to  this  province  in  very  indigent  circumstances,  hunted 
out  of  England  by  a  host  of  hungry  creditors,  he  was  bent  upon 
getting  as  much  money  as  he  could  squeeze  out  of  the  purses  of 
an  impoverished  people.  His  talents  were  perhaps  not  superiour 
to  the  most  inconsiderable  of  his  predecessors  ;  but  in  his  zeal  for 
the  church  he  was  surpassed  by  none. 

*'  His  lordship,  without  the  least  disguise,  espousing  the  anti- 
Leislerian  faction,  Atwood,  the  chief-justice,*  and  Weaver,  who 
acted  in  quality  of  solicitor-general,  thought  proper  to  retire  from 
his  frowns  to  Virginia,  whence  they  sailed  to  England  :  the  former 
concealing  himself  under  the  name  of  Jones,  while  the  latter  called 
himself  Jackson.  Colonel  Heathcote  and  Doctor  Bridges  suc- 
ceeded in  their  places  at  the  council  board. 

"  The  following  summer  was  remarkable  for  the  uncommon  mor- 
tality which  prevailed  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  makes  a  grand 
epoch  among  our  inhabitants,  distinguished  by  the  '  time  of  the  great 
sickness.'t  On  this  occasion,  Lord  Cornbury  had  his  residence 
and  court  at  Jamaica,  a  pleasant  village  on  Long  Island,  distant 
about  twelve  miles  from  the  city. 

"  The  inhabitants  of  Jamaica  consisted,  at  that  time,  partly  of 
original  Dutch  planters,  but  mostly  of  New  England  emigrants,  en- 
couraged to  settle  there,  after  the  surrender,  by  the  Duke  of  York's 
conditions  for  plantations,  one  of  which  was  in  these  words  :  '  that 


*  "  He  was  at  the  same  time  judge  of  the  Vice  Admiralty,  and  pubhshedhis  case 
in  England,  of  which  the  assembly,  in  May,  1703,  assert  that  it  contained  scandalous, 
malicious,  notorious  untruths,  and  unjust  reflections  on  persons  then  in  the  admin- 
istration of  the  province." 

t  "  The  fever  killed  almost  every  patient  seized  with  it,  and  was  brought  here  in  a 
vessel  from  St.  Thomas,  in  the  West  Indies,  an  island  remarkable  for  contagious 
diseases." 


LII  APPENDIX  V. 

every  township  should  be  obUged  to  pay  their  own  ministers,  ac- 
cording to  such  agreements  as  they  should  make  with  him :  the 
minister  being  elected  by  the  major  part  of  the  householders  and 
inhabitants  of  the  town.'  These  people  had  erected  an  edifice  for 
the  worship  of  God,  and  enjoyed  a  handsome  donation  of  a  parson- 
age house  and  glebe,  for  the  use  of  their  minister.  After  the  min- 
istry act  was  passed  by  Colonel  Fletcher,  in  1693,  a  few  episco- 
palians crept  into  the  town,  and  viewed  the  presbyterian  church  with 
a  jealous  eye.  The  town  vote,  in  virtue  of  which  the  building  had 
been  erected,  contained  no  clause  to  prevent  its  being  hereafter 
engrossed  by  any  other  sect.  The  episcopal  party  who  knew  this> 
formed  the  design  of  seizing  the  edifice  for  themselves,  which  they 
shortly  after  carried  into  execution,  by  entering  the  church  between 
the  morning  and  evening  service,  w^hile  the  presbyterian  minister 
and  his  congregation  were  in  perfect  security,  unsuspicious  of  the 
zeal  of  their  adversaries,  and  a  fraudulent  ejectment  on  a  day  con- 
secrated to  rest. 

"Great  outrage  ensued  among  the  people,  for  the  contention  be- 
ing p?-o  Aris  et  Focis,  was  animating  and  important.  The  original 
proprietors  of  the  house  tore  up  their  seats,  and  afterwards  got  the 
key  and  the  possession  of  the  church,  which  were  shortly  after  again 
taken  from  them  by  force  and  violence.  In  these  controversies  the 
governour  abetted  the  episcopal  zealots,  and  harassed  the  others  by 
numberless  prosecutions,  heavy  fines,  and  long  imprisonments — 
through  fear  of  which  many  who  had  been  active  in  the  dispute  fled 
out  of  the  province.  Lord  Cornbury's  noble  descent  and  educa- 
tion should  have  prevented  him  from  taking  part  in  so  ignominious 
a  quarrel ;  but  his  lordship's  sense  of  honour  and  justice  was  as 
weak  and  indelicate  as  his  bigotry  was  rampant  and  incontrollable ; 
and  hence  we  find  him  guilty  of  an  act  complicated  of  a  number  of 
vices,  which  no  man  could  have  perpetrated  without  violence  to 
the  very  slightest  remains  of  generosity  and  justice.  When  his 
excellency  retired  to  Jamaica,  one  Hubbard,  the  presbyterian  min- 
ister, lived  in  the  best  house  in  the  town.  His  lordship  begged  the 
loan  of  it  for  the  use  of  bis  own  family,  and  the  clergyman  put  him- 
self to  no  small  inconvenience  to  favour  the  governour's  request ; 
but  in  return  for  the  generous  benefaction,  his  lordship  perfidiously 
delivered  the  parsonage-house  into  the  hands  of  the  episcopal  party, 
and  encouraged  one  Cardwel,  the  sheriff,  a  mean  fellow,  who  after- 
wards put  an  end  to  his  own  life,  to  seize  upon  the  glebe,  which  he 
surveyed  into  lots,  and  farmed  for  the  benefit  of  the  episcopal 
church.  These  tyrannical  measures  justly  inflamed  the  indigna- 
tion of  the  injured  sufferers,  and  that  again  the  more  embittered  his 
lordship  against  them.  They  resented,  and  he  prosecuted;  nor 
did  he  confine  his  pious  rage  to  the  people  of  Jamaica :  he  detest- 
ed all  who  were  of  the  same  denomination  i  nay,  averse  to  every 


i 


APPENDIX  U.  LIII 

sect  except  his  own,  he  insisted  that  neither  the  ministers  nor 
schoolmasters  of  the  Dutch,  the  most  numerous  persuasion  in  the 
province,  had  a  right  to  preach  or  instruct  without  his  gubernato- 
rial license  ;  and  some  of  them  tamely  submitted  to  his  unauthori- 
tative rule.* 

"  The  royal  instructions  required  the  governours  of  the  planta- 
tions to  give  all  countenance  and  encouragement  to  the  exercise  of 
the  ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  of  the  Bishop  of  London,  as  far  as 
conveniently,  might  be  in  their  respective  provinces,  and  particu- 
larly directed,  '  That  no  schoolmaster  be  henceforward  permitted 
to  come  from  this  kingdom,  and  to  keep  school  in  that  our  said 
province,  without  the  license  of  the  said  lord  bishop  of  London, 
and  that  no  other  person  now  there,  or  that  shall  come  from  other 
parts,  shall  be  admitted  to  keep  school  in  your  province  without 
your  license  first  obtained.'  There  is  reason  to  think  this  instruc- 
tion has  been  continued  from  the  revolution  to  the  present  time,  to 
the  governours  of  all  the  royal  provinces. 

"A  general  account  of  his  lordship's  singular  zeal  is  preserved, 
under  the  title  of  the  Watch  Tower,  in  a  number  of  papers  pub- 
lished in  the  New  York  Weekly  Mercury  for  the  year  1755. 

"  While  his  excellency  was  exerting  his  bigotry  during  the  sum- 
mer season  at  Jamaica,  the  elections  were  carrying  on  with  great 
heat  for  an  assembly,  which  met  him  at  that  village  in  the  fall.  It 
consisted  principally  of  the  party  which  had  been  borne  down  by 
the  earl  of  Bellomont  and  his  kinsman  ;  and  hence  we  find  Philip 
French,  who  had  lately  been  outlawed,  was  returned  a  representa- 
tive for  New  York,  and  William  NicoU  elected  into  the  speaker's 
chair. 

"  Several  extracts  from  his  lordship's  speech  are  proper  to  be 
laid  before  the  reader,  as  a  specimen  of  his  temper  and  designs. 
*  It  was  an  extreme  surprize  to  me  (says  his  lordship)  to  find  this 
province  at  my  landing  at  New  York,  in  such  a  convulsion  as  must 
have  unavoidably  occasioned  its  ruin  if  it  had  been  suffered  to  go 
on  a  little  longer.  The  many  complaints  that  were  brought  to  me 
against  persons  I  found  here  in  power,  sufficiently  proved  against 


*  "It  had  been  made  a  question  in  King  William's  reign,  whether  the  keeping  of 
schools  was  not  by  the  ancient  laws  of  England,  prior  to  the  reformation,  of  eccle- 
siastical cognizance.  It  was  thought  by  some  that  a  schoolmaster  might  be  prose- 
cuted in  the  ecclesiastical  courts,  for  not  bringing  his  scholars  to  church,  according 
to  the  79th  canon  in  1603.  Treby,  chief-justice,  and  Powell,  justice,  were  of  opin- 
ion, that  being  a  layman,  he  was  not  bound  by  the  canons. 

"In  1700,  one  Case  was  libelled  for  teaching  school  at  Exeter  without  the  bishop's 
license,  and  though  it  was  admitted  that  the  canons  did  not  bind  the  laity,  yet  it  was 
conceived  that  the  crown,  since  the  reformation,  had  authority  to  vest  the  superin- 
tendency  of  schools  in  the  ordinary,  but  a  distinction  was  taken  between  grammar 
schools  and  schools  for  inferiour  instruction.  A  prohibition  issued  as  to  the  teaching 
of  all  schools  exceiii  grammar  schools. — Vol.  I.,  P.  Williams'  Rep.  29-33." 


LIV  APPENDIX  U. 

them  ;  and  the  miserable  accounts  I  had  of  the  condition  of  our 
frontiers,  made  me  think  it  convenient  to  delay  my  meeting  you  in 
general  assembly,  till  I  could  inform  myself  in  some  measure  of  the 
condition  of  this  province,  that  I  might  be  able  to  offer  to  your  con- 
sideration some  few  of  those  things  which  will  be  necessary  to  be 
done  forthwith,  for  the  defence  of  the  country.' 

"  He  then  recommends  the  fortifying  the  port  of  New  York  and 
the  frontiers ;  adding,  that  he  found  the  soldiers  naked  and  un- 
armed ;  after  which,  he  proposes  a  militia  bill,  the  erection  of 
publick  schools,  and  an  examination  of  the  provincial  debts  and 
accounts ;  and  not  only  promises  to  make  a  faithful  application  of 
the  moneys  to  be  raised,  but  that  he  would  render  them  an  account. 
The  whole  speech  is  sweetened  with  this  gracious  conclusion  : — 
*  Now,  gentlemen,  I  have  no  more  to  trouble  you  with,  but  to  assure 
you  in  the  name  of  the  great  queen  of  England,  my  mistress,  that 
you  may  safely  depend  upon  all  the  protection  that  good  and  faith- 
ful subjects  can  desire  or  expect  from  a  sovereign  whose  greatest 
dehght  is  the  welfare  of  her  people,  under  whose  auspicious  reign 
we  are  sure  to  enjoy  what  no  nation  in  the  world  dares  claim  but 
the  subjects  of  England :  I  mean  the  free  enjoyment  of  the  best 
religion  in  the  world,  the  full  possession  of  all  lawful  liberty,  and 
the  undisturbed  enjoyment  of  our  freeholds  and  properties.  These 
are  some  of  the  many  benefits  which  I  take  the  inhabitants  of  this 
province  to  be  well  entided  to  by  the  laws  of  England  ;  and  I  am 
glad  of  this  opportunity  to  assure  you,  that  as  long  as  1  have  the 
honour  to  serve  the  queen  in  the  government  of  this  province,  those 
laws  shall  be  put  in  execution,  according  to  the  intent  with  which 
they  were  made;  that  is,  for  the  preservation  and  protection  of  the 
people,  and  not  for  their  oppression.  I  heartily  rejoice  to  see  that 
the  free  choice  of  the  people  has  fallen  upon  gentlemen  whose  con- 
stant fidelity  to  the  crown  and  unwearied  application  to  the  good  of 
their  country  is  so  universally  known.' 

"  The  house  echoed  back  an  address  of  high  compliment  to  his 
lordship,  declaring,  '  That  being  deeply  sensible  of  the  misery 
and  calamity  the  country  lay  under  at  his  arrival,  they  were  not 
sufficiently  able  to  express  the  satisfaction  they  had  both  in  their 
felief  and  their  deliverer.' 

"  Well  pleased  with  a  governour  who  headed  their  party,  the 
jassembly  granted  to  him  all  that  he  desired  :  .£1,800  were  raised 
for  the  support  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  men  to  defend  the  fron- 
tiers, besides  .£2,000  more  as  a  present  towards  defraying  the  ex- 
penses of  his  voyage.  The  queen,  by  her  letter  of  the  20th  of 
April,  in  the  next  year,  forbade  any  such  donations  for  the  future. 
It  is  observable  that  though  the  county  of  Duchess  had  no  repre- 
sentatives at  this  assembly,  yet  such  was  the  then  known  indigence 


APPENDIX  V.  LV 

of  that  now  populous  and  flourishing  county,  that  but  <£18  were 
apportioned  for  their  quota  of  these  levies."* 


Appendix  Y.—  Vol.  J.,  j?.  298. 

On  the  9th  of  June,  1734,  Messrs.  Smith  and  Murray  appeared 
as  required  before  the  assembly,  to  argue  the  subject  of  the  esta- 
blishment of  a  court  of  equity  (or  chancery)  in  this  colony  without 
the  consent  of  the  legislature.  Smith  advocated  the  popular  side, 
and  insisted  that  as  in  England,  such  a  court  could  not  be  established 
contrary  to  the  will  of  the  people  as  represented  in  parliament,  so 
here,  the  colonists  having  the  rights  of  Englishmen,  they  must 
consent  by  their  representatives  to  said  establishment.  In  short, 
that  not  being  represented  in  parliament,  they  were  not  to  be  bound 
by  its  decisions.  Murray,  on  the  contrary,  insisted  that  what  was 
law  in  England,  was  law  here — or,  the  colonists,  as  Englishmen, 
were  bound  by  all  laws  of  England.  He  shows  that  a  court  of 
equity  existed  in  1702,  William  Atwood,  Abraham  De  Peyster,  and 
Robert  Walters,  being  the  judges,  and  also  adduces  decisions  of 
Lewis  Morris,  James  De  Lancey,  and  Frederick  Phillipse,  judges 
in  equity. 


Smith's  History  of  New  York,  Vol.  I.  pp.  168-175. 


LYl  APPJSNDIX. 

V 


Appendix  referred  to. —  Vol.  L,  p.  319. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  the  Hon.  Cadwallader  Colden  to  William 
Smithy  Esq.,  author  of  the  History  of  New  YorJc,  relative  to  er- 
rours  and  misrepresentations  contained  therein.  Original  in  the 
Library  of  the  New  York  Historical  Society. 

"  Flushen,  January  15th,  1759. 
«*  To  William  Smith,  Jun.,  Esq. 

"  Sir, — I  did  not  see  your  History  of  New  York  till  last  week. 
The  account  you  give  (page  179)  of  the  transactions  between  the 
government  of  New  York  and  Captain  Laughlin  Campbel  is  in 
every  circumstance  a  misrepresentation  of  facts.  It  is  in  the  prin- 
cipal part  absolutely  false,  and  an  egregious  calumny  of  the  persons 
who  at  that  time  had  the  administration  of  government  in  their 
hands. 

"  It  is  now  about  twenty  years  since  that  affair  happened.  Many 
of  the  circumstances  I  cannot  with  sufficient  certainty  recollect,  and 
it  is  probable,  that  none  who  were  not  immediately  concerned  in 
that  affair  can  at  this  time  remember  them.  I  shall  content  myself 
therefore  with  giving  you  a  summary  account  of  that  affair,  so  far 
as,  I  doubt  not,  can  be  proved  by  living  evidence. 

*'  It  is  true  that  Captain  Campbel  imported  a  number  of  families 
from  Scotland,  a  great  part  of  which  (I  believe  the  greatest)  had 
paid  their  own  passage,  and  were  at  liberty  to  dispose  of  themselves 
after  they  arrived  in  America  as  they  thought  fit.  The  others  were 
bound  by  indenture  to  Captain  Campbel  to  serve  him  or  his  assigns 
some  certain  number  of  years,  in  consideration  of  the  expense  of 
transporting  them  to  America,  or  under  some  other  obligation  to 
repay  that  expense  with  a  profit  to  him. 

"  Soon  after  their  arrival.  Captain  Campbel  presented  a  petition 
to  Lieutenant-governour  Clark  in  council,  setting  forth  in  substance 
(so  far  as  I  can  remember)  that  he  had  imported  some  certain  num- 
ber (which  I  have  forgot)  of  families  or  persons,  in  order  to  culti- 
vate or  improve  some  part  of  the  vacant  lands  of  this  province,  and 
prayed  the  grant  of  a  large  tract  of  land  (probably  30,000  acres,  as 
you  remember)  to  him,  his  heirs,  and  assigns,  in  order  to  settle 
thereon  those  families  and  persons  which  he  had  imported  for  its 
cultivation  and  improvement.  This  petition,  and  the  import  of  it, 
became  immediately  the  subject  of  common  discourse  in  the  town. 
Whereupon  the  persons  who  came  with  Captain  Campbel  and  had 
paid  their  own  passages,  met  together  in  companies Jn  the  streets, 


LETTER  OF  CADWALLADER  GOLDEN.  LVII 

and  where  they  loudly  exclaimed  against  it,  saying,  they  had  left 
Scotland  to  free  themselves  from  the  vassalage  they  were  under  to 
their  lords  there,  and  they  would  not  become  vassals  to  Laughlin 
Campbel  in  America.  The  governour  being  informed  of  this, 
ordered  the  persons  to  be  called  together  and  to  be  interrogated  on 
this  head.  They  jointly  and  severally  to  a  man  declared  they 
would  not  become  tenants  to  Laughlin  Campbel.  It  being  like- 
wise doubted  whether  Captain  Campbel  was  in  capacity  to  settle  a 
sufficient  number  of  persons  to  have  so  large  a  tract  cultivated  pur- 
suant to  the  directions  in  the  king's  instructions.  He  said,  that  as 
his  settling  on  the  frontiers  towards  Canada  w^ould  be  a  considera- 
ble additional  defence  of  the  province,  he  expected  that  the  assem- 
bly would  bear  the  charge  of  supporting  the  families  that  were  to 
settle  upon  it,  till  they  could  support  themselves  by  their  own 
labour,  and  that  he  had  or  would  present  a  petition  for  that  pur- 
pose. The  assembly  knowing  the  aversion  w^hich  the  people  who 
came  overv/ith  Captain  Campbel  had  to  him,  for  it  was  notorious, 
did  not  enter  on  the  consideration  of  his  petition  ;  and  I  firmly  be- 
lieve that  he  gave  in  no  other  petition  to  the  assembly. 

"  These  transactions  were  publick,  and  the  subject  of  common 
discourse,  yet  I  never  heard  Mr.  Clark  or  any  other  person  in  the 
administration  blamed  at  that  time  by  any  indifferent  person  of 
Captain  Campbel's  petition,  that  it  was  not  granted. 

"  This  being  the  state  of  the  case,  I  leave  it  to  you  to  say  whether 
Lieutenant-governour  Clark  could,  consistently  with  the  trust  re- 
posed in  him,  grant  30,000  acres  of  land  to  Laughlin  Campbel; 
or  whether  it  would  not  have  been  a  lasting  obstruction  to  the  set- 
tlement of  the  frontiers,  to  grant  30.000  acres  of  land  there,  to  any 
person  who  w^as  in  no  capacity  to  settle  and  improve  so  great  a 
tract.  I  likewise  leave  it  to  others  who  are  better  acquainted  with 
Captain  Campbel's  character  than  you  are,  to  say  whether  it  be  in 
the  least  probable  that  Captain  Campbel  would  have  refused  a 
share  in  that  grant  to  any  person  who  had  influence  to  procure  it 
for  him  under  colour  of  the  pretences  which  he  made. 

"  Captain  Campbel  might  have  had  2,000  acres  of  land  for  him- 
self on  the  frontiers,  and  the  others  quantities  in  proportion  to  their 
abilities  ;  but  they  chose  to  settle  on  the  inhabited  parts  of  the  coun- 
try. Li  short.  Captain  Campbel  had  conceived  hopes  of  erecting 
a  lordship  for  himself  in  America.  He  imagined  that  the  people 
whom  he  had  enticed  over  with  him,  would  have  become  his  ten- 
ants on  condition  of  being  supported  till  they  could  maintain  them- 
selves, and  an  easy  rent  afterwards.  His  disappointment  come 
from  these  people  absolutely  refusing  to  become  his  tenants  on  any 
terms,  and  from  the  assembly's  being  unwilling  to  support  them  at 
the  expense  of  the  people  and  the  province,  and  not  from  Mr. 

H 


LVIII  APPENDIX. 


Clark's  refusing  them  land,  for  they  might  have  had  it  as  before- 
mentioned,  but  none  were  willing. 

"  So  far  as  I  know,  this  story  which  you  tell  was  not  propagated 
till  since  Captain  Campbel's  death,  at  a  distance  of  time  when  these 
transactions  are  forgot  by  people  who  had  no  concern  in  them ;  and 
were  propagated  by  his  family  after  they  were  reduced  to  distress 
by  his  misconduct,  in  order  to  move  the  compassion  of  some  per- 
sons who  had  it  in  their  power  to  advance  them,  and  they  have  suc- 
ceeded. As  these  stories  were  only  propagated  in  private,  it  was 
not  easy  to  take  public  notice  of  them ;  but  now  that  you  have 
published  this  calumny  in  Europe  and  America,  a  public  redress 
is  become  necessary. 

"  This  public  defamation  being  an  egregious  injury  to  the  public 
faith  and  honour  of  the  government  of  New  York,  you  know  the 
proper  method  for  redress  that  may  be  taken.  But  as  I  think  that 
your  writing  of  this,  and  publishing  it,  has  only  arisen  from  your 
credulity  in  some  who  do  not  deserve  the  confidence  you  placed 
in  their  veracity,  and  from  a  generous  indignation  at  what  you 
thought  a  base  breach  of  trust  in  the  Ueutenant-governour  and 
others,  I  shall  at  present  leave  it  to  you  to  propose  what  you  think 
may  be  an  adequate  redress  of  so  publick  an  injury. 

**  No  doubt  several  of  the  persons  who  came  over  with  Captain 
Campbel,  and  were  not  servants,  are  still  alive;  from  them  you 
may  learn  the  truth  of  the  principal  facts  which  I  now  affirm.  Per- 
haps some  of  them  may  now  Uve  in  the  city.  I  have  forgot  all  their 
names  except  one  Montgomerie,  brother-in-law  to  Captain  Camp- 
bel, who  lately  Hved  at  Cackeyat.  I  shall  expect  your  answer 
without  delay,  and  that  thereby  the  opinion  will  be  confirmed  of 
your  sincerity  and  integrity  which  has  been  hitherto  entertained  by 
"  Sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"  Cadwallader  Colden." 


I 


APPENDIX.  LIX 


Appendix  rpfcrred  to. —  Vol  J.,  p.  369. 
Account  of  the  circumstances  attending  the  death  of  Sir  Danvers  Oshorn, 

*'  Mr.  Clinton  was  at  Flushing,  in  Queens  county,  where  he  had 
resided  the  whole  summer,  when  Sir  Danvers  Osborn*  arrived  to 
succeed  him  in  command,  which  was  on  Sunday,  the  7th  of  Oc- 
tober, 1753.  He  was  met  at  Whitehall  by  the  council,  mayor, 
and  corporation,  and  chief  citizens,  and  attended  to  the  council 
chamber ;  and,  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  Clinton,  took  up  his  lodging 
at  Mr.  Murray's,  whose  wife  was  a  daughter  of  Governour  Cosby, 
and  a  distant  relation  of  Sir  Danvers'  deceased  lady,  a  sister  to  the 
Earl  of  Halifax.  Mr.  Clinton  waited  upon  him  the  next  day,  and 
they  both  dined  at  an  entertainment  provided  by  the  council.  On 
Wednesday  morning  they  assembled  the  council  at  the  fort,  for 
administering  the  oaths,  and  then  began  the  usual  procession  for 
reading  the  commission  at  the  town-hall.  The  indecent  acclama- 
tions of  the  populace,  stimulated  by  the  partizans  of  the  late  troubles, 
induced  the  old  governour  to  take  leave  of  his  successor  at  a  short 
distance  from  the  fort,  while  Sir  Danvers  stalked  along  with  the 
council  and  magistrates,  rather  serious  than  cheerful,  amidst  the 
noisy  shouts  of  a  crowded  throng. 

"After  his  return  to  the  council  chamber,  he  received  the  address 
of  the  city  corporation,  of  which  he  had  a  copy,  and  with  difficulty 
restrained  his  intention  of  begging  the  alteration  of  a  passage  in 
it,  which  he  thought  expressive  of  jealousy.  The  words  were  : 
*  We  are  sufficiendy  assured  that  your  excellency  will  be  as 
averse  from  countenancing,  as  we  from  brooking,  any  infringements 
of  our  inestimable  liberties,  civil  and  religious.' 

*'  These  particulars  are  mentioned  with  the  more  minuteness, 
on  account  of  the  tragical  end  to  which  this  unfortunate  gentleman 
was  approaching. 

*'  He  told  Mr.  Clinton,  with  disapprobation  of  the  party  exulta- 
tions in  his  progress  to,  and  return  from  the  town-hall,  '  that  he  ex- 
pected the  like  treatment  before  he  left  the  government.' 

"  While  at  a  splendid  dinner  given  to  the  two  governours  and 
the  council  by  the  corporation,  there  was  every  demonstradon  of 
joy.  The  city  was  illuminated,  cannon  were  discharged,  and  two 
bonfires  lighted  up  on  the  common,  in  the  evening.  Sir  Danvers 
took  no  part  in  the  general  joy.     He  retired  early  in  the  afternoon, 


*  "Mr.  Charles,  in  his  letter  of  the  11th  of  June,  1753,  informed  the  speaker  that 
Sir  Danvers  was  a  gentleman  of  great  worth,  a  member  of  parliament  for  Bed- 
fordshire, and  brother-in-law  to  the  Earl  of  Halifax." 


LX  APPENDIX. 

and  continued  at  his  lodgings,  while  the  whole  town  seemed  aban- 
doned to  every  excess  of  riot.  The  last  act  of  Mr.  Clinton's  ad- 
ministration was  the  deUvery  to  Mr.  Delancey  of  a  commission  to 
be  lieutenant-governour.  This  had  been  done  in  the  presence  of 
the  council,  immediately  after  he  gave  the  seals  to  Sir  Danvers, 
and  it  contributed  much,  w^ith  the  discovery  now  made  of  Mr.  CHn- 
ton's  letter  to  the  lords  of  trade  respecting  the  Jersey  claim,  to 
the  mad  transports  of  the  populace  in  the  streets  and  commons.  ' 

"  Sir  Danvers  rose  early  on  Thursday  morning,  and  before  the 
family  were  about,  had,  alone,  patrolled  the  markets  and  a  great  part 
of  the  town.  He  complained  of  being  somewhat  indisposed;  and 
at  dinner,  said,  with  a  smile,  to  Mr.  Delancey,  '  I  believe  I  shall 
soon  leave  you  the  government.  I  find  myself  unable  to  support 
the  burden  of  it.'  He  had  convened  the  council  in  the  afternoon, 
and  appeared  in  some  perturbation  at  their  first  assembly,  espe- 
cially when  he  found  that  M.  Pownal,  who  had  the  key  of  the  ca- 
binet, was  not  within.  He  was  desirous  to  show  them  his  instruc- 
tions. He  informed  them,  that  he  was  strictly  enjoined  to  insist 
upon  the  permanent  indefinite  support  of  government,  and  desired 
their  opinions  on  the  prospect  of  success.  There  was  a  general 
declaration,  that  the  assembly  could  not  be  brought  to  adopt  that 
scheme.  With  a  distressed  countenance,  and  in  a  plaintive  voice, 
he  addressed  Mr.  Smith,  who  had  not  yet  spoke  a  word  : — '  What, 
sir,  is  your  opinion  ?' — and  when  he  heard  a  similar  answer,  he 
sighed,  turned  about,  reclined  against  the  window-frame,  and  ex- 
claimed, '  then  w^hat  am  I  come  here  for  ?' 

"In  the  evening  he  had  a  physician  with  him,  talked  of  ill  health, 
was  disconsolate,  and  retired  to  his  chamber,  and  at  midnight  dis- 
missed his  servant.  While  the  house  was  preserved  the  next  morn- 
ing in  the  utmost  silence,  upon  an  apprehension  that  he  was  still 
asleep,  an  account  was  brought  that  he  was  hanging  dead  against 
the  fence  at  the  lower  end  of  the  garden.  A  vein  was  opened,  but 
to  no  purpose. 

"The  malevolence  of  party  rage  would  not  at  first  ascribe  this 
event  to  the  insanity  of  the  deceased  ;  but  threw  out  insinuations, 
that  he  had  been  brought  to  his  end  by  foul  means,  and  that  the 
criminals  were  some  of  those  who  could  not  suppress  their  joy  to 
see  Mr.  Clinton  a  private  character,  and  Mr.  Delancey  at  the  helm; 
nor  did  these  unjust  suspicions  soon  subside. 

"  The  council  was  immediately  summoned  to  Mr.  Murray's 
house,  where  the  tragedy  was  acted,  and  every  circumstance  in- 
quired into,  for  the  sadsfaction  bodi  of  his  reladons  and  the  crown, 
and  the  vindication  of  the  party  led  by  the  new  lieutenant-governour 
to  such  lengths  against  Mr.  Clinton,  who  was  then  preparing  for 
his  voyage. 


DEATH  OF  SIR  DAXVERS  OSBORN.  LXI 

"  On  the  top  of  the  fence  was  a  row  of  large  nails  inverted,  to 
exclude  thieves  from  the  garden,  over  which  he  had  cast  a  silk  hand- 
kerchief tied  at  the  opposite  ends,  and  had  elevated  his  neck  to  it 
by  a  small  board,  which  was  found  near  him  over  his  hat  upon  the 
ground. 

*'  After  his  servant  left  him,  he  had  consumed  a  vast  number  of 
private,  but  no  publick  papers,  endorsed  others,  which  he  pre- 
served ;  wrapped  up  a  sum  of  money,  borrowed  since  his  arrival, 
and  directed  it  to  the  lender.  There  was  lying  on  the  table  a 
paper,  written  in  his  own  hand,  quern  deus  viilt  perdcre,  prius  demen- 
tat^  and  the  coroner's  inquest  believed  his  testimony,  for  they  found 
him  a  lunatick. 

*'  A  man  who,  before  the  light  of  that  day,  passed  the  river  in 
a  boat  under  the  fence,  heard  the  noise  of  his  heels  against  it  in 
his  last  struggles.  But  Mr.  Pownal's  testimony  surmounted  every 
obstacle  in  the  minds  of  all  persons  of  candour.  This  gendeman 
(since  so  well  known  in  the  characters  of  lieutenant-governour  of 
New  Jersey,  assistant  to  the  Earl  of  Loudoun,  in  the  war  of  17J6, 
governour  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  commissary  in  Germany,  and  a 
member  of  the  British  parliament)  came  out  as  a  guide  and  assis- 
tant to  Sir  Danvers  Osborn,  and  revealed  the  secret,  that  the  ba- 
ronet had  been  melancholy  ever  since  the  loss  of  his  lady,  whom 
he  most  passionately  admired,  and  that  he  had  before  attempted 
his  own  life  with  a  razor;  adding,  that  Lord  Halifax,  by  whose 
interest  he  obtained  the  government,  had  hopes  that  an  honourable 
and  active  station  abroad  might  have  detached  him  from  the  con- 
stant object  of  his  anxious  attention.  As  it  may  be  interesting  to 
know  every  thing  relating  to  this  unfortunate  gentleman,  and  as 
Mr.  Smith  was  at  that  time  one  of  the  council,  and  under  no  bias 
to  the  party  calumniated  at  his  death,  and  his  diary  kept  with  such 
secrecy  that  none  of  his  children  ever  knew  in  his  life  time  that  he 
had  one,  for  the  sake  of  truth  these  passages  are  inserted,  that  the 
most  scrupulous  may  be  satisfied. 

"  Wednesday,  10th  October,  1753 — Sir  Danvers  Osborn  pub- 
lished his  commission,  took  the  usual  state  oaths  and  that  relating 
to  trade,  and  received  the  seals  from  the  hands  of  Governour  Clin- 
ton, who  then  (pursuant  to  an  order  from  the  Duke  of  Newcastle 
to  deliver  the  commission  of  lieutenant-governour  before  his  excel- 
lency left  the  government,  to  James  Delancey,  Esq.,)  delivered 
the  same  in  council  accordingly,  and  Sir  Danvers  took  the  oath 
of  governour  and  chancellor,  or  keeper  of  the  great  seal.  The 
commission  was  afterwards  published  at  the  City  Hall.  The  cor- 
poration treated  the  new  governour  and  council  at  Burns's  ;  and 
the  whole  was  conducted,  and  the  day  and  evening  spent,  with 
excessive   shoutings,   two   bonfires,   illuminations,   ringing  of  the 


I 


LXU  APPENDIX. 

church  bells  in  the  city,  drunkenness,  and  other  excessive  demon- 
strations of  joy.  V 

"  Thursday,  11th  October. — Sir  Danvers  appeared  very  un- 
easy in  council. 

"  Friday,  12th  October — x\larmed  by  the  door-keeper  of  the 
council,  about  eight  o'clock,  desiring  me  to  come  to  Mr.  Murray's, 
saying,  *  the  governour  had  hanged  himself.''  Went  and  found  it 
awfully  true.  He  had  been  found  in  Mr.  Murray's  garden  hang- 
ing in  his  handkerchief,  fastened  to  the  nails  at  the  top  of  the  fence. 
On  the  first  discovery,  his  body  was  found  quite  cold,  and  upon 
two  incisions  no  blood  issued.  He  was  brought  into  the  house 
and  laid  on  the  bedstead,  where  I  saw  him,  a  woeful  spectacle  of 
human  frailty  and  of  the  wretchedness  of  man,  when  left  to  him- 
self. The  council  went  from  Mr.  Murray's  to  the  fort,  where 
Chief  Justice  Delancey  published  his  commission,  and  took  the 
oaths  in  our  presence,  and  received  the  commission  of  Sir  Dan- 
vers and  seals  and  instructions,  by  order  of  council,  from  Thomas 
Pownal,  Esq.  ;  but  took  not  the  oath  of  chancellor,  lest  it  might 
supersede  his  commission  of  chief  justice,  till  this  point  be  con- 
sidered. His  commission,  after  it  was  read  in  council,  was  pub- 
lished only  before  the  fort  gate,  without  any  parade  or  show, 
because  of  the  melancholy  event  of  this  day. 

"  The  character  of  Sir  Danvers  Osborn,  baronet  of  Chichsands, 
in  the  county  of  Bedford,  as  far  as  I  could  observe,  having  been 
every  day  since  his  arrival  with  him,  was  this  : — he  was  a  man  of 
good  sense,  great  modesty,  and  of  a  genteel  and  courteous  beha- 
viour. He  appeared  very  cautious  in  the  wording  of  the  oaths, 
particularly  for  observing  the  laws  of  trade  enjoined  by  the  statute 
of  7th  and  Sth  William  HI.  He  appeared  a  very  conscientious 
man  to  all  the  council  in  that  particular.  A  point  of  honour  and 
duty,  in  di  foreseen  difficulty  to  reconcile  his  conduct  with  his  ma- 
jesty's instructions,  very  probably  gave  his  heart  a  fatal  stab,  and 
produced  that  terrible  disorder  in  his  mind  which  occasioned  his 
laying  violent  hands  on  himself. 

*'  He  was  found  between  seven  and  eight  in  the  morning,  hang- 
ing about  eighteen  inches  from  the  ground,  and  had  been  probably 
some  hours  dead.  His  secretary  told  me,  this  morning,  he  had 
often  said  to  him,  he  icished  he  was  governour  in  his  stead.  He  or 
somebody  else  desired  me  to  observe  the  ashes  in  the  chimney  of 
his  bed-room,  as  being  necessary  to  be  observed  to  excuse  his 
producing  of  any  papers  that  might  be  expected  to  be  produced 
by  him,  and  he  showed  me  two  pocket-books  in  which  there  was 
nothing  remaining.  He  said,  that  when  the  copy  of  the  episcopal 
church  address  was  shown  yesterday,  he  observed  to  Sir  Danvers, 
that  he  would  have  an  opportunity  here,  by  going  to  church,  to  act 
according  to  his  own  mind,  and  that  he  (the  secretary)  with  the 


DEATH  OF    SIR  DANVERS  OSBORN.  LXTII 

gentlemen  should  wait  on  him.     To  which  (says  Mr.  Pownal)  he 

gave  me  this  shocking  answer,  '  you  may,  but  I  shall  go  to  my 
grave.' 

"  A  committee  of  Mr.  Alexander,  Mr.  Chambers,  and  the  mayor, 
are  appointed  to  take  depositions  concerning  the  facts  and  circum- 
stances attending  his  death.  The  jury  have  found  Sir  Danvers 
(as  is  said)  non  compos  mentis,  IVIr.  Barclay*  was  sent  for  into 
council  to  desire  him  to  read  the  burial  service.  He  objected,  as 
the  letter  of  the  rubric  forbids  the  reading  it  over  any  that  lay  vio- 
lent hands  on  themselves.  Agreed  in  council,  that  the  meaning 
ought  to  be  regarded  more  than  the  words.  I  said,  qui  hcETet  in 
litera,  hcdret  in  cortice^  and  if  the  jury  on  inquest  found  Sir  Danvers 
non  compos,  his  corpse  had  as  much  right  to  christian  burial  as  the 
corpse  of  a  man  who  had  died  in  a  high  fever.  This  seemed  to 
satisfy  Mr.  Barclay,  coming  from  me,  seeming  worth  more  of  his 
regard,  than  if  it  had  come  from  another.t  He  said  he  had  not 
any  scruples  of  conscience,  but  he  desired  to  avoid  censure,  as  we 
have  people  of  different  opinions  amongst  us. 

"  Sabbath,  l^th  October,  1753. — Last  evening  attended  the  fu- 
neral of  Sir  Danvers  Osborn,  as  a  bearer,  with  five  others  of  the 
council,  and  Mr.  Justice  Horsmanden,  and  Mr.  Attorney-General ; 
and  this  day,  in  the  old  English  church,  heard  a  sermon  from 
Hebr.  10th  chap.  24th  verse — '  And  let  us  consider  one  another,  to 
provoke  unto  love  and  to  good  works.''  "| 


*  "  This  gentleman,  who  served  as  a  missionary  to  the  Mohawks,  was.  on  the 
death  of  Mr.  Vesey,  in  1746,  called  to  be  rector  of  Trinity  church  in  the  metro- 
polis. His  arrears  of  twenty  pounds  were  provided  for  in  the  support  bill  of  that 
year,  and  there  has  been  no  provincial  allowance  since  that  time  towards  the 
propagation  of  Christianity  among  the  Indians." 

t  "  Mr.  Smith  was  a  member  of  the  presbyterian  congregation  in  communion 
with  the  church  of  Scotland." 

X  Smith's  History  of  New  York,  Vol.  H,  p.  182-190. 


LXIV  APPENDIX  W. 


Appendix  W. —  Vol  L,  p.  3S9. 

1758  The  following  memoranda  taken  from  the  periodicals  of 

this  year,  will  throw  some  light  upon  the  spirit  of  that  stir- 
ring period  : 

March  23d. — The  legislature  resolved  to  raise  2,680  effective 
men;  <£10  offered  as  bounty  for  each  able  bodied  man,  and  20s 
to  the  officer  enlisting  him. 

Killing  and  scalping  at  the  German  Flats  by  the  French  and 
Indians. 

A  "battle  between  the /awo?/5  Rogers,  and  the  enemy."  He 
left  Fort  Edward  with  a  party  of  rangers  on  a  scout,  March  10th, 
and  encamped  for  the  night  on  the  road  to  Lake  George.  He 
marched  with  every  precaution  towards  the  enemy ;  and  on  the 
13th,  he  came  upon  and  beat  their  advance  guard,  but  soon  found 
himself  overmatched.  The  account  is  signed  "  Robert  Rogers," 
and  the  major  makes  the  best  of  his  story  ;  but  the  amount  is,  he  was 
beaten  with  considerable  loss.  22d,  the  President  of  Princeton 
College,  Jonathan  Edwards,  died. 

The  assembly  of  New  Jersey  resolve  that  the  regiment  of  the 
colony  be  recruited  to  1,000  men.  Pay  of  the  colonel,  .£20  2s. 
per  month  ;  lieutenant-colonel,  .£18  ;  major,  ^15  ;  each  captain, 
^10  ;  each  lieutenant,  £7  10s  9d  ;  each  ensign,  £6  14s.  Sergeants, 
corporals,  and  drummers,  £2  10s  3d ;  privates,  ^1  13.  A  chap- 
lain, .£10,  a  surgeon  .£15,  surgeon's  mate  .£9.  Massachusetts 
resolved  to  raise  7,000  men. 

April  17th. — Lieutenant-governour  Delancey,  by  proclamation 
gives  notice  that  persons  "  employed  on  board  of  vessels  laden 
with  provisions  for  Halifax,  will  be  free  from  all  impress."  [Did 
not  he  know  of  the  statute  of  Anne  f]  He  further  declares  that 
any  person  concealing  any  seaman  or  deserter  belonging  to  king's 
ships  or  transports  shall  be  prosecuted.  Another  proclamation 
encourages  those  w^ho  come  forward  to  enlist  to  bring  their  own 

funs,  as  they  may  be  more  used  to  them,  and  they  may  be  lighter. 
From  this,  we  see  that  uniformity  was  not  contemplated.]  They 
are  encouraged  to  bring  powder-horns  and  shot-bags  likewise. 
The  Indians  kill  and  scalp  between  Saratoga  and  Fort  Edward. 

May  1st. — Transports  and  ships  of  war  fall  down  to  the  Hook, 
and  Lord  Loudon  having  embarked  on  board  a  ship  of  war  lying 
in  the  North  River,  was  saluted  in  his  going  off,  by  a  discharge  of 
the  cannon  on  Flat  Rock  Battery. 


APPENDIX  W.  LXV 

On  the  23d  of  April,  Sunday,  about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
Captain  Jasper  Farmer,  of  the  militia  train,  with  a  number  of  his 
company  went  on  board  the  Snow  Charming  Jenny,  Captain  Scott, 
then  lying  along  the  new  dock,  in  order  to  impress  men  for  the 
transport  service.  Farmer,  having  impressed  several,  four  of  the 
crew  more  obstinate  than  the  rest,  retired  into  the  round  house  and 
there  armed  themselves  with  blunderbusses,  and  although  Captain 
Farmer  and  a  magistrate  then  standing  on  the  deck  desired  them  in 
an  amicable  manner  to  surrender,  promising  they  should  not  go  on 
board  the  men-of-war,  but  serve  on  board  the  transports,  yet  they 
obstinately  refused,  and  fired  their  blunderbusses  through  the  loop- 
holes, and  wounded  Captain  Farmer  in  the  neck,  of  which  wound 
he  languished  till  ten  o'clock  of  the  evening  of  the  same  day,  when 
he  died.  The  fellows  did  not  surrender  till  an  officer  with  a  party 
of  regulars  came  down  and  fired  a  volley  into  the  round  house, 
which  not  damaging  any  of  them,  they  were  seized  and  are  all  in 
custody.  The  coroner's  inquest  having  sat  two  days,  brought  in 
their  verdict  murder  in  four  persons  helon gin g  to  the  Snoiv.  The 
same  morning  also,  about  five  o'clock,  as  another  part  of  the  militia 
were  looking  for  sailors  in  the  outskirts  of  the  city,  they  fell  upon  a 
house  wherein  nine  Dutchmen  were  lodged,  (they  lately  being 
brought  in  by  some  of  the  privateers)  who  at  first  would  not  sur- 
render, whereupon  an  officer  with  a  party  came  to  the  house  and 
ordered  his  men  to  fire,  although  two  of  the  Dutchmen  in  the  gar- 
ret would  have  surrendered  and  come  down,  the  other  seven  having 
secreted  themselves  ;  the  party  accordingly  fired,  and  instantly 
killed  one  Hans  Jansen  Ramsburgh,  the  ball  entering  just  under 
his  chin  and  going  through  the  upper  part  of  his  head,  the  soldiers 
having  fired  up  a  kind  of  stair-case,  or  rather  trap-door.  His  com- 
rade was  wounded,  and  remains  dangerously  ill  ever  since.  The 
coroner's  inquest  having  sat  two  dayo,  brought  in  their  verdict, 
murder  in  the  officer,  and  divers  other  persons  to  the  jurors  un- 
known. 

[This,  it  will  be  observed,  was  in  the  city  of  New  York,  on  a 
Sunday — the  militia  under  arms  impressing  men — the  regulars  as- 
sisting. All  this,  and  the  proclamation  of  Governour  Delancey 
above,  was  in  direct  violation  of  the  statute  of  Queen  Anne.] 

May  Sth. — The  New  York  troops  embarked  on  Saturday,  for 
Albany,  as  did  General  Abercrombie  and  his  officers.  Sir  William 
Johnson  with  200  Mohawks  had  gone  to  Onondaga. 

May  lUh. — Rogers  and  his  scouts  are  announced  as  taking  four 
men  on  the  east  side  of  Lake  Champlain,  who  were  tilling  and 
sowing  when  taken ;  and  Captain  Jacobs  with  seventeen  Stock- 
bridge  Indians,  fired  upon  a  party  of  men  who  were  landing  oppo- 
site Ticonderoga,  seven  of  whom  Jacobs  killed  and  scalped. 

May  15th. — By  advertisement,  the  quarter-master  general  offers 


LXVI  APPENDIX  W. 

lOs  a  day  for  waggons,  and  horses,  for  the  service  of  the  army,  and 
10s  for  every  twenty-five  miles,  in  coming  to  or  going  from  Albany. 

A  waiter  in  the  American  Magazine  for  April  says,  *'  the  en- 
croaching French,  have  extended  their  new  usurped  title"  from 
the  Lakes  to  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  and  built  a  "  capital 
city  named  New  Orleans."  Thus  by  seizing  the  Missisippi  the 
French  are  joining  their  Canada  to  what  they  call  Louisiana ; 
"  thereby  to  surround  all  the  English  colonies,  and  (if  their  as- 
piring attempt  be  not  prevented)  to  murder  the  inhabitants  or  drive 
them  into  the  sea  :  or  what  is  a  thousand  times  worse,  to  enslave 
them  to  French  tyranny  and  Popish  superstition." 

"  The  province  ship  of  war  King  George"  returns  to  Boston 
from  a  cruise.  We  read  also  of  the  Pennsylvania  frigate  going 
from  the  Delaware  on  a  cruise. 

*'  The  New  Jersey  forces,  of  between  eleven  and  twelve  hundred 
of  the  likeliest  well-set  men  for  the  purpose,  as  has  perhaps  turned 
out  on  any  campaign,  passed  by  this  place  for  Albany.  They 
were  under  Colonel  Johnson,  their  uniform  blue  faced  with  red, 
grey  stockings  and  buckskin  breeches." 

May  ISth, — Lieutenant-governour  Delancey  presented  to  the 
mayor  a  letter  stating  that  General  Abercrombie  represented  to  him 
the  difficulty  in  supplying  the  provincial  troops  with  arms — those 
ordered  by  the  crown  not  having  arrived,  he  therefore  requests  the 
loan  of  the  1,000  stand  belonging  to  the  common  council  for  the 
New  York  regiment  under  Colonel  Delancey.  To  this  the  com- 
mon council  answer,  that  as  those  arms  w^ere  bought  for  the  defence 
of  the  city  in  case  of  invasion,  they  regret  that  they  cannot  comply 
with  the  request,  having  no  powder  so  to  do. 

May  19M. — Francis  Bernard,  Governour  of  New^  Jersey,  ar- 
rived at  the  Hook,  and  Colonel  Peter  Schuyler  happening  to  be 
there  with  his  sloop,  took  the  governour  and  family  to  Perth 
Amboy.* 

The  Lieutenant-governour  personally  applies  to  the  common 
council  for  the  city  arms,  and  produces  Abercrombie's  letter, 
promising  to  replace  them,  and  hinting  that  he  would  rather 
borrow  them  than  "  impress"  them.  The  common  council  there- 
fore ofier  (as  there  is  no  certainty  of  the  city  wanting  them)  to  sell 
them,  for  cash,  at  the  rate  of  .£3  5s  for  each  musket,  including 
cartridge-box,  cartridges,  and  bayonet. 

May  29th. — Information  is'^given'of  murders  of  men  women  and 
children  on  the  frontiers  of  New  Jersey,  at  Minisink  and  other 
places. 

At  the  German  Flats  the'same  scenes  of  murder  are  takingrplace. 


*  Schuyler  lived  at  the  Pasaick  and  had  copper  mines  there. 


APPENDIX    W,  LXVII 

The  details  are  too  similar  to  be  given.  In  one  instance,  the  suc- 
cessful resistance  of  some  waggoners  deserves  notice.  A  large 
party  of  Indians  attacked  a  house  in  which  six  waggoners  lodged 
up  stairs.  The  Indians  rushed  into  the  house,  murdered  and 
scalped  the  family  who  were  below;  they  then  attempted  the  stairs, 
but  the  wao^o-oners  knocked  the  foremost  down.  The  Indians  fired 
up  the  loft  without  effect,  and  the  defenders  kept  off  the  assailants 
(killing  one)  until  a  party  of  rangers  arrived  and  relieved  them. 
The  rangers  took  possession  of  an  adjoining  log  fence,  from  whence 
they  fired  ;  and  killing  several  of  the  Indians,  the  others  fled.  At 
this  time,  thirty-three  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Flats  were  killed 
and  many  who  escaped  with  life  were  shockingly  mutilated. 

June  l'5th. — Ordered,  to  purchase  500  of  the  suhscription  arms 
lately  imported  into  this  city  ;  and  to  pay  for  the  same  out  of  the 
money  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  arms  to  Gen.  Abercrombie,  and  the 
remainder  to  be  sent  to  England  to  purchase  one  large  fire-engine, 
one  small  do.,  two  hand  do.,  with  some  buckets  and  fifty  small  arms. 
Paid  for  billeting  officers:  for  captains,  10s  per  week  ;  for  lieuten- 
ants, ensigns,  or  surgeons,  6s.  Major  Rutherford's  account  for  his 
billet,  not  allowed. 

July  3d. — Sir  William  Johnson  and  "his  Indians"  are  on  the 
way  to  Canada.  The  French  send  to  demand  "the  brave  Old 
Peter  Schuyler  of  ISiew  Jersey,  as  no  person  had  been  exchanged 
for  him,  and  he  prepares  to  return  to  Canada." 

It  is  stated  that  Lord  Howe  had  advanced  to  Lake  George 
with  3000  men.  His  spirit  and  military  accomplishments  are 
praised.  His  soldiers  are  trained  to  bush  fighting,  and  their  coats 
and  their  hair  are  cut  short ;  his  lordship,  as  an  example,  sacrificing 
a  fine  head  of  hair  and  submitting  to  all  fatigues  and  privations. 
He  allows  his  officers  no  supernumerary  baggage. 

Fort  Frontignac  is  a  regular  square,  built  of  stone  and  lime — the 
wall  ten  feet  high — one  hundred  pieces  of  cannon  (not  all  mount- 
ed)— the  provisions  and  stores  which  could  not  be  removed  were 
burned,  as  well  as  several  vessels,  and  Colonel  Bradstreet  demol- 
ished the  fort. 

September  11th. — One  of  the  fruits  of  the  attack  upon  Ticonde- 
roga  by  Abercrombie,  is  the  advertisement  stating,  "  a  great  quan- 
tity of  old  linen  wanted  for  the  wounded  now  in  his  majesty's  hos- 
pitals at  Albany  and  Fort  Edward."  Ladies  are  requested  to 
forward  such  as  they  can  dispense  with. 

September  18th. — When  Colonel  Bradstreet  destroyed  Fort 
Frontignac  or  Cadaraqui,  he  carried  off  two  sloops  taken  from  the 
enemy  loaded  with  plunder,  besides  loading  his  own  whaleboats 
and  batteaux.  He  proceeded  to  Oswego  and  divided  the  plunder. 
The  laced  coats  were  reserved  for  the  Indians  accompanying  the 
expedition. 


LXVIII  APPENDIX  W. 


The  Legislature  of  New  Jersey  reward  John  Van  Tile,  a 
sergeant  in  the  colony's  pay,  for  his  bravery  and  conduct  in  an  at- 
tack on  the  Indians,  and  give  thirty  dollars  to  a  lad  of  seventeen, 
his  name  Titfort,  for  having  shot  an  Indian  and  thereby  rescued 
himself  from  captivity. 

September  25th. — Captain  Isaac  Sears  arrives  in  the  privateer 
sloop  Catharine,  and  brings  with  him  a  prize  French  ship,  laden 
with  provisions  and  dry  goods,  that  w^as  bound  for  Quebec.  She 
mounted  ten  carriage  guns  and  carried  forty-four  men.  The  Cath- 
arine had  one  man  killed  and  three  wounded  in  the  engagement, 
before  the  French  Letter  of  Marque  struck. 

December  23d. — In  a  communication  addressed  to  the  Printer, 
Dr.  George  Muirson  gives  notice  to  the  public  of  the  benefit  de- 
rived from  Mercurials  and  Antimony  in  the  small-pox — that  disease 
still  continuing  in  the  city  of  New  York.  He  says,  "  in  the  year 
thirty-one  the  small-pox  proved  very  mortal  in  the  city  and  many 
parts  of  the  province  of  New  York  :  I  began  the  method  with 
myself,  have  continued  and  pursued  it  ever  since  with  remarkable 
success  ;  that  of  many  hundreds  that  I  have  inoculated,  prepared 
the  above  way,  not  one  died,  not  even  the  least  accident  happened." 
He  recommends  bleeding,  "in  the  eruptive  fever,"  and  gives  his 
reasons — he  recommends  keeping  the  body  open  by  clysters  of 
new  milk  and  sugar,  and  says  it  is  the  method  taught  by  "  the  im- 
mortal Boerhaave,"  to  whom  he  says,  he  is  indebted  for  his  know- 
ledge "  of  this  so  fatal  a  distemper  to  the  people  of  this  country, 
(otherwise  than  by  inoculation.)" 

Oliver  De  Lancey,  John  Cruger,  Philip  Livingston  and  Leonard 
Lispenard,  offer  themselves  as  candidates  by  advertisement,  for 
the  assembly. 


INDIAN  HOSTILITIES  AFTER  PEACE.  LXIX 


TREATY  OF  PEACE  OF  1763— INDIAN  HOSTILITIES 
AFTER  THE  PEACE. 

1763  During  the  negotiations  for  peace,  it  was  urged  in  the 

English  parhament  to  restore  Canada  to  the  French,  for 
the  purpose  of  preventing  the  growth  of  the  colonies.*  The  dis- 
contents in  the  colonies,  occasioned  by  the  English  taxes  on  com- 
merce, and  the  insolence  of  her  custom-house  officers,  and  officers 
generally,  made  many  men  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantick  think  of 
the  independence  of  America. 

By  the  peace  of  1763,  it  was  stipulated  that  the  line  between 
the  territories  of  England  and  France  in  America,  should  be  drawn 
through  the  centre  of  the  Mississippi,  from  its  source  to  the  river 
of  Iberville,  and  through  the  middle  of  that  river  and  the  Lakes 
Maurepas  and  Pontchartrain  to  the  sea.  By  this  was  added  to 
Great  Britain,  the  river  and  port  of  Mobile,  and  all  French  posses- 
sions on  the  left  side  of  the  Mississippi,  except  the  town  of  New 
Orleans,  and  island  on  which  it  stands.  Great  Britain  on  her  part, 
restored  islands  in  the  West  Indies.  To  Spain  was  added  the 
British  conquests  in  the  West  Indies,  made  from  her,  and  in 
return  she  gave  Florida,  Fort  St.  Augustine,  the  Bay  ofPensacola, 
and  all  the  Spanish  possessions  to  the  east  or  to  the  south-east  of 
the  river  Mississippi. 

Notwithstanding  the  cessation  of  hostihties  between  England, 
France,  and  Spain,  peace  was  not  restored  to  America.  The  In- 
dians generally,  sensible  of  the  encroachments  of  the  whites,  and 
impressed  with  the  idea,  that  the  English  intended  their  utter  ex- 
termination, formed  an  extensive  combination,  for  what  they  consi- 
dered self  defence,  and  the  tribes  on  the  Ohio,  with  those  about 
Detroit,  and  one  tribe  of  Iroquois,  (the  Senecas)  prepared  for  a 
simultaneous  attack  upon  the  English  frontiers. 

The  influence  of  Sir  W^illiam  Johnson,  kept  the  remainder  of 
the  Six  Nations  quiet,  or  apparently  so.  At  the  appointed  time, 
the  frontiers  of  Virginia,  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania,  w^ere  attack- 
ed. Great  numbers  of  settlers  were  massacred  with  all  the  barbarity 
attendant  upon  savage  warfare.  The  inhabitants  fled,  and  flou- 
rishing villages  were  abandoned  to  spoil  and  conflagration.  The 
traders  were  particularly  marked  as  victims  to  ferocity  and  revenge. 


•  See  Walsh's  U.  S.  &  G.  B.,  p.  134.     Russel's  Modern  Europe,  part  2d,  letter  35, 


LXX  APPENDIX. 


The  Indians  thirsting  for  rum,  a^d  never  abstaining  from  it,  (ex- 
cept, as  in  the  recent  case  of  the  Onondagas,  when  influenced  by 
the  prohibitory  decree  of  their  prophet,)  yet  despise,  and  hate  the 
traders,  who,  for  their  selfish  purposes,  present  the  poisoned 
draught  to  their  lips.  All  such  were  sacrificed  without  sparing  ; 
and  their  merchandize,  but  added  fuel  to  the  flame  of  deadly  ven- 
geance, only  to  be  satiated  with  blood. 

The  fortresses  of  Le  Boeuf,  Venango,  and  Presque  Isle,  were 
captured  in  succession  by  the  Indians ;  who  made  use,  of  what 
among  civilized  christains,  is  mildly  called  statagem,  rase  de  guerre, 
ordiplomatick  skill,to  accomplish  their  purposes;  but  in  their  case 
was  branded  with  the  terms  "  perfidy,  want  of  faith,"  or  any  other 
appellation  that  might  convey  disapprobation.  The  difference  be- 
tween meum  and  tuum  is  always  immense. 

In  several  instances,  the  allied  Indians,  when  they  invested  one 
fort,  assured  the  garrison  that  they  had  already  taken  all  the  others, 
and  set  forth  the  advantages  of  surrender,  contrasted  with  the  punish- 
ment they  would  inflict  upon  resistance.  Thus  fell  the  posts  above 
enumerated  and  the  more  important  fort  of  Michilimackinack. 
Still  the  forts  of  Detroit,  Niagara,  and  Pitt,  the  most  important  in 
that  chain,  once  intended  by  the  French  to  bind  the  English  colo- 
nies, and  now  viewed  by  the  Indians  as  the  badges  of  their  sub- 
jection, remained  in  the  hands  of  the  whites.  The  first,  com- 
manded the  region  between  Lakes  Huron  and  Erie  :  Niagara  had 
the  same  effect  between  Erie  and  Ontario  ;  and  Fort  Pitt  overawed 
the  tribes  of  Ohio.  Against  these,  distant  as  they  were  from  each 
other,  the  allied  tribes,  made  simultaneous  movements,  and  Forts 
Pitt  and  Detroit,  were  invested  at  the  same  time.  Address,  cour- 
age, and  perseverance,  were  displayed  by  the  race  of  Red-men  at 
this  period,  which  entitle  them  to  the  admiration  of  all  who  applaud 
the  exertions  of  those  who  fight  for  their  country,  and  their 
liberty. 

General  Amherst,  took  measures  to  preserve  these  posts,  so  re- 
cently obtained  from  the  French.  To  Detroit  he  sent  a  detach- 
ment under  Captain  Dalzel,  who,  after  performing  the  service 
for  which  he  was  intended,  marched  out  of  the  fort  to  inflict  punish- 
ment upon  the  beleaguers,  but  fell  into  a  well-concerted  ambus- 
cade, with  the  loss  of  his  life,  and  upwards  of  100  men,  killed 
and  wounded. 

The  garrison  was  however  strengthened,  and  remaining  on  the 
defensive,  the  enemy  gave  up  the  siege  and  retired. 

At  Fort  Pitt,  in  the  meantime,  the  efforts  of  the  besiegers  were 
incessant,  and  made  with  wonderful  ingenuity,  as  well  as  courage 
and  perseverance.  They  cut  off  all  communication  between  the 
fort  and  the  country.  They  advanced  close  to  the  place,  covering 
themselves  from  the  fire  of  the  besieged  by  digging  holes  in  the 


INDIAN  HOSTILITIES  AFTER  PEACE.  LXXI 

earth,  from  which  they  poured  their  shot  and  arrows,  tipped  with 
fire,  upon  the  scanty  garrison.  To  the  relief  of  Captain  Ecuyer, 
who  commanded,  General  Amherst  sent  Colonel  Bouquet,  who 
advanced  to  the  utmost  limits  of  civilization,  utterly  without  infor- 
mation of  the  state  of  friends  or  enemy  at  the  place  of  contest. 
He  left  the  most  cumbrous  part  of  his  convoy,  and  cautiously 
proceeded  toward  the  defile  at  Turtle  Creek.  The  Indians  had 
intelligence  of  his  approach,  and  determined  to  anticipate  him.  Se- 
cretly leaving  the  vicinity  of  the  fort,  they  advanced,  and  surround- 
ing Bouquet's  troops,  awaited  their  preparation  for  dinner,  on 
the  5th  of  August,  and  when  the  soldiers  were  busied  in  their 
culinary  arrangements,  a  destructive  fire  was  opened  upon  them 
from  the  trees  and  bushes  adjoining.  Order  was  restored  by  the 
effect  of  military  discipline,  and  the  troops  charged  and  drove  their 
foes  from  their  cover :  but  the  moment  pursuit  ceased,  the  attack 
re-commenced.  Through  the  whole  day,  this  contest  between 
trained  European  soldiers,  and  an  increasing  force  of  enemies, 
without  order,  but  systematically  retreating  or  pressing  forward,  as 
directed  by  individual  impulse,  guided  by  one  common  desire  for 
victory,  was  continued.  The  English  retreated  to  their  convoy, 
and  night  suspended  in  some  measure,  the  toils  and  dangers  of  the 
day.  At  the  dawn  of  the  next  morning,  the  natives  of  the  soil  pre- 
sented themselves  simultaneously  on  every  side,  raising  the  war- 
w^hoop,  as  a  signal  of  battle.  The  enfeebled  English,  had  to  re- 
sume the  conflict  under  more  discouraging  circumstances,  suf- 
fering under  thirst  from  the  heat,  and  a  want  of  water,  for  the  place 
of  their  encampment,  not  being  deliberately  chosen,  was  void  of 
this  vital  necessary.  Their  waggons  and  baggage  formed  a  ram- 
part, and  they  repulsed  every  attack  of  their  enemy :  but  there 
they  were  confined — they  must  defend  the  convoy,  and  their  nu- 
merous wounded  men.  Bouquet,  at  length,  adopted  a  ruse,  which 
gained  him  victory  and  safety.  By  a  pretended  flight  and  abon- 
donment  of  the  convoy,  he  induced  the  Indians  to  rush  on  to  the 
supposed  prey,  and  expose  themselves  to  the  fire  of  the  troops, 
advantageously  posted  for  their  destruction.  The  slaughter  was 
great.  The  chief  and  most  of  the  Indians  fell,  and  the  rest  dis- 
heartened at  being  beaten  in  their  own  mode  of  warfare,  fled  routed 
and  gave  up  the  contest.  Although  some  slight  skirmishing  oc- 
curred on  the  after  march  of  the  suffering,  though  victorious  troops, 
this  action  of  the  6th  of  August,  saved  Fort  Pitt,  and  seems  to 
have  discouraged  the  hostile  tribes  from  any  other  effective  efforts 
in  this  quarter. 

But  against  Niagara,  they  now  concentrated  their  force,  without 
approaching  the  fort,  but  surrounded  it  at  a  distance  and  watched 
every  opportunity  to  destroy  those,  who  ventured  beyond  safe  dis- 
tance, or  any  convoy  that  might  approach. 


LXXII  APPENDIX. 

On  the  14th  of  September,  w^ien  a  detachment  with  stores,  had 
nearly  reached  the  fort,  they  were  attacked,  seventy  men  instantly 
slain,  and  the  convoy  carried  off.  The  three  principal  forts  were, 
however,  so  well  reinforced  and  supplied,  that  they  were  put  out 
of  danger:  but  still  the  desultory,  and  destructive  succession  of 
attacks  on  the  frontiers,  continued  through  the  year. 


REVIEW  OF  VANDERDONCK'S  ACCOUNT  OF  NEW 
NETHERLANDS. 

Adrian  Vanderdonck,  L.L.D.,  published  in  Amsterdam  his 
book  on  the  New  Netherlands,  written  when  he  was  in  the  country; 
and  it  was  by  the  government  of  Holland  authorized  to  be  printed 
and  sold  for  his  sole  emolument,  (for  15  years)  in  the  year  1653. 

The  author  gives  the  boundaries  of  New  Netherlands  as  begin- 
ning north  of  the  equinoctial  line  38  degrees  and  53  minutes,  ex- 
tending north-easterly  along  the  sea-coast  to  the  42d  degree.  He 
resided  in  New  Netherlands  nine  years  ;  from  which  we  gather  that 
he  went  thither  as  early,  at  least,  as  the  year  1644.  He  tells  us 
that  the  Indians  about  New  Amsterdam  said  there  were  many  me- 
dicinal springs  in  the  interiour,  some  of  which  answer  to  our  famous 
Ballston  and  Saratoga  waters. 

In  the  time  of  the  good  Doctor,  the  Dutch  women  had  duly  ap- 
preciated the  value  of  rnit  tvood  or  hickory,  both  for  fire  on  their 
hearths  and  coals  for  their  foot-stoves,  "  because  they  last  longer 
than  others,  and  are  not  buried  in  ashes." 

The  bush-bur tiiJig,  or  periodical  clearing  of  the  land  by  fire,  is 
mentioned  by  Vanderdonck  as  practised  by  the  Indians  of  New 
Netherlands  for  facilitating  the  chase.  He  speaks  likewise  of  the 
conflagrations  of  pine  forests,  in  consequence  of  this  practice. 
Vineyards  were  already  cultivated  by  the  Dutch,  and  he  says, 
"they  have  introduced  foreign  stocks,  and  they  have  induced  men 
to  come  over  from  Heidelberg,  who  are  vine-dressers,  that  the 
defects  in  managing  their  vines  may  be  remedied."  Vander- 
donck speaks  of  this  practice  as  very  popular.  The  Nether- 
landers,  ever  fond  of  flowers,  introduced  from  Holland  a  variety  of 
roses,  and  carried  many  of  our  native  flowering  plants  and  trees  to 
Europe. 

Dr.  Vanderdonck  tells  us  that  at  the  time  in  which  he  wrote, 
there  had  already  been  formed  in  the  New  Netherlands  a  botanick 
garden,  where  a  great  variety  of  the  wild  plants  of  the  country  had 


REVIEW  OF  VANDERDONCK.  LXXIII 

been  collected  by  the  proprietor,  a  surgeon,  whose  name  he  does 
not  give  ;  but  this  surgeon  had  removed,  and  already  the  garden 
was  in  a  state  of  decay.     He  mentions  agricultural  experiments 
made  with  wild  indigo  seed  by   Gulian  Van  Rensselaer,  in  the 
Colonie  of  Rensselaervvyck,  and  likewise  by  Augustus  Heerman, 
near  New  Amsterdam.     He  says,  "  Mr.  Minuits  writes  that  he  has 
sown  Canary  seed,  and  that  it  grew  and  yielded  well,"  but  recom- 
mends the  cultivation  of  provisions,  for  which  the  country  is  so  well 
adapted  that  already  the  New  Netherlands  exported  to  the  \\  est 
Indies.     In  speaking  of  the  agriculture  of  New  Netherlands,  he 
mentions  his  having  resided  there  nine  years,  from  which  we  may 
conclude  that  (as  his  book  was  authorized  and  ready  for  publica- 
tion in  Holland  in  1653)  he  went  to  America  in  1644  or  before. 
During  nine  years'  residence,  he  had  "  never  seen  land  manured," 
such  was  its  strength.     It  appears  that  Indian  corn,  or  maize,  was 
cultivated  then  as  now,  and  planted  six  grains  to  the  hill,  on  ground 
from  which  the  woods  had  been  newly  removed.    When  the  maize 
was  gathered,  and  the  hills  levelled,  they  then  sowed  winter  grain. 
The  Reverend  Johannes  Megapolensis,  minister  of  the  Colonie 
oi  Rensselaer wyclc,  is  mentioned  by  Vanderdonck  as  a  man  of  truth 
and  learning,  and  his  letters  respecting  the  country  are  quoted.    Bar- 
ley, as  well  as  maize,  wheat,  and  rye,  were  successfully  raised;  and 
tobacco  only  inferiour  to  that  of  Virginia.     I'lax  and  hemp  grow 
well,  but  are  not  in  demand,  as  the  women  do  not  spin  much  flax, 
and  the  Indians  use  the  wild  hemp  of  the  forests. 

General  Jeremiah  Johnson,  the  translator  of  Vanderdonck,  him- 
self an  experienced  agriculturalist,  gives  full  credit  to  the  author's 
representation  of  the  strength  of  the  land  at  the  time,  which  is  said 
to  produce  twelve  crops  of  wheat  in  twelve  successive  years;  seven 
crops  of  wheat  have  been  gathered  in  Yates  County  in  seven  suc- 
cessive years. 

The  wild  animals,  which  Vanderdonck  enumerates  are  lions!  pan- 
thers, (or  catamounts  or  wild  cats)  wolves,  bears,  deer,  rackoons,  fox- 
es, squirrels,  rabbits,  beavers,  skunks,  minks,  and  muskrats ;  many  of 
them  were  pests  to  the  agriculturalist,  and  some  were  valued  for  their 
skin  or  flesh — others  as  subjects  for  the  sportsman's  amusement. 
He  says  the  flesh  of  the  rackoon  is  delicious,  and  describes  the  mode 
of  taking  them  in  his  time.  He  tells  us  that  they  "  usually  shelter 
in  hollow  trees,  wherein  they  lay  up  food  for  the  winter,  and  w^hich 
they  seldom  leave  during  that  season  except  for  drink.  It  is  a 
pleasure,"  he  says,  "to  take  rackoons  ;  the  trees  wherein  they  shel- 
ter, are  discovered  by  the  scratching  of  the  bark,  which  is  done  by 
the  rackoons  in  climbing  up  and  descending.  When  their  haunts 
are  discovered,  the  trees  are  cut  down,  and  by  the  fall  of  the  tree 
the  rackoon  is  stunned ;  he  reels  from  his  invaded  domicile  and 
falls  an  easy  prey  to  the  hunter." 

J 


LXXIV  APPENDIX. 

Of  the  birds  I  shall  say  nothing.  Our  authors  have  been  Uberal, 
and  on  that,  as  well  as  other  zoological  subjects,  given  us  ample 
information.  What  I  have  sfiid,  is  rather  to  give  a  view  of  the  times, 
than  of  the  animals  of  our  country.  The  mistaken  surmises  of  the 
learned  Doctor  likewise  mark  the  period  in  which  he  observed  and 
wrote  ;  as  his  supposition  that  quails  are  accustomed  (for  such  is 
his  inference  though  not  his  assertion)  to  alight  and  sit  in  tre^s. 
The  bird  we  of  New  York  call  quail,  and  our  neighbours  of 
Pennsylvania  more  justly  j)artridge,  never  does  so  except  when 
demented  by  terrour  :  in  excessive  fright,  they  betake  themselves 
to  a  tree,  or  even  dash  themselves  against  a  house  or  barn.  Of  the 
humming-bird  he  says,  "  There  is  also  another  small  curious  bird, 
concerning  which  there  are  disputations  whether  it  is  a  bird  or  a 
large  West  India  bee."  After  a  tolerably  accurate  description,  he 
adds,  "  I  have  not  observed  that  it  pecks  and  eats  with  its  beak, 
but  sucks  its  nourishment  from  flowers,  like  the  bees,  for  which  it 
has  members  in  its  beak  like  the  bees.  It  is  every  where  seen  on 
the  flowers  regaling  itself;  hence  it  has  obtained  the  name  of  the 
West  India  bee.  In  flying  they  also  make  a  humming  noise  like 
the  bee.  They  are  very  tender,  and  cannot  well  be  kept  alive;  we 
however  prepare  and  preserve  them  between  paper,  and  dry  them 
in  the  sun  and  send  them  as  presents  to  our  friends."  Of  fish, 
reptiles,  insects,  and  plants,  I  omit  his  account,  as  obsolete. 

Vanderdonck,  speaking  of  the  climate,  says,  *'  below  the  High- 
lands, towards  the  sea-coast,  the  winter  does  not  set  in  or  freeze 
much  before  Christmas ;  above  the  Highlands,  the  weatheris  colder, 
etc."  General  Woolsey,  at  Cumberland  Head,  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  told  me  that  he  did  not  look  for  the  freezing  of  the  lake  or 
the  commencement  of  hard  weather,  until  about  Christmas.  I 
write  this  at  New  York,  January  6th,  1838,  and  the  temperature 
is  that  of  May.  We  had  frost  and  a  little  snow  in  December ;  and 
in  the  year  1835,  the  middle  of  December  was  severely  cold — 
thermometer  from  4  to  6. 

Of  the  Indian  hunting  season,  Vanderdonck  says  it  is  about 
Christmas  :  the  deer  are  then  "  at  their  best ;  they  are  easily  ob- 
tained, as  the  woods  are  burnt  over  and  the  brush-wood  and  herb- 
age out  of  the  way." 

The  Indians  say,  that  "before  the  arrival  of  the  Christians, 
and  before  the  small  pox  broke  out,  they  were  ten  times  as  nume- 
rous as  they  now  are."  And  though  deer  were  killed  in  propor- 
tion to  the  numbers  of  the  natives,  no  diminution  w^as  observeable. 
He  says,  *'  At  Rensselaerwyck,  in  the  year  1645,  the  North  River 
closed  on  the  25th  of  November,  and  remained  frozen  very  late. 
Below  the  circle  of  the  Highlands,"  he  says,  "  the  south  wind  pre- 
vents the  continued   severity  of  winter ;  the  river  freezes  and  is 


REVIEW  OF  VANDERDONCK.  LXXV 

broken  up  two  or  three  times ;  the  snow  cannot  he  long  ;"  and  in 
short,  he  describes  the  chmate  as  we  now  find  it. 

Vanderdonck  leaves  a  memorial  of  the  natives  as  they  were  in 
his  time,  foreseeing,  as  he  says,  that  as  the  Christians  multiply,  the 
Indians  will  "  disappear  and  melt  aw^ay."  He  says,  the  men  and 
women  are  well  proportioned,  and  "  equal  in  height  to  the  Nether- 
landers.  Their  limbs  are  formed  for  activity  ;  they  can  run  very 
fast  and  for  a  long  time  ;  they  can  carry  heavy  packs,  but  to  all 
bodily  labour  the  men  have  a  particular  aversion.  During  his  long 
residence  he  saw  but  one  who  was  deformed.  If  a  cripple  or  lame 
person  is  seen,  it  is  found  to  have  proceeded  from  accident  or 
war."  He  does  not  think  that  they  have  "abundant  wisdom  from 
nature ;  but  there  are  no  lunaticks  or  fools  amongst  them.  Both 
men  and  women  have  broad  shoulders  and  slender  w^aists  ;  their 
hair  (before  old  age)  is  jet  black,  sleek  and  uncurled,  and  nearly 
as  coarse  as  a  horse's  tail."  Their  practice  of  eradicating  the 
beard  and  hair  on  the  body  he  mentions.  Their  dark  eyes  and 
white  teeth  are  not  forgotten,  and  "purblind  or  cross-eyed  persons 
are  rare  objects."  He  never  heard  of  an  Indian  born  blind,  but 
"  saw  one  who  had  lost  his  sight  by  the  small-pox."  He  describes 
their  colour  as  yellow,  bordering  on  olive,  which  he  attributes  to 
exposure  for  successive  generations;  "their  women  are  well  fa- 
voured and  fascinating,  though  with  various  features — seldom  very 
handsome,  and  rarely  unhandsome."  Some  of  the  Netherlanders 
had  chosen  companions  from  among  them,  and  their  attachment 
continued  firm.  The  Dutch  called  the  natives  savages  or  ivild 
men  :  the  male  is  in  the  Dutch  language  luilt,  and  the  female  ivil- 
den — the  i  pronounced  long  in  both. 

We  know  that  at  present  the  wild  tribes  are  at  times  without 
food  for  many  days ;  and  when  the  chase  gives  them  plenty,  they 
gorge  themselves  in  a  manner  that  appears  to  us  monstrous.  But 
when  the  Dutch  first  had  intercourse  with  the  savages  of  New 
Netherland,  food  was  uniformly  abundant,  and  the  Indians  ate  uni- 
formly and  in  moderation.  Fish  and  the  flesh  of  w^ild  animals  they 
boiled,  generally,  and  ate  without  salt  or  accompaniments,  except 
when  they  had  beans  ;  and  their  maize  (or  bread  from  it)  appears 
to  have  been  eaten  separately.  Both  flesh  and  maize  were  occa- 
sionally broiled  or  roasted.  The  women  pounded  the  maize  when 
ripe  and  hard  into  meal  or  sam]i.  Of  the  meal  he  says  they  make 
"  pap,  which  in  the  New  Netherlands  is  named  sajmfm  :  we  seldom 
go  into  an  Indian  lodge  at  any  time  of  the  day  without  seeing  the 
sapaen  preparing,  or  the  inmates  eating  it.  Their  dried  fish  and 
meat  they  sometimes  pound  and  mix  with  the  sapae?i :  this  is  usu- 
ally done  towards  spring,  when  their  stock  of  provision  is  low. 
They  have  no   stated  time  for  eating  ;  hunger  is  the  prompter."^ 


LXXVI  APPENDIX. 

Though  Vanderdonck  testifies  to  the  general  abstemious  or  mo- 
derate eating  of  the  natives,  he  observes  that  they  can  go  for  days 
without  food,  and  make  up  for  the  fast  by  plentiful  indulgence 
when  in  their  power,  "  but  without  overcharging  their  stomachs  or 
becoming  sick ;  and  although  they  eat  freely,  they  have  no  exces- 
sive eaters  or  gluttons  among  them.  Every  one  is  at  liberty  to 
partake  of  their  food  and  hospitality,  but  they  do  not  invite  others 
to  eat;  all  is  without  ceremony,  and  it  is  not  customary  with  them 
to  receive  compensation.  On  extraordinary  occasions  when  they 
wish  to  entertain  any  person,  they  prepare  beavers  tails,  bass 
heads,  with  parched  corn  meal,  or  very  fat  meat  stewed  with  shelled 
chestnuts  bruised."  Their  provision  for  a  long  journey  or  a  war 
expedition,  is  a  small  bag  of  corn  meal,  a  handful  of  which  with  a 
drink  of  water,  suffices  for  a  day.  When  they  obtain  in  addition 
fish  or  meat,  the  corn  meal  serves  for  bread,  or  is  saved. 

He  observes  of  clothing,  that  the  males  until  twelve  or  thirteen 
run  nearly  naked  in  summer,  the  girls  somewhat  covered.  Men 
in  summer  wear  a  piece  of  duffles,  if  they  can  purchase  it,  half  an 
ell  wide  and  nine  quarters  long,  which  they  gird  around  their  waists, 
and  draw  up  a  fold  to  cover  their  nakedness,  with  a  flap  of  each 
end  hanging  down  in  front  and  rear.  This  is  called  the  breech- 
cloth.  Before  they  knew  Europeans,  they  wore  a  skin  for  the 
purpose.  The  women  wear  a  cloth  suspended  from  a  girdle  and 
hanging  below  their  knees,  and  under  it  a  deer-skin  coat  girt 
around  the  waist,  ornamented  with  great  art,  and  tastefully  deco- 
rated with  wampum  worth  one  hundred  or  three  hundred  guilders. 
Both  sexes  wear  occasionally  a  plaid  of  duffles  cloth,  full  breadth, 
three  ells  long,  worn  over  the  right  shoulder,  drawn  in  the  form  of 
a  knot  round  the  body  with  the  ends  extending  below  the  knees  ; 
this  serves  as  a  covering  by  day  and  blanket  by  night.  The  leg- 
gins  and  mockasins,  with  or  whhout  wampum,  complete  the  dress: 
these  are  of  deer  or  buffalo  skin.  Even  the  husks  of  corn  or  maize 
sometimes  are  formed  into  mockasins.  "  The  men  usually  go  bare- 
headed ;  the  women  with  their  hair  bound  behind  in  a  club  of  about 
a  hand  long,  in  the  form  of  a  beaver's  tail,  over  which  they  draw  a 
square  cap,  which  is  frequently  ornamented  with  wampum."  As 
a  particular  decoration,  they  wear  a  band  bound  around  the  head, 
enriched  with  wampum ;  this  confines  the  hair,  keeping  it  smooth, 
and  is  tied  in  a  knot  to  fall  over  the  club  or  braid  behind.  These 
bands  have  been  hkened  to  the  head  dresses  of  the  Grecian  women  of 
old  :  round  their  necks  they  wear  strings  of  wampum,  or  other  orna- 
mental necklaces,  and  bracelets  of  wampum  adorn  their  arms. 
"  Their  persons  appear  about  half  covered  with  an  elegantly  wrought 
dress ;  they  wear  beautiful  girdles  ornamented  with  their  favourite 
wampum ;"'  (the  Doctor  of  Laws  is  evidently  describing  the  belles  of 


REVIEW  OF  VANDERDONCK.  LXXVII 

t-he  forest) — ''  and  costly  ornaments  in  their  ears."  He  says  in  ad- 
dition to  all  this,  when  particularly  desirous  to  please,  they  paint 
their  faces  "  with  a  few  black  stripes,"  as  we  may  presume  the 
beauties  among  us  formerly  put  black  patches  on  their  cheeks  and 
foreheads,  to  give  by  contrast  greater  briUiancy  to  their  complex- 
ions. The  Doctor  says  that  these  Indian  beauties  "  usually  appear 
sedate,"  but  he  says  this  is  merely  to  disguise  what  he  gives  us  to 
understand  is  a  very  opposite  disposition. 

"  The  men  uniformly  paint  themselves,  particularly  their  faces, 
with  various  colours."  We  see  by  this  description  of  the  Indians 
of  Manhattoes  in  1660,  that  they  resembled  in  dress  and  manners, 
those  who  are  yet  free  and  live  in  abundance,  where  game  abounds  ; 
except  in  that  ferocity  and  warlike  equipment,  which  the  latter  have 
borrowed  from  European  neighbours  or  visiters.  In  their  friendly 
disposition,  they  resemble  the  kind,  hospitable,  and  amiable  peo- 
ple, beyond  the  Rocky  Mountains,  as  described  by  Mr.  Irving,  in 
the  words  of  Captain  Bonneville  :  those  people  who  were  mur- 
dered for  sport,  by  the  civilized  hunters  and  trappers,  sent  by 
Christain  traders  into  their  country,  to  destoy  the  game  on  which 
they  subsist.* 

Vanderdonck  describes  the  men  of  the  country,  as  disguising  both 
their  faces  by  painting,  and  their  emotions  by  an  assumed  indiffe- 
rence :  "  they  scarcely  turn  their  heads  to  notice  an  object."  This 
was  not  so  when  Verazzanno  first  had  intercourse  with  them,  or 
even  when  Hudson  explored  our  bay  and  great  river.  Describing 
their  dress,  the  Doctor  says,  "  Some  of  them  wear  a  band  about 
their  heads ;"  this  he  describes,  as  manufactured  from  the  hair  of 
deer,  stained  of  scarlet  colour,  and  interwoven  with  soft  shining 
hair  of  another  tint  of  red,  and  says,  that  this  brilliant  crown,  is 
like  the  rays  of  glory,  with  which  painters  represent  saints  and 
apostles  for  the  Romish  Churches.  When  thus  arrayed,  a  young 
Indian  is  too  stately  to  speak  to  ordinary  persons,  or  on  a  vulgar 
subject.  But  this  is  only  a  gala  or  a  courting  dress.  In  general, 
he  says,  they  are  filthy  and  negligent  in  their  appearance.  In 
winter,  the  women  and  children  do  not  go  abroad  much :  when 
they  do,  they  are  covered  "with  duffles  and  other  articles."  The 
men  grease  themselves  with  bear  and  rackoon  fat,  and  wrap  them- 
selves in  the  skins  of  the  wild  animals  ;  and  thus  easily  withstand 
the  cold.  The  Doctor,  sums  up  his  chapter  of  the  dress  of  the 
wild  men,  by  saying,  tbat  when  dressed  they  are  very  great  fops  : 
and  that  now,  "  many  of  them  begin  to  wear  shirts,  which  they 
buy  from  our  people,"  and  this  article  of  finery,  is  worn  without 
washing,  as  long  as  it  will  hang  together. 


*  See  Irving's  Bonneville. 


LXXVIII  APPENDIX. 


The  Indian  houses  (wigwams  or  week  warns)  of  this  period,  were 
built,  by  placing  two  rows  of  slender  saplins,  with  the  bark  peeled 
off,  opposite  each  other,  at  about  twenty  feet  distance,  to  any  length 
they  desire  :  the  tops  of  these  poles  are  bent  and  joined,  so  as  to 
form  an  arch.  Split  saplins  like  lath,  are  then  interwoven  with  the 
first,  leaving  an  aperture  above.  This  frame  work,  is  covered 
with  oak  and  chestnut,  or  other  bark,  in  pieces  as  broad  as  they  can 
procure  it,  laying  the  smooth  side  inwards,  and  preserving  the 
opening  above  to  let  out  the  smoke.  The  bark  is  lapped  over  to 
anticipate  its  shrinking,  and  secured  by  withes  to  the  frame-work. 
Thus  the  building  is  tolerably  proof  against  wind  and  rain.  One 
door  in  the  centre  serves  for  every  house,  and  the  interiour  is  in 
common.  Be  the  house  ever  so  long,  the  fires  are  made  in  the 
centre  that  the  smoke  may  issue  at  the  hole  above,  and  thus  seve- 
ral families  live  in  one  wigwam,  each  having  its  own  place,  and  all 
sleeping  by  the  side  of  the  fires  by  night,  or  assembled  about  the 
kettle  by  day.  A  hundred  or  more  live  in  one  building,  and  such 
is  the  picture  of  Indian  life,  except  when  out  on  fishing  or  hunting 
excursions,  when  they  erect  slighter  wigwams,  or  live  in  the  open 
air. 

The  Doctor  describes  their  castles,  or  palisadoed  strong-holds, 
as  placed  on  the  side  of  a  steep  and  high  hill,  near  a  river,  and  dif- 
ficult of  access,  except  from  the  w^ater.  The  hill  so  chosen,  has  on 
its  summit  a  level  plain,  which  they  enclose  with  a  strong  stockade, 
made  thus  :  First  they  lay  along,  on  the  ground,  large  logs  of  wood, 
piling  others  on  them  ;  on  each  side  of  this  foundation,  they  drive 
in  the  ground  strong  oak  palisades,  the  upper  ends  of  which,  cross 
each  other,  and  are  joined  together :  in  the  upper  cross  of  the  pal- 
isades, they  then  place  the  bodies  of  trees,  which  make  the  work 
strong  and  firm.  These  they  consider  secure,  but  he  remarks,  "in  a 
war  with  Christians,  those  afford  them  no  security  ;  on  the  contrary, 
they  do  them  more  injury  than  good."  He  says,  within  their  cas- 
tles, they  have  twenty  or  thirty  houses,  some  of  w^hich  he  measured, 
and  found  one  hundred  and  eighty  yards  long,  and  only  twenty  feet 
wide.  In  such  a  place  great  numbers  are  crowded  together.  Be- 
sides their  strong-holds,  they  have  villages  and  towns  which  are 
enclosed,  those  usually  have  woodland  on  one  side,  and  cornland 
on  the  other  sides.  Villages  are  likewise  frequent  at  the  fishing 
places,  where  they  cultivate  a  few  vegetables,  and  leave  the  place 
on  the  approach  of  winter.  Then  the  woods  afford  shelter  and 
venison,  and  in  the  spring  they  come  in  multitudes  to  the  sea  shore 
and  bays,  to  take  oysters,  clams,  and  every  kind  of  shell  fish,  which 
they  know  how  to  dry  and  preserve  good,  a  long  time. 

I  am  particular  in  noting  and  transcribing  from  Vanderdonck,  as 
a  writer  of  observation,  and  of  the  early  times  :  he  is  evidently  a 
man  of  veracity,  and  when  he  speaks  from  another's  information,  he 


REVIEW  OF  VANDERDONCK.  LXXIX 

• 

tells  us  so.  I  shall  continue  to  follow  him.  He  speaks  of  poly- 
gamy as  confined  to  the  chiefs,  who  had  in  his  time,  some  three  or 
four  wives,  and  expresses  his  astonishment  at  the  harmony  existing 
among  them  ;  all  esteeming  and  obeying  their  husbands.  He  ad- 
mires the  simplicity  of  their  marriage  ceremony,  and  the  choice 
which  is  usually  made  according  to  fitness  and  condition,  some- 
times with,  often  without,  the  advice  of  relatives.  The  men,  ac- 
cording to  their  condition,  must  always  present  to  the  betrothed 
some  gift,  as  a  pledge  of  his  affection  or  token  of  their  agreement. 
It  appears,  however,  that  marriages  were  dissolved  with  very  litde 
ceremony,  sometimes  by  mutual  agreement,  and  often  by  the 
caprice  of  the  man  :  the  woman  being  "turned  out  of  doors." 

The  Doctor  testifies,  that  the  dissolution  of  marriages  was  ge- 
nerally to  be  imputed  to  the  fault  of  the  husband,  but  he  does  not 
give  us  an  exalted  notion  of  the  chastity  of  their  partners.  The  ab- 
sence of  danger  and  disease  at  the  period  of  gestation,  has  always 
been  remarked  as  a  privilege  enjoyed  by  the  Wilden,  and  although 
Vanderdonck  gives  several  theories  to  account  for  it,  we  continue 
to  think  it  a  blessing  that  attends  uncontrolled  natural  shape,  un- 
confined  bodies,  and  limbs  accustomed  to  exercise.  The  male 
child  is  immersed  on  its  birth  in  the  coldest  water,  even  in  winter, 
and  then  treated  with  care,  and  in  the  manner  well  known  to  us : 
every  mother  giving  nature's  nourishment  to  her  child,  with  a  holy 
attention  to  its  welfare.  There  are  civihzed  people,  whose  females 
are  not  so  scrupulous.  Many  of  the  customs  appertaining  to  women, 
are  similar  to  those  prescribed  to  the  Jews.  Most  of  the  customs 
among  the  Indians,  are  such  as  are  still  found,  where  they  are  un- 
contaminated. 

Of  the  manner  of  burying  the  dead,  the  Doctor  speaks  at  length, 
and  makes  the  ceremony  attendant  on  burials  more  universal  and 
more  attended  to  by  relatives,  than  those  writers  who  describe  the 
customs  of  this  people  at  a  later  day.  The  attention  to  the  corpse 
of  course  varies  according  to  station  and  character  in  life.  He 
says,  the  nearest  relatives,  "  extend  the  limbs  and  close  the  eyes" 
of  the  dead.  After  several  days  of  watching  and  weeping,  the 
corpse  is  deposited  in  the  earth,  in  a  sitting  posture,  "upon  a  stone 
or  a  block  of  wood." 

I  have  been  informedby  a  person  conversant  with  the  subject,  that 
when  a  death  occurred  in  a  family,  the  women  commenced  a  kind 
of  howling  monotonous  lamentation,  which  called  the  neighbouring 
females  to  the  wigwam,  who  joined  in  the  mournful  song.  This 
continued  until  the  body  was  buried  ;  and  sometimes  for  days  after. 
The  corpse  is  carried  to  the  grave  by  men  ;  others  following,  with- 
out apparent  distinction  or  order.  The  women  remain  in  the  wig- 
wam continuing  their  lament.  The  body  of  the  deceased  is  depo- 
sited by  the  side  of  the  last  of  die  tribe  who  had  been  buried,  and 


LXXX  APPENDIX. 


some  ornaments  are  usually  thrown  in  the  grave.  The  relations 
of  the  deceased  do  not  follow  the  corpse  to  its  place  of  intended 
rest.  In  the  township  of  Fompey  is  a  very  extensive  cemetery 
where  the  bones  of  the  aborigines  lie  in  rows,  side  by  side,  for 
acres.  The  present  owners  of  the  soil  frequently,  when  ploughing, 
turn  up  parts  of  the  human  skeleton,  and  occasionally  some  arti- 
cles of  dress,  or  instrument  of  war.  The  head  that  guided  the 
council,  and  the  arm  that  wielded  the  tomahawk,  are  scratched  up- 
on the  surface  with  as  little  ceremony,  as  is  used  in  our  city 
when  levelling  a  graveyard  to  make  way  for  a  street,  or  an  exca- 
vation for  the  cehar  of  a  storehouse.  It  is  observed  that  the  wan- 
dering Indians  assiduously  avoid  this  township.  They  feel  that 
not  only  their  land  has  passed  from  them,  but  the  resting  place  of 
their  ancestors. 

Articles  are  placed  in  the  grave  as  for  use  in  hunting,  war, 
and  other  occupations.  "  They  then  place  as  much  wood 
around  the  body  as  will  keep  the  earth  from  it  ;  above  the 
grave  they  place  a  large  pile  of  wood,  stone  or  earth,"  and  surround  it 
with  palisades.  Their  cemeteries,  our  author  says,  were  secluded 
and  held  sacred.  The  women  are  the  mourners.  Their  expres- 
sions of  grief  are  violent :  those  of  a  mother  for  her  child,  amount- 
ing to  wailings,  and  "  expressions  of  grief,  exceeding  all  bounds." 
To  mention  the  name  of  the  deceased  in  presence  of  relatives,  is 
considered  an  insult.  As  a  token  of  mourning,  black  paint  is  used. 
"  When  a  woman  loses  her  husband  she  shaves  her  hair,  and 
paints  her  whole  countenance  black." 

Our  author  says,  that  their  festivals  are  held  on  special  occasions, 
as  peace,  war,  or  devotion  ;  "  or  to  consult  the  devil,"  as  to  future 
events.  On  matters  of  policy  they  deliberate  long,  "  and  all 
the  chiefs,  and  persons  of  any  distinction  of  the  nation,  assemble 
in  their  councils."  Each  expresses  his  opinion  freely,  and  at  as 
great  a  length  as  he  pleases,  without  interruption.  "  If  the  speaker 
even  digresses  from  the  matter  in  hand,  or  opposes  others,  he  is 
heard  with  attention.  If  they  approve  of  what  has  been  said,  at 
the  conclusion  they  shout."  He  says,  their  councils  are  only  held 
in  the  afternoon.  But  for  consulting  the  devil,  the  afternoon  and 
evening  are  chosen,  when  ceremonies  take  place,  which  he  thus  des- 
cribes. "  They  begin  with  jumping,  crying,  grinning,  and  howl- 
ing, as  if  they  were  possessed  and  mad.  They  kindle  large  fires, 
and  dance  around  and  over  the  same,  length-wise  and  across  ; 
they  roll  and  tumble  over  head,  and  beat  themselves,  and  continue 
their  violent  exercise  and  gestures,  until  their  sweat  pours  out  and 
streams  down  to  their  fe^t."  The  Doctor  says,  they  appear  at 
such  times  like  devils.  The  "  devil-drivers,"  conjurers,  or  me- 
dicine men,  take  the  lead  in  all  this  extravagance,  until,  as  they 
say,  "  the  devil  appears  to  them,  in  the  form  of  a  beast,"  which  if 


REVIEW  OF  VANDERDONCK.  LXXXI 

ravenous,  is  a  bad  omen,  if  harmless,  a  good  omen.  The  animal 
is  consulted  and  answers  their  queries,  but  in  the  old  oracular  man- 
ner, capable  of  any  interpretation.  If  any  "  Christains  be  present 
on  these  occasions,"  the  devil  will  not  appear. 

The  conjurers  "bewitch  some  of  the  common  people  :"  when 
the  victim  appears  as  if  possessed,  throws  himself  into  the  fire, 
"  without  feeling  it,"  but  if  the  medicine-man  whispers  in  his  ear, 
the  charm  is  dissolved,  and  the  bewitched  "  becomes  as  gentle  as 
a  lamb."  On  occasions  of  rejoicing,  Vanderdonck  says,  they 
"  meet  at  mid-day."  The  orator  explains  the  cause  of  the  assem- 
bling. They  then  eat,  and  voraciously,  as  if  in  honour  of  the  oc- 
casion :  this  done,  the  aged  smoke,  and  the  young  sing  and  dance. 
"  When  we  speak  to  the  natives  of  creation,"  the  Doctor  says, 
"  we  can  never  satisfy  them  on  the  subject,  or  receive  from  them 
any  affirmation  that  they  believe  in  the  doctrine."  He  appears  to 
have  heard  of  the  voyages  of  the  Northmen,  and  speaks  of  a  "certain 
chief  named  Sachema^  and  that  they  had  never  been  heard  from 
after  they  sailed ;  and  as  the  native  chiefs  of  the  New  Netherlands, 
who  reside  along  the  rivers  and  sea  shore,  are  called  Sachems^  they 
conclude  that  the  country  was  peopled  by  these  adventurers." 
Our  author,  however,  leans  to  the  opinion  that  men,  as  well  as  lioiis 
and  bears,  came  from  Asia,  and  says,  that  "  memorials  of  Chinese 
origin,  are  found  in  the  Brazils." 

I  shall  say  little  of  Vanderdonck's  remarks  on  the  variation  of 
tribes  and  language.  We  have  better  authority  in  more  recent 
authors.  He  makes  four  distinct  languages,  beside  dialects,  viz  : 
that  of  the  Manhattoes,  the  Minquas,  the  Savanoo,  and  the  Wap- 
panoo  :  by  the  first,  meaning  "  those  who  live  in  the  neighbouring 
places  along  the  North  River  on  Long  Island  and  at  the  Neversink. 
With  the  Minquas,  we  include  the  Senecas,  the  Maquas,  and  other 
inland  tribes.  The  Savanoos  are  the  southern  nations  ;  and  the 
Wappanoos  are  the  north-eastern  nations." 

At  this  time,  very  little  gold  or  silver  was  used  as  a  medium  of 
trade  in  New  Netherlands,  but  generally  the  Indian  money,  wam- 
pum (or  "  zeewant'^  or  seawant)  of  which  some  particulars  are  men- 
tioned by  the  Doctor  worth  noting.  It  is  made  by  any  one  who  has 
the  will  and  the  skill.  It  is  either  white  or  black,  the  latter  being 
the  most  valuable,  and  is  made  from  the  conch-shells,  wJdch  are  cast 
ashore  twice  a  year.  The  thin  parts  are  broken  off,  and  from  the 
pillars  or  standards  the  wampum  is  made  by  grinding  them  smooth 
and  even,  and  reducing  them  to  the  thickness  required  ;  a  hole  is 
then  drilled  through  each  piece,  and  they  are  strung  for  use. 
How  this  was  performed  by  the  Indians  with  their  imperfect  tools, 
he  does  not  tell  us. 

Of  manners  and  morals  he  observes,  that  the  natives  are  delibe- 
rate of  speech,  "  despise  lying ;  but  since  they  have  resorted  among 

K 


I-XXXII  APPENDIX. 

US,  they  have  become  cunning  and  deceitful."  They  beg  without 
hesitation,  (or  ask  for  that  which  they  desire,)  but  are  not  offended 
by  refusal.  "  They  are  all  free  by  nature,  and  will  not  bear  any 
insult,  unless  they  have  done  wrong,  and  then  they  will  bear  chas- 
tisement without  resentment."  Revenge  was  then,  as  now,  a  prin- 
ciple of  action.  To  swim,  they  are  accustomed  from  infanqy. 
They  lounge,  sleep,  smoke,  or  "play  a  game  with  pieces  of  reeds 
resembling  om*  drafts,  and  also  our  card  playing."  The  old  men 
knit  netts  and  make  wooden  bowls  and  ladles.     The  women  work. 

The  general  remedy  for  disease  was  fasting  or  sweating.  For 
the  latter,  they  erected  a  small  clay  hut,  into  which  the  patient 
crept,  after  it  was  prepared  by  heated  stones :  here  he  remains  as 
long  as  possible,  and  then  issues  to  be  plunged  in  cold  water.  All 
this  is  long  known.  I  remark  it  as  being  then  known  as  one  of  their 
customs.  Other  people  have  practised  it.  Roots  and  herbs  are 
used  to  cure  wounds,  and  their  efficacy  is  known,  as  well  as  the 
sagacity  with  which  the  Indians  use  them.  The  magical  powows 
of  the  medicine-men  are  mentioned.  The  general  health,  and  ease 
with  which  wounds  or  sickness  are  removed,  are  justly  attributed 
to  simple  diet  and  the  exercise  of  the  chase.  Fish  they  take  in 
"  seines,  set-netts,  small  fikes,  wears,  and  by  laying  hooks  :" 
these  snares  were  attended  to  by  the  old  men,  women  and  children, 
when  the  young  men  were  out  on  hunting  expeditions.  Our  author 
says  they  sometimes  hunted  in  companies — sometimes  made  "fikes 
with  palisades,"  into  which  they  drove  the  hunted  animals.  He 
remarks  that  the  beavers  are  far  inland  and  distant  from  the  settle- 
ments, and  are  principally  taken  by  the  black  Minquas — so  called 
because  they  wear  a  black  "  badge  on  their  breasts." 

"  For  beaver-hunting  the  Indians  go  in  large  parties  and  remain 
out  from  one  to  two  months,  during  which  time  they  subsist  by 
hunting,  and  on  a  little  corn  meal,  which  they  carry  out  with  them  ; 
and  they  frequently  return  home  with  forty  to  eighty  beaver-skins 
per  man,"  besides  skins  of  others,  etc.  It  is  estimated  that  800,000 
beavers  are  killed  annually  in  this  quarter  of  the  country,  and  many 
buffaloes,  bears,  etc,  which  causes  apprehension  that  the  wild  ani- 
mals will  be  destroyed  :  however,  the  Doctor  thinks  not,  seeing 
the  extent  of  the  country  "even  to  the  great  south  sea,"  and  the 
many  districts  in  which  "the  animals  will  remain  unmolested,''^ 

Vanderdonck  says  the  Indians  "  remark  that  they  do  not  know 
why  one  man  should  be  so  much  higher  than  another,  as  we  repre- 
sent them  to  be."  He  might  have  answered,  that  we  can  give  no 
good  reason  for  it,  and  that  it  is  the  disgrace  of  the  European  na- 
tions, because  it  is  a  bar  to  the  progress  of  all  that  is  good  or  esti- 
mable among  men — placing  as  the  highest  grade  in  society  (not  the 
most  virtuous  or  most  wise,  but,)  those  whose  fathers  have  attained 
wealth,  power,  distinction,  by  whatever  means  achieved ;  and  this 


REVIEW  OF  VANDERDONCK.  LXXXIII 

although  the  sons  may  be  stupid,  ignorant,  vicious,  and  despicably 
vile.  It  is  a  bar  to  the  progress  of  good,  because  nations  of  men 
(the  great  mass  of  community,)  are  accustomed  to  look  up  with 
awe  and  reverence  to  the  hereditary  possession  of  wealth  or  titular 
distinction,  as  being  above  them,  and  to  be  imitated — instead  of 
feeling  their  own  dignity  and  responsibility  as  rational  creatures. 
It  is  a  hindrance  to  moral  improvement,  because  men  become 
accustomed  to  pay  that  deference  to  a  factitious  class  whose  influ- 
ence is  baneful  to  society — as  promoting  and  continuing  the  degra- 
dation of  man — which  is  due  to  virtue  alone. 

The  American  Indian  in  1656  knew  no  superiour  but  as  snjpe- 
riour  in  merit.  The  chief  was  only  such,  because  by  valour  and 
wisdom  he  had  proved  himself  worthy  of  his  station.  The  influ- 
ence of  his  virtues  gave  his  son  a  preference  over  others,  his  ack- 
nowledged equals  ;  but  only  as  the  son  inherited  the  talents  of  his 
father  or  followed  in  his  footsteps :  otherwise  he  sank  to  the  level 
of  those  whose  faculties  were  of  the  common  order,  or  still  lower. 

To  Vanderdonck  and  his  companions  it  appeared  that  there  were 
nobles  among  the  Indians  of  New  Netherland  ;  and  the  chiefs  were 
called  kings  by  the  Europeans.  They  saw  that  the  child  of  the 
chief,  if  competent  to  lead  in  war  or  persuade  in  council,  was  pre- 
ferred to  any  other  leader,  and  in  the  case  of  his  being  a  minora  a 
kind  of  regent  ruled  until  his  manhood  could  evince  the  talents 
necessary  for  a  chief. 

Among  all  barbarians,  bodily  strength,  activity  and  courage  must 
be  highly  esteemed.  The  Indians  of  New  Netherland  paid  great 
deference  to  the  chief  whose  warlike  exploits  proved  him  a  brave 
in  battle,  and  a  sagacious  contriver  of  schemes  by  which  to  circum- 
vent and  destroy.  "  They  are,"  says  our  author,  "  artful  in  their 
measures,  furious  in  their  attacks,  and  unmerciful  victors."  It  was 
already  evident  to  their  visiters  that  they  were  not  soldiers  in  open 
fight.  To  destroy  without  endangering  themselves  was  their 
glory  ;  to  fly  from  an  enemy  was  no  disgrace.  If  placed  in  a  situ- 
ation of  danger  from  which  there  is  no  escape,  then  they  resist  to 
the  last  manfully  ;  death  was  preferable  to  a  captivity  from  which 
there  was  no  ransom,  and  to  the  certainty  of  torture,  unless  adopted 
by  some  parent  who  had  lost  a  son  or  some  near  relative.  Unless  at 
the  moment  of  furious  assault,  they  spared  women  and  children ; 
and  our  author  says  the  women  are  treated  "  as  they  treat  their  own, 
and  the  children  they  bring  up  as  they  do  their  own,  to  strengthen 
their  nation."  He  hints  that  the  Netherlanders  gained  notice  of 
the  designs  of  the  Indians  from  their  women,  who  might  be  induced 
to  betray  the  confidence  of  their  husbands  or  lovers.  He  describes 
their  weapons  of  offence  and  defence  (before  the  introduction  of 
fire-arms)  as  being  "  bows  and  arrows,  with  a  war-club  hung  to  the 
arm,  and  a  square  shield  which  covered  the  body  up  to  the  shoulders." 


LXXXIV  APPENDIX. 

To  the  club  succeeded  the  tomabawk,  (a  hatchet  bought  from  the 
Europeans)  and  to  the  bow  and  arrow,  the  gun,  powder,  and  lead, 
which  they  immediately  became  dexterous  in  using.  The  shield 
was  dismissed.  Every  tree  is  a  shield  to  the  Indian.  It  is  proba- 
bly the  Iroquois  our  author  has  in  mind  when  he  speaks  of  the 
wars  of  the  natives ;  for  they  were  above  all  as  to  the  arts  of  de- 
struction. 

"  We  Netherlanders,"  says  Vanderdonck,  "  are  astonished  to 
find  that  such  societies  can  remain  united  where  there  is  no  regard 
paid  to  the  administration  of  justice."  He  testifies  to  the  unfre- 
quency  of  crimes  among  them ;  and  says  that  crimes  were  more 
frequent  among  the  Dutch,  although  they  "supported  a  watchful 
police,"  than  among  the  natives  who  had  none,  and  w^ho,  if  detected 
in  a  thievery,  were  only  obliged  by  their  chief  to  return  the  article 
and  receive  his  reprimand  for  the  delinquency — a  punishment  which 
they  appeared  to  dread.  If  the  Netherlander  detected  an  Indian 
in  stealing  a  knife,  an  axe,  or  such  like  tempting  article,  he  chas- 
tised him  "freely,"  and  the  culprit  received  it  unresistingly.  In 
nine  years'  residence  in  the  country,  he  says  he  had  not  heard  "of 
any  capital  offences."  An  instance  of  infanticide  committed  by  an 
unmarried  prostitute,  went  unpunished,  as  did  several  assauhs  com- 
mitted by  a  man  upon  women  whom  he  found  in  solitary  places. 

In  cases  of  murder,  the  chiefs  only  interfere  to  prevent  the  feud 
extending  further,  by  reconciling  the  avenger,  one  near  of  kindred, 
with  gifts  from  the  murderer  as  an  atonement.  If  not  thus  recon- 
ciled, the  relations  pursue  the  murderer  to  death.  If  the  murderer 
is  slain  before  twenty-four  hours  have  elapsed  from  the  time  in  which 
the  crime  is  committed,  Vanderdonck  says,  the  avenger  is  not  Hable 
to  the  vengeance  of  the  relatives  of  the  man  he  has  slain  ;  but  if 
longer  time  elapses,  he  in  his  turn  is  liable  to  pursuit  and  death. 
He  says  "a  murderer  seldom  is  killed  after  the  first  twenty-four 
hours  are  past;  but  he  must  flee  and  remain  concealed,  when  the 
friends  endeavour  to  reconcile  the  parties,  which  is  frequently 
agreed  to  on  condition  that  the  nearest  relatives  of  the  murderer, 
be  they  men  or  women  or  children,  on  meeting  the  relatives  of  the 
person  murdered,  must  give  the  way  to  them."  This  (as  the 
Doctor  has  previously  said  that  during  his  nine  years'  residence  he 
had  not  heard  of  a  capital  offence)  must  be  taken  as  hearsay  infor- 
mation. In  Tanner's  Narrative  we  have  positive  testimony  on  this 
and  many  other  subjects. 

His  description  of  the  torturing  captives,  is  the  same  as  men- 
tioned by  others.  He  does  not  say  he  witnessed  a  scene  of  the 
kind. 

Vanderdonck's  notions  of  the  relis^ion  of  the  Indians  of  New 
Netherland  is  confused  and  contradictory.  He  says  "  they  neither 
know  nor  say  any  thing  of  God,"  and  then  tells  us  that  "  they  ack- 


REVIEW  OF  VANDERDONCK.  LXXXV 

novvledge  the  soul  proceeds  from  God  and  is  his  gift."  He  says 
they  have  no  superstitions,  and  afterwards  mentions  superstitious 
fears  and  customs.  He  says  they  swear  by  the  sun  who  "  sees  all 
things,"  and  reverence  the  moon;  they  distinguish  the  planets  from 
the  stars,  but  do  not  worship  them.  "  They  profess  great  fear  of 
the  devil,  who  they  believe  causes  their  diseases,  etc."  To  reli- 
gious discourses  they  listen  attentively,  but  without  any  apparent 
effect.  Some  of  the  old  men  say  that  in  former  times  God  was 
known  among  the  Indians,  but  they  not  knowing  how  to  read  and 
write,  he  was  forgotten.  If  told  that  their  conduct  is  offensive  to 
the  Deity,  they  answer,  "we  have  never  seen  him — if  you  know 
him  and  fear  him,  as  you  say  you  do,  how  happens  it  that  there  are 
so  many  thieves,  drunkards,  and  evil-doers  found  among  you  ?" 
The  Indian  further  concluded  that  God  would  punish  the  Dutch 
for  disobeying  him,  whereas  he  had  never  made  himself  known  to 
the  Indian.  Vanderdonck  remarks  on  the  very  few  who  become 
Christians,  and  the  universal  practice  of  the  Indian  children  educa- 
ted among  the  Dutch,  of  returning  to  their  native  tribes  when  adults. 
He  tells  us  a  story  from  a  trader  who  went  among  the  French  In- 
dians, who  says  that  in  1639  he  talked  on  the  subject  of  religion 
with  a  chief  who  spoke  good  French,  and  this  chief  told  him  that 
he  had  been  so  far  instructed  that  he  often  said  the  mass  among 
the  Indians,  and  that  on  a  certain  occasion,  the  place  where  the 
altar  stood  caught  fire  by  accident,  and  the  Indians  made  prepara- 
tions to  extinguish  it ;  but  he  forbade  them  "  saying  tJtat  God  who 
who  is  placed  there  (on  the  altar*)  is  almighty,  and  he  will  put  out 
the  fire  himself."  We  waited  attentively  looking  on,  but  the  fire 
continued  until  the  almighty  God  himself,  with  all  the  fine  things 
which  were  about  him  were  burnt  up  :  since  that  time  I  have  never 
held  to  that  relio-ion,  but  reo-ard  the  sun  and  the  moon  much  more. 
And  he  gave  for  his  preference  their  warmth,  light,  and  produc- 
tiveness. To  their  belief  in  a  future  state  and  in  rewards  and  pun- 
ishments our  author  testifies,  and  admires  their  distinguishing  be- 
tween the  body  and  the  soul.  As  to  their  notion  of  a  place  of  bliss, 
or  the  contrary,  it  of  course  is  conformable  to  their  present  state 
and  desires. 

Another  notion  is  mentioned  by  our  author  at  great  length.  It 
amounts  to  a  belief  that  God  is  in  Heaven,  enjoying  happiness, 
and  entrusts  the  affairs  of  the  earth  to  the  devil.  As  to  their  fables 
of  the  creation,  I  cannot  think  them  worth  copying  from  the  Doc- 
tor. A  chapter  on  the  beaver  finishes  the  work ;  for,  the  pages 
occupied  by  a  discourse  between  a  patriot  and  a  New  Netherlander 
are  of  a  distinct  character:  in  this,  hov/ever,  may  be  gathered  hints 


Referring  probably  to  the  Romish  doctrine  of  Transubstantiation. 


LXXXVI  APPENDIX. 

respecting  the  situation  of  New  Netherland  at  the  time  of  writing, 
and  from  1647  to  1656. 

The  patriot  objects  to  the  colony  as  easily  wrested  from  Hol- 
land by  any  other  European  power.  The  New  Netherlander 
endeavours  to  prove  its  capabilities  of  defence :  he  says  the  West 
India  Company  have  been  at  a  great  expense  in  establishing  the 
colony  and  for  its  defence  and  security.  He  considers  the  neces- 
sity which  foreigners  would  be  under  of  using  the  lead  and  line  in 
entering  the  Delaware  and  Hudson  as  a  source  of  security — as  in 
so  doing  they  must  pass  "  forts  of  considerable  strength — equal  to 
the  forts  of  this  country"  (Holland ;)  "  Sandy  Hook,  the  High- 
lands, Hell-gate,"  etc.,  can  be  rendered  impregnable.  To  the 
objection  that  an  enemy  would  land  on  the  sea-shore  and  not  enter 
their  bays  with  ships,  it  is  answered  that  the  Indians  watch  the 
sea  shore,  and  are  rewarded  for  giving  intelligence  whenever 
ships  appear  on  the  coast.  He  thinks  landing  on  Long  Island  out 
of  the  question,  and  an  enemy  must  attack  ^ew  Amsterdam  di- 
rectly, and  the  people  would  have  notice  of  their  approach  and  be 
prepared  at  Sandy  Hook,  "the  Headlands,"  and  above  all.  Fort 
Amsterdam — "  whereon  there  are  so  many  cannon  mounted"  that 
half  would  not  be  required  to  repel  invaders. 

The  patriot  then  states  the  danger  of  the  colony  from  surround- 
ing hostile  enemies — the  Indians  and  English.  To  which  it  is 
answered  that  the  first  are  not  formidable  to  men  accustomed  to 
their  mode  of  warfare.  "  The  last  war  we  had  with  them"  Kieft's 
war,  "  when  we  were  not  half  as  strong  as  we  are  now,  they  remem- 
ber so  well  that  they  will  not  readily  begin  again."  He  says  in 
that  quarrel  "  there  was  little  fault  on  their  side."  As  to  the  Eng- 
lish, the  New  Netherlander  acknowledges  that  there  is  much  danger 
both  from  the  Virginians  and  New  Englanders.  But  "  the  Virgi- 
nians can  do  nothing  unless  they  come  by  sea  ;  a  land  march  pre- 
sents insurmountable  difficulties."  The  "New  Englanders  are 
much  stronger  than  we  are,"  but  he  says  their  towns  and  villages 
are  very  open  to  invasion.  "  Nor  would  they  trouble  us  without 
an  express  command  of  parliament"  which  would  occasion  a  war 
between  England  and  Holland.  He  thinks  the  New  Englanders 
do  not  wish  war  with  l^ew  Netherland,  "  not  that  I  ascribe  this  to 
their  good  will,"  but  to  their  interest. 

The  commercial  advantages  of  New  Netherland  are  the  next  sub- 
ject. The  articles  of  export  are  stated  to  be  wheat,  rye,  peas,  bar- 
ley, pork,  beef,  fish,  beer,  and  wines,  which  are  sent  to  the  West 
indies.  The  settlers  who  come  to  New  Netherland  raise  their  own 
provisions  "  in  the  second  year,  and  in  the  third  have  a  surplus." 
The  trade  in  peltries  is  then  mentioned,  and  the  advantages  ex- 
pected from  the  cuhivation  of  the  vine,  from  the  fisheries,  and  the 
exportation  of  hemp,  timber,  tar,  ashes,  and  iron. 


REVIEW  OF    VANDERDONCK.  LXXXVri 

He  proceeds,  "it  is  now  about  fifteen  years  since  the  New 
Netherlands  have  begun  to  be  settled  in  earnest  by  freemen  :  in  that 
time  we  have  endured  a  destructive  war,  otherwise  it  would  have 
been  double  what  it  now  is  :  for  that  which  had  been  done  by  the 
Company,  except  the  fortifications  and  a  few  houses,  was  of  little 
importance,  the  residue  was  destroyed  in  the  war."  The  exact 
period  here  meant  and  the  war  alluded  to  I  do  not  at  present  com- 
prehend. At  present,  he  says,  that  is  in  1656,  people  of  property 
have  settled  in  the  colony,  whereas  before,  the  emigrants  were  ad- 
venturers, who  would  bring  little  and  carry  away  much,  and  thought 
nothing  of  the  common  good  :  but  now  there  are  good  citizens, 
loving  "  orderly  behaviour,"  who  have  erected  good  dwellings;  and 
fine  farms  with  pasturage,  fields  of  grain,  gardens,  and  orchards 
abound.  He  asserts  that  although  much  has  been  expended  on 
the  country,  more  has  been  carried  from  it,  but  the  expenditure 
was  by  the  Company,  and  the  profits  were  embezzled  by  others. 
Now  that  the  trade  is  free,  this  abuse  has  ceased.  It  must  be  re- 
membered that  the  Dutch  West  India  Company  failed  in  1634. 
^^  Now  he  says  trade  is  carried  on  to  advantage,  the  Indians  with- 
out our  trouble  or  labour  bring  to  us  their  fur  trade,  worth  tons  of 
gold,  which  may  be  increased." 

I  must  here  remark  that  the  natives  were  the  only  trappers  and 
hunters.  As  yet  no  companies  of  merchants  had  enlisted  Euro- 
peans in  their  service  to  be  led  by  their  agents  or  clerks,  armedy 
into  the  territories  of  the  natives,  to  destroy  the  game  on  which 
the  owners  of  the  soil  subsisted,  merely  for  the  skins  of  the  ani- 
mals, and  bear  off  for  their  own  profit  those  skins  which  were  the 
clothing  of  the  Indians  ;  thus  robbing  the  native  of  food  and  rai- 
ment, who,  if  he  stands  on  the  defensive  against  the  invaders,  is 
without  mercy  murdered,  and  stigmatized  as  a  murderer — nay  so 
reckless  are  the  wretches  employed  by  the  honest,  honourable, 
Christian  merchants,  that  they  occasionally  murder  the  Indians  for 
sport,  as  is  testified  by  the  author  of  Captain  Bonneville's  trapping 
expedition  ;  and  yet  at  this  time  (1839)  these  trappers  are  held  up 
for  admiration  as  the  "  remnant  of  chivalry,'''^  the  Raleighs  and 
Sydneys  of  the  age.*  The  Dutch  traders  exchanged  articles  de- 
sired or  wanted  by  the  Indians  for  those  of  which  they  at  that  time 
had  a  superfluity  ;  they  did  not  intrude  upon  the  haunts  of  the 
beaver  or  buffalo.  They  neither  robbed  nor  murdered  the  Indians 
in  their  early  intercourse  with  them— yet  we  find  our  dainty  moral- 
ists of  the  present  day  reprobating  Dutch  traders  for  selling  guns, 
powder,  lead,  hatchets  and  rum,  to  those  who  like  the  whites  mis- 
use them  ;  and  praising  the  English  or  American  traders  who  hire 


*  See  second  No.  New  York  Review,  Art.  Irving's  Bonneville. 


LXXXVIII  APPENDIX. 

ruffians  to  rob  the  dwellers  on  thfe  prairies  of  the  West,  and  mur- 
der them  at  their  pleasure  whether  resisting  or  not.  The  ruffian 
trapper  is  yclept  a  remnant  of  chivalry — the  Indian  if  he  retaliates 
or  resists  is  a  "  merciless  murderer." 

Vanderdonck  says,  that  iron  ore  was  already  discovered  in  the 
New  Netherlands,  and  that  the  people  of  New  England  already 
*'  cast  their  own  cannon,  plates,  pots  and  cannon-balls  from 
native  iron." 

Our  author  says,  the  Indians  prepare  the  colours  with  which 
they  smear  their  faces  and  bodies,  some  from  earth  and  stones 
pounded  fine,  and  some  from  the  juice  of  herbs  and  berries,  dried 
on  pieces  of  bark  and  preserved  in  powder.  They  carry  these 
paints  about  them  in  little  bags.  Although  their  skill  as  painters 
was  principally  confined  to  daubing  their  bodies,  he  says,  he  has 
seen  "  some  counterfeit  representations  of  trumpets  in  their  strong 
houses  or  castles,  where  they  hold  their  councils."  They  like- 
wise paint  their  shields  and  war  clubs.  Sometimes  they  attempt 
the  likeness  of  a  canoe  or  of  an  animal,  but  the  Doctor  with  admi- 
rable naivette  says,  "  they  are  not  w^ell  done."  But  he  says 
that  they  have  a  method  of  colouring  and  preparing  hair,  with 
which  tliey  form  beautiful  ornaments  resembling  plumes.  Some  of 
the  hair  used  in  this  ornament  is  long  and  coarse,  some  short  and 
very  fine  ;  these  they  unite  together  by  means  to  him  unknown  and 
they  produce  a  beautiful  effect.  They  also  know  how  to  prepare  a 
colouring  wherein  they  dye  the  hair  a  beautiful  scarlet  red,  and  the 
colour  is  so  well  fixed  that  no  exposure  changes  it.  This  coloured 
hair  they  plait  and  tye,  forming  bands  for  use  or  decoration. 

This  art  practised  by  the  Mohicans  and  Iroquois  in  1600,  is  now 
in  use  among  the  tribes  of  the  far  west,  as  we  see  by  the  arms  and 
ornaments  in  our  museums.  General  Johnson  remarks  that  the 
purple  colour  prepared  by  the  Indians  was  from  "  the  poke  berry," 
but  they  knew,  as  Vanderdonck  remarks,  the  superiority  of  min- 
eral colours,  and  we  may  say,  that  it  was  experience  taught  them, 
as  well  as  white  artists,  that  only  such  are  permanent. 


INDIAN  CIRCULATING  MEDIUM.  LXXXIX 


INDIAN  CIRCULATING  MEDIUM. 

FIRST  INTERCOURSE  BETWEEN  THE  DUTCH 

AND  NEW  ENGLAND. 

I  AM  indebted  to  Moulton's  History  of  New  York*  for  the  fol- 
lowing interesting  extracts  : 

"  Cloth,  [of  dark  colour]  hoes,  hatchets,  awls,  beads,  and  other 
trinkets,  looking-glasses,  Dutch  trumpets,  (in  which  the  natives 
delighted)  and  fire-arms,  were  the  articles  for  the  Indian  trade.  The 
circulating  medium  was  seawanA     This  was  manufactured  particu- 


*  Vol.  I.  pp.  376-385. 

t  "  Seawan,  was  the  name  of  Indian  money,  of  which  there  were  two  kinds; 
wompam,  (which  signifies  white)  and  suckauhock,  (sucki  signifying  black. ^  Wom- 
pam  or  wompameague,  was,  though  improperly,  also  understood  among  the  Dutch 
and  English,  as  expressive  of  the  generick  denomination.  Wompam,  or  white  mo- 
ney, was  made  of  the  stem  or  stock  of  the  meteauhock  or  periwinkle  :  suckau- 
hock, or  black  money,  was  manufactured  from  the  inside  of  the  shell  of  the  qua- 
haug  (verms  merccnaria,)  a  round  thick  shell-fish,  that  buried  itself  but  a  little  way 
in  the  sand,  and  was  generally  found  lying  on  it  in  deep  water,  and  gathered  by  rakes 
or  by  diving  after  it.  The  Indians  broke  off  about  half  an  inch  of  a  purple  colour  of 
the  inside,  and  converted  it  into  beads.  These,  before  the  introduction  of  awls  and 
thread,  were  bored  with  sharp  stones,  and  strung  upon  sinews  of  beasts,  and  when 
interwoven  to  the  breadth  of  the  hand,  more  or  less,  were  called  a  belt  of  seawan  or 
wompam.  A  black  bead,  the  size  of  a  straw,  about  one  third  of  an  inch  long, 
bored  longitudinally  and  well- polished,  was  the  gold  of  the  Indians,  and  always 
esteemed  of  twice  the  value  of  the  white  ;  but  either  species  was  esteemed  by  them 
of  much  more  value  than  European  coin.  An  Indian  chief,  to  whom  the  value  of 
a  rix  dollar  was  explained  by  the  first  clergyman  of  Rensselaerwyck,  laughed  ex- 
ceedingly to  think  the  Dutch  set  so  high  a  price  upon  a  piece  of  iron,  as  he  termed 
it.  Three  beads  of  black  and  six  of  white  were  equivalent,  among  the  English,  to 
a  penny,  and  among  the  Dutch,  to  a  stuyver.  But  with  the  latter,  the  equivalent 
number  sometimes  varied  from  three  and  six,  to  four  and  eight.  One  of  Gover- 
nour  Minuit's  successors  fixed  by  placard,  the  price  of  the  '  good  splendid  seawan 
of  Manhattan,'  at  four  for  a  stuyver.  A  string  of  this  money,  one  fathom  long, 
varied  in  price  from  five  shillings  among  the  New  Englanders,  (after  the  Dutch 
gave  them  a  knowledge  of  it)  to  four  guilders,  ($1.66|)  among  the  Dutch,  (a) 
The  process  of  trade  was  this  :  the  Dutch  and  English  sold  for  seawan  their  knives, 
combs,  scissors,  needles,  awls,  looking-glasses,  hatchets,  hoes,  guns,  black  cloth, 


(a)  "  The  prices  of  the  fathom  are  related  by  Roger  Williams  and  David  Piet- 
ersen  De  Vries.  They  must  have  referred  to  an  inferiour  quality,  if  we  calculate 
the  number  of  beads  in  a  fathom,  or  the  Indians  sold  by  the  fathorn  at  a  price  much 
less  than  the  Dutch  and  Englieh  had  put  upon  the  value  of  single  beads  or  shells."' 


XC  APPENDIX. 

larly  by  the  Indians  of  Seaivaii-hachj,  or  Long  Island  ;  and  of 
this,  as  well  as  the  first  mentioned  articles,  the  New  Netherlanders 
had  on  hand  a  surplus  quantity.  It^is  obvious,  therefore,  that  for 
the  purpose  of  vending  these  wares,  a  favourite  policy  of  Gover- 
nour  Minuit  w^as  to  ascertain  a  new  market.  His  trading  vessels 
had  visited  Anchor-hay,  and  Sloop-baij,  situate  on  each  side  of 
Red-Island*  ascended  the  rivert  flowing  into  the  bay  of  Nassau,t 
and  trafficked  at  Saivaans  or  PuclayiokicJc,  where  Massassowat,  the 
friend  of  the  Plymouth  people,  held  dominion.  From  him  and 
other  Indians  the  latter  had  often  heard  of  the  Dutch,  and  from  the 
same  source  the  Dutch  had  no  doubt  received  intelligence  of  the 
English.  But  during  the  six  years  which  had  elapsed  since  the 
settlement  of  Plymouth,  there  had  not  been  the  least  intercourse 
with  New  Netherland.  This  negative  relation  would  have  con- 
tinued, if  the  commercial  policy  which  has  been  suggested,  had 
not  now  induced  Governour  Minuit  to  seek  out  New^  Plymouth, 
as  the  market  which  was  most  convenient  to  intercourse,  most  con- 
genial in  temper  and  circumstances,  and,  therefore  preferable  to 
Virginia  and  Canada,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a  treaty  of 
commerce  and  amity.  The  people  of  Plymouth  had  a  trading- 
house  at  Manomet,§  but,  comparatively  unambitious,  their  com- 
merce, fortifications,  and  strength  of  men,  were,  as  was  acknow- 
ledgedll  by  them,  far  inferiour  to  those  of  New  Netherland.     Con- 


and  other  articles  of  the  Indian  traffick,  and  with  the  seawan  bought  the  furs,  com, 
and  venison  from  the  Indians  on  the  sea-board,  who  also,  with  their  shell  money, 
bought  such  articles  from  Indians  residing  in  the  interiour  of  the  country.  Thus 
by  this  circulating  medium,  a  brisk  commerce  was  carried  on,  not  only  between  the 
white  people  and  the  Indians,  but  between  different  tribes  among  the  latter.  For 
the  seawan  was  not  only  their  money,  but  it  was  an  ornament  to  their  persons.  It 
distinguished  the  rich  from  the  poor,  the  proud  from  the  humble.  It  was  the  tri- 
bute paid  by  the  vanquished  to  those,  the  Five  Nations  for  instance,  who  had  exacted 
contribution.  In  the  form  of  a  belt,  it  was  sent  with  all  public  messages,  and  pre- 
served as  a  record  of  all  transactions  between  nations.  If  a  message  was  sent  with- 
out the  belt,  it  was  considered  aii  empty  word,  unworthy  of  remembrance.  If  the 
belt  was  returned,  it  was  a  rejection  of  the  offer  or  proffer  accompanying  it.  If 
accepted,  it  was  a  confirmation,  and  strengthened  friendships  or  effaced  injuries. 
The  belt  with  appropriate  figures  worked  in  it,  was  also  the  record  of  domestick 
transactions.  The  confederation  of  the  Five  Nations  was  thus  recorded.  The 
cockle  shells  had  indeed  more  virtue  amongst  Indians,  than  pearls,  gold,  and  silver 
had  among  Europeans.  Seawan  was  the  seal  of  a  contract — the  oath  of  fidelity. 
It  satisfied  murders,  and  all  other  injuries,  purchased  peace,  and  entered  into  the 
religious  as  well  as  civil  ceremonies  of  the  natives.  A  string  of  seawan  was  de- 
livered by  the  orator  in  public  council,  at  the  close  of  every  distinct  proposition 
made  to  others,  as  a  ratification  of  the  truth  and  sincerity  of  what  he  said,  and  the 
white  and  black  strings  of  seawan  were  tied  by  the  pagan  priest,  around  the  neck 
of  the  white  dog  suspended  to  a  pole,  and  offered  as  a  sacrifice,  to  Tlialonghyaw- 
aag&n,  the  upholder  of  the  skies,  the  God  of  the  Five  Nations." 

*  "  Roode  Eylandt,  corrupted  into  Rhode  Island." 

f    "  Taunton." 

t    '*  Narragansett." 

^  "  North  side  of  Cape  Cod." 

II   "  By  Governour  Bradford,  in  his  Letter  Book." 


FIRST  INTERCOURSE  BETWEEN  THE  DUTCH  AND  N.  E.       XCI 

fined  in  their  operations  to  the  vicinity  of  the  barren  and  lonely 
spot  on  which  they  had  been  cast,  their  little  trade  was  indispensa- 
ble, and  they  were  aggrieved  that  the  Dutch  had  encroached  upon 
this  trade,  almost  to  their  very  doors.  Having  no  transatlantick 
commerce,  they,  this  year,  (1627)  sent  an  agent  to  England  and 
Holland,  to  make  arrangements  for  such  supplies  as  their  w^ants  or 
commerce  demanded. 

"  Such  was  the  relative  situation  of  the  two  colonies  when  in 
March,  Governour  Minuit  caused  a  deputation  to  the  governour 
and  council  of  Plymouth,  with  two  letters,  wTitten  in  Dutch  and 
French,  dated  at '  Manhatas,  in  Fort  Amsterdam,  March  9th,  1627,* 
(N.  S.)  signed,  '  Isaac  de  Razier,  secretary.'  The  Dutch  gover- 
nour and  council  congratulated  the  people  of  Plymouth  on  the  suc- 
cess of  their  praise-worthy  undertaking,  proffered  their  '  good  will 
and  service  in  all  friendly  correspondency  and  good  neighbour- 
hood,' invited  a  reciprocity  of  amicable  feeling,  suggested  for  this 
purpose  among  other  things  '  the  propinquity  of  their  native  coun- 
tries, and  their  long  continued  friendship,'  and  concluded  by  de- 
siring '  to  fall  into  a  way  of  some  commerce  and  trade' — offering 
any  of  their  goods  that  might  be  serviceable,  and  declaring  that 
they  should  feel  themselves  bound  to  accommodate  and  help  '  their 
Plymouth  neighbours  with  any  wares  that  they  should  be  pleased 
to  deal  for.'* 

*'  The  answer  of  Governour  Bradford  and  council  was  as  fol- 
lows :t 

"  '  To  the  Honourable  and  Worshipful  the  Director  and  Coun 
cil  of  New  Netherland,  our  very  loving  and   worthy  friends  and 
Christian  neighbours. 

"  'The  Governour  and  Council  of  Plymouth,  in  New  England, 
wish  your  Honours  and  Worships  all  happiness  and  prosperity  in 
this  life,  and  eternal  rest  and  glory  with  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord  in 
the  world  to  come. 

"  '  We  have  received  your  letters  wherein  appeareth  your  good 
will  and  friendship  toward  us,  but  is  expressed  with  over  high 
titles,  and  more  than  belongs  to  us,  or  than  is  meet  for  us  to  re- 
ceive :  but  for  your  good  will  and  congratulation  of  our  prosperity 
in  this  small  beginning  of  our  poor  colony,  we  are  much  bound 
unto  you,  and  with  many  thanks  do  acknowledge  the  same,  taking 
it  both  for  a  great  honour  done  unto  us,  and  for  a  certain  testimony 


*  "  Extract  from  a  manuscript  history  of  Plymouth,  communicated  by  Hon. 
Francis  Bayhes  of  Massachusetts.  Prince's  New  England  Annals,  p.  172.  Mor- 
ton's New  England  Memorial,  p.  91.  Governour  Bradford's  Letter  Book,  III. 
Mass.  Historical  Collections,  p.  51.     Hutchinson,  H.  App. 

t  "  Dated  March,  19,  1627.     The  original  was  written  in  Dutch." 


XCII  APPENDIX. 

of  your  love  and  good  neighbourhood.  Now  these  are  further  to 
give  your  Honours,  Worships  and  Wisdoms  to  understand,  that 
it  is  to  us  no  small  joy  to  hear,  that  it  hath  pleased  God  to  move 
his  Majesty's  heart,  not  only  to  confirm  that  ancient  amity,  alliance 
and  friendship,  and  other  contracts  formerly  made  and  ratified  by 
his  predecessors  of  famous  memory,  but  hath  himself,  (as  you  say.,) 
and  we  likewise  have  been  informed,  strengthened  the  same  with 
a  new  union,  the  better  to  resist  the  pride  of  that  common  enemy, 
the  Spaniards,  from  whose  cruelty  the  Lord  keep  us  both,  and  our 
native  countries.  Now  for  as  much  as  this  is  sufficient  to  unite  us 
together  in  love  and  good  neighbourhood  in  all  our  dealings,  yet 
are  many  of  us  further  tied  by  the  good  and  courteous  entreaty 
which  we  have  found  in  your  country,  having  lived  there  many 
years  with  freedom  and  good  content,  as  many  of  our  friends  do 
to  this  day,  for  which  we  are  bound  to  be  thankful,  and  our  chil- 
dren after  us,  and  shall  never  forget  the  same,  but  shall  heartily 
desire  your  good  and  prosperity  as  our  own  forever.  Likewise,  for 
your  friendly  proposition  and  ofter  to  accommodate  and  help  us 
with  any  commodities  or  merchandize  which  you  have  and  we 
want,  either  for  beaver,  otters,  or  other  wares,  is  to  us  very  accep- 
table, and  we  doubt  not  but  in  short  time,  we  may  have  profitable 
commerce  and  trade  together.  But  you  may  please  to  understand 
that  we  are  but  one  particular  colony  or  plantation  in  this  land, 
there  being  divers  others  besides,  unto  whom  it  hath  pleased  those 
Honourable  Lords  of  his  Majesty's  council  for  New  England,  to 
grant  the  like  commission,  and  ample  privileges  to  them,  (as  to  us) 
for  their  better  profit  and  subsistence,  namely ;  to  expulse  or  make 
prize  of  any,  either  strangers  or  other  English,  which  shall  attempt 
either  to  trade  or  plant  within  their  limits,  (without  their  special 
license  and  commission)  which  extends  to  forty  degrees  :  yet  for 
our  parts,  we  shall  not  go  about  to  molest  or  trouble  you  in  any 
thing,  but  continue  all  good  neighbourhood  and  correspondence  as 
far  as  we  may  ;  only  we  desire  that  you  would  forbear  to  trade  with 
the  natives  in  this  bay,  and  river  of  Narragansett  and  Sowames, 
which  is  (as  it  were)  at  our  doors.  The  which  if  you  do,  we  think 
also  no  other  English  will  go  about  any  way  to  trouble  or  hinder 
you  ;  which  otherwise  are  resolved  to  solicit  his  Majesty  for  re- 
dress, if  otherwise  they  cannot  help  themselves. 

"  '  May  it  please  you  further  to  understand,  that  for  this  year 
we  are  fully  supplied  with  all  necessaries,  both  for  clothing  and 
other  things ;  but  it  may  so  fall  out,  that  hereafter  we  shall  deal 
with  you,  if  your  rates  be  reasonable  :  and  therefore,  when  your 
people  come  again,  we  desire  to  know  how  you  will  take  beaver 
by  the  pound,  and  otters  by  the  skin,  and  how  you  will  deal  per 
cent,  for  other  commodities,  and  what  you  can  furnish  us  with;  as 
likewise  what  commodities  from  us  may  be  acceptable  with  you,  as 


' 


FIRST  INTERCOURSE  BETWEEN  THE  DUTCH  AND  N.  E.       XCIII 

tobacco,  fish,  corn,  or  other  things,  and  what  prices  you  will 
give. 

"  '  Thus  hoping  that  you  will  pardon  and  excuse  us  for  our  rude 
and  innperfect  writing  in  your  language,  and  take  it  in  good  part, 
because,  for  want  of  use,  we  cannot  so  well  express  that  we  under- 
stand, nor  happily  understand  every  thing  so  fully  as  we  should  : 
and  so  we  humbly  pray  the  Lord,  for  his  mercy's  sake,  that  he  will 
take  both  us  and  our  native  countries  in  his  holy  protection  and 
defence.     Amen. 

"  '  By  the  governour  and  council,  your  Honours'  and  Worships' 
very  good  friends  and  neighbours.' 

"  In  August,  Governour  Minuit  and  council  sent  another  de- 
puty,* and  in  reply,  insisted  upon  the  right  to  trade  to  the  places 
which  Governour  Bradford  and  council  had  interdicted,  that  '  as 
the  English  claimed  authority  under  the  King  of  England,  so  we, 
(the  Dutch)  derive  ours  from  the  states  of  Holland,  and  will  defend 
it.'  The  letter  w^as  in  other  respects  very  friendly,  and,  as  if  to 
preclude  any  interruption  to  the  harmony  of  their  projected  inter- 
course, the  messenger  was  charged  with  a  present  of  a  rundlet  of 
sugar  and  two  Holland  cheeses,  for  which  many  thanks  were  re- 
turned in  the  answer  by  Governour  Bradford  ;  he  also  requested 
that  a  deputy  might  be  sent  to  confer  respecting  their  future  trade 
and  commerce,  and  with  the  most  friendly  zeal  cautioned  the  Dutch 
to  avoid  the  Virginia  ships  or  fishing  vessels,  which  might  make 
prize  of  them,  as  they  had  a  few  years  previously,  of  a  French 
colony  that  had  intruded  within  their  limits  :t  apprized  them  of  the 
patents  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  advised  them  to  solicit  the  States 
General,  to  negotiate  with  England  for  an  amicable  .understanding 
upon  the  subject.  Governour  Bradford  communicated  copies  of 
the  correspondence  to  the  council  for  New  England,  and  to  Sir 
Ferdinando  Gorges,  requesting  advice.  But  now,  as  if  apprehen- 
sive, lest  the  contemplated  intimacy  with  the  New  Netherlanders, 
might  give  plausibility  to  their  local  pretensions,  he  wrote  again  to 
Governour  Minuit  in  October,  that  he  should  suspend  a  decision 
on  the  question  of  trade,  till  the  Plymouth  agent  should  return  from 
England  and  Holland,  whither  he  had  been  sent  to  make  arrange- 
ments, before  it  was  ascertained  that  supplies  could  be  obtained 
from  the  Dutch.  He  again  advised  them  to  adjust  their  title  to  a 
settlement  '  in  these  parts,'  lest  in  these  '  stirring  evil  times,'  it 
should  become  a  source  of  contention. 

*'  But  before  the  reception  of  the  last  letter.  Secretary  Razier, 
actuated  by  the  prior  communication  of  Governour  Bradford,  re- 


*  "Jan  Jacobsen  Van  Wiring,  (John  the  son  of  Jacob  of  Wiring.") 
i  "In  allusion  to  Argall'-s  expedition  against  Port  Royal." 


XCIV  APPENDIX. 


solved,  with  the  approbation  of  tne  governour  and  council,  to  be 
himself  tbe  bearer  of  an  embassage  to  Plymouth.  In  the  bark 
Nassau,  freighted  with  a  few  articles  for  traffick,  manned  with  a 
retinue  of  soldiers  and  trumpeters,  conformable  to  the  fashion  of 
the  day,  and  proportional  to  the  dignity  of  his  station,  this  second 
officer  of  the  government,  departed  on  an  embassy,  which  was  as 
important  in  the  primitive  affairs  of  New  Netherland  and  New  Ply- 
mouth, as  any  of  the  magnificent  embassies  of  the  old  world  were 
to  full-grown  kingdoms.* 

*'  The  reader's  fancy  will  follow  the  bark  through  the  East  rlver,t 
into  the  great  bay  of  the  Island  of  Shells, |  and  as  it  boldly  swept 
over  the  bay,  or  cautiously  glided  along  its  shores,  skirted  by  thou- 
sands of  wigwams, §  he  will  picture  the  wild  and  joyful  gesticula- 
tions of  the  Indians,  as  they  gazed  upon  the  fantastick  arrangements 
of  the  htde  vessel,  or  listened  to  the  deep  notes  of  the  trumpeters. 

"Arrived  in  safety  at  Manomet,||  the  secretary  despatched  to 
Governour  Bradford  a  letter,^  announcing  his  arrival,  specifying 
the  articles  that  comprized  his  cargo,  and  requesting  some  mode  of 


*  "  In  the  language  of  a  contemporary  of  Governour  Minuit  and  Governour 
Bradford  : — '  If  any  tax  me  for  wasting  paper  with  recording  these  small  matters, 
such  may  consider,  that  small  things  in  the  beginning  of  natural  or  politick  bodies, 
are  as  remarkable  as  greater,  in  bodies  full  grown.'  Thomas  Dudley,  the  first  de- 
puty governour  of  Massachusetts,  in  an  epistle  to  '  my  very  good  lady,  the  Lady 
Bridget  Countess  of  Lincoln,'  dated  Boston,  1631,  and  published  in '  Massachu- 
setts, or  the  first  Planters,'  etc.,  Boston,  1C96,  p.  22." 

t  "  Oost  rivier,  called  also  Hdle  Gadt  river.^^ 

X  "  Long  Island  Sound." 

$  "  See  Trumbull's  Hist,  of  Connecticut,  I.  ch.  3." 

II  "  North  side  of  Cape  Cod." 

H  "Addressed  to  'Monsieur  Monseignieur,  William  Bradford,  Governeur  in 
Nieu  Plemeuen." 

"  After  the  wishing  of  all  good  unto  you,  this  serves  to  let  you  understand,  that 
we  have  received  your  (acceptable)  letters,  dated  the  14th  of  last  month,  by  John 
Jacobson  of  Wiring,  who  besides,  byword  of  mouth,  hath  reported  unto  us  your 
kind  and  friendly  entertainment  of  him:  for  which  cause  (by  the  good  liking  and  appro- 
bation of  the  Director  and  Council)  I  am  resolved  to  come  myself  in  friendship  to 
visityou,  that  we  may  by  word  of  mouth  friendly  communicate  of  things  together; 
as  also  to  report  unto  you  the  good  will  and  favour  that  the  Honourable  Lords  of 
the  authorized  West  India  Company  bear  towards  you;  and  to  show  our  willing- 
ness of  your  good  accommodation,  have  brought  with  me  some  cloth  of  three  sorts 
and  colours,  and  a  chest  of  white  sugar,  as  also  some  scaican,  etc.  not  doubting  but, 
if  any  of  them  may  be  serviceable  unto  you,  we  shall  agree  well  enough  about  "he 
prices  thereof.  Also,  John  Jacobson  aforesaid,  hath  told  me  that  he  came  to  you 
over  land  in  six  hours,  but  I  have  not  gone  so  far  this  three  or  four  years,  wherefore 
I  fear  my  feet  will  fail  me  ;  so  I  am  constrained  to  entreat  you  to  afford  me  the 
easiest  means,  that  I  may,  with  the  least  weariness,  come  to  congratulate  with  you  : 
so  leaving  other  things  to  the  report  of  the  bearer,  shall  herewith  end;  remember- 
ing my  hearty  salutations  to  yourself  and  friends,  etc.  From  aboard  the  bark  Nas- 
sau, the  14th  of  October,  1627,  before  Frenchmen's  Point. 

"Your  affectionate  friend, 

"  ISAAC  DE  RAZIER  " 


FIRST  INTERCOURSE  BETWEEN  THE  DUTCH  AND  N.  E.        XCV 

conveyance  to  Plymouth.  His  request  was  granted.  A  boat  was 
sent  to  Manonscusset,*  and  Razier  'honourably  attended  by.a  noise 
of  trumpeters, 't  was  ushered  into  Fort  Plymouth.  Here  he  was 
kindly  entertained  several  days.  The  meeting  was  not  merely 
one  of  commercial  speculation  and  heartless  formality.  It  was  the 
first  meeting,  in  the  solitude  of  the  new  world,  of  the  friendly  co- 
lonists of  two  allied  European  nations.  It  w^as  the  joyful  meeting 
of  kindred  as  well  as  friends,  for  the  wives  and  litde  ones  of  some 
of  the  pilgrims  had  also  their  place  in  Holland.  Though  the  rigid 
simplicity  of  puritan  costume  and  manners,  the  simple  salutation, 
for  instance,  of  goodman  and  goody,  were  in  direct  opposition  to 
the  high-sounding  titles,  formal  stateliness  and  warlike  decorations 
of  the  Dutch,  yet  the  very  spirit  of  amity  consecrated  the  inter- 
course upon  this  novel  occasion. 

*'  When  the  Dutch  departed,  they  w^ere  accompanied  to  ^lano- 
met  by  the  Plymouth  people,  by  whom  articles  of  their  merchan- 
dize were  purchased,  particularly  the  seaivan,  which  was  then  in- 
troduced into  New  England,  and  became  the  medium  of  profitable 
trade  with  the  Eastern  Indians.}:  Such  was  the  harmony,  of  the 
first  communication  between  the  two  colonies,  that  the  Dutch  of- 
fered their  assistance  against  the  French,  if  needed  :  urged  their 
friends,  to  abandon  the  barren  spot  on  w4iich  fate  had  cast  them, 
and  remove  to  the  fertile  banks  of  the  Fresh  river.%  The  adop- 
tion of  this  advice  might  have  perpetuated  that  good  feeling,  which, 
though  afterwards  supplanted  by  contention  and  bitterness,  was  for 
years  the  foundation  of  repeated  intercourse  and  profitable  com- 
merce. The  Dutch  frequently  went  to  Manomet,  exchanging  their 
linens  and  stuffs  for  tobacco,  which  trade  was  extremely  advanta- 
geous to  the  people  of  Plymouth,  until   the   Virginians  found  out 


*  "  On  the  south  side  of  Cape  Cod." 

t  "  Governour  Bradford's  letter  book." 

X  "Dr.  Chahiier's  (Political  Annals)  says,  that  Razier  brought  peltry  and  pur- 
chased corn.  Hence  it  is  inferred  the  Dutch  had  made  little  progress  in  agriculture. 
The  conclusion  is  true,  though  the  premises  are  not.  It  is  doubtful  whether  Ply- 
mouth raised  corn  enough  for  domestick  consumption.  'But  whatever  were  the 
honey  in  the  mouth  of  that  beast  of  trade,  there  was  a  deadly  sting  in  the  tail.  For 
it  is  said  they  first  brought  our  people  to  the  knowledge  of  wampampeag ;  and  the 
acquaintance  therewith  occasioned  the  Indians  of  these  parts  to  learn  the  skill  to 
to  make  it,  by  which,  as  by  the  exchange  of  money,  they  purchased  stores  of  artillery, 
both  from  the  English,  Dutch,  and  French,  which  hath  proved  a  fatal  business  to 
those  that  were  concerned  in  it.  It  seems  the  trade  thereof  was  at  first,  by  strict 
proclamation,  prohibited  by  the  king.  '  Sed  quid  non  mortalia  pectora  cogis — Aurl 
sacra  fames  ."  The  love  of  money  is  the  root  of  all  evil,  etc.  Hubbard.  Hist. 
New.  Eng.     Mass.  Hist.  col.  V.  100." 

$  "  Versche  rivier — the  Connecticut." 


XCVI  APPENDIX. 

the  Dutch  colony,  and  drove  them  from  this  market  by  undersel- 
ling them  in  tobacco.* 

*'  The  West  India  Company  also  enjoyed  immediately  the  sa- 
lutary fruits  of  this  commercial  interchange,  for  the  year  after  it 
commenced,  (viz.  1628)  Governour  Minuit,  vrithout  the  necessity 
of  any  fresh  imports  that  year,  exported  to  the  Amsterdam  depart- 
ment more  furs  than  at  any  other  period."! 


FIRST   ORGANIZATION  OF    CONTINENTAL   ARIVfY. 
NEW  YORK  REGIMENTS. 

The  first  germ  of  the  Army  of  the  United  Colonies,  was  the 
militia  of  the  state  of  New  York.  On  the  26th  of  May,  1775,  the 
Continental  Congress  "  resolved  unanimously,  that  the  militia  of 
the  state  of  New  York  be  armed,  trained,  and  kept  in  constant 
readiness  to  act  at  a  moment's  warning."  It  w^as  also  by  unani- 
mous resolution  "  recommended  to  the  convention  of  New  York 
to  persevere  the  more  vigorously  in  preparing  for  their  defence." 
This  was  the  first  important  military  movement  of  the  new  and  first 
continental  congress. 

On  the  14th  of  June,  1775,  the  congress  appointed  "  rules  and 
regulations  for  the  government  of  the  army,'*''  The  militia  then  in 
service  being  thus  considered  to  be  embodied  as  "  the  army." 
The  action  of  congress  resulted  in  a  general  organization  by  the 
appointment  of  one  general-in-chief,  four  major-generals,  and  eight 
brigadier-generals,  and  the  general  staff  of  the  army.  It  was  on 
this  occasion  that  "  George  Washington,  Esq.,  received  all  the 
ballots"  as  general-in-chief,  and  rising  in  his  place  on  the  floor, 
modestly  but  gracefully  accepted  the  trust. 

On  the  following  22d  of  June,  it  was  resolved  that  officers  then 
in  the  army  receive  their  commissions  through  the  new  general-in- 
chief.  This  would  seem  to  be  a  formality  necessary  to  their  change 
of  character  from  provincial  militia  to  the  army  of  the  United  Colo- 


*  "Mr.  Baylies  extract.     MSS.  Hist,  of  Plymouth." 

t  "  Viz  :  6951  beavers,  734  otters  and  other  skins,  valued  at  61,075  guilders,  or 
$25,447  9H  cents." 


NEW  YORK  REGIMENTS.  XCVII 

Dies.  Six  days  after  this  resolution  Colonel  Van  Schaick  was 
commissioned — being  the  first  officer  commissioned  by  congress 
for  the  war,  in  this  state. 

Early  in  the  ensuing  session,  viz.  January  9th,  1776,  congress 
passed  the  following : 

"  Resolved,  That  Colonel  Van  Schaick,  Lieutenant-colonel 
Yates,  and  Major  Gansevoort  be  continued  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States,  and  that  they  take  command  of  the  battalion  to  be 
levied  in  New  York." 

Within  a  few  days,  however,  congress  found  such  a  force  entirely 
inadequate  to  the  protection  of  so  large  and  important  a  territory; 
accordingly  we  find  that  on  the  19th  of  January,  (ten  days  inter- 
vening) it  was  resolved,  ^^  Thai  four  battalions  be  raised  in  the 
colony  of  New  York  for  the  defence  of  that  colony,  and  that  the 
council  of  safety  of  New  York  be  requested  with  all  possible  expe- 
dition to  transmit  the  names  of  a  number  of  gentlemen — at  least  two 
for  each  command,  out  of  whom  congress  may  elect  field-officers 
for  said  battalions." 

In  due  time.  New  York  furnlslied  her  four  complete  regiments 
— which  were  officered  as  follows — so  far  as  at  present  can  be 
ascertained : 

FIRST    REGIMENT. 

Date  of  Commission, 
Colonel — Gozen  Van  Schaick.  28th  of  June,  1775. 

Lieutfmant-colonel — Cornelius  Van  Dyke.  21st  November,  1776. 
Majoi' — Benjamin  Ledyard. 

Captains. 

John  Graham,  John  H.  Wendell, 

Andrew  Finck,  John  Copp, 

Benjamin  Hicks,  Nich's.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Regimental  Staff. 

Peter  B.  Tearse — Adjutant. 
Henry  Van  Woert — Quartermaster. 
Abraham  Ten  Eyck — Paymaster. 
William  Mead — Surgeon. 
Caleb  Sweet — Surgeon' s-mate. 
Charles  Parson — Captain-lieutenant. 

Lieutenants. 

Guy  Young,  Peter  B.  Tearse, 

Barent  S.  Salsbury,  Nathaniel  Henry, 

John  C.  Ten  Broeck,  Abraham  Hardenbergh, 

Adiel  Sherwood,  William  Scudder. 

M 


XCVm  APPENDJX. 

\ 

Ensigns, 
With  rank  of  Second  Lieutena7its. 
Ephraim  Snow,  Bart.  Van  Valkenburgh, 

Henry  Van  Woert,  Abraham  Ten  Eyck, 

Jacob  H.  Wendell,  Charles  Muller, 

Jacob  I.  Clock,  Wilhelmus  Ryckman, 

Benjamin  Gilbert. 

SECOND    REGIMENT. 

Colonel — Philip  Van  Cortlandt.  21st  of  November,  1776, 

Lieutenant-colonel — Frederick  Wiesenfils. 
Major — Nicholas  Fish. 

Regimental  Staff. 

Robert  Prevost — Paymaster. 

William  Minimee — Surgeon. 

Lieutenants. 


Captains. 
Charles  Graham, 
Samuel  T.  Pell, 
Jacob  Wright, 
Jonathan  Hallet, 
Edward  Lounsberry, 
Abner  French, 

Capt.  Lieutenant. 
Isaac  Van  Woert. 


Charles  Newkirk, 
Christopher  Codwise, 
William  Manday, 
James  Fairlee, 
Gilbert  I.  Livingston, 
Charles  F.  Wysenfels, 
John  L.  Hardenbergh, 
Isaac  Beekman, 


Ensigjis, 
Rank  of  Second  Lieutenants. 

Andrew  White,  Bernardus  Swartwout, 

William  Gleeny,  Richard  Mount, 

TeunisVan  Wagenen,  John  Brown, 
Robert  Prevost. 

THIRD    REGIMENT. 

Colonel — Peter  Gansevoort.  21st  of  November,  1776, 

LieutenAint'Colonel — Marinus  Willet. 
Major — Robert  Cochran. 

Regimental  Staff. 
Christopher  Hutton — Adjutant. 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer — Paymaster, 
Prentice  Brown —  Qiiartermaster. 
Stanloke  Woodruff — burgeon. 
John  Elliott — Surgeon' s-mate. 


f 


NEW  YORK  REGIMENTS. 


XCIX 


Captains, 
Aaron  Aorson, 
Thomas  Dewitt, 
Cornelius  T.  Jansen, 
Leonard  Bleecker, 
James  Gregg, 
Henry  Tiebout, 

Captain  Lieitteimnt, 
George  Sytes. 

Peter  Magee, 
John  Spoor, 
Josiah  Bagley, 
Samuel  Lewis, 


Lieutenants, 
Philip  Conyne, 
William  Topp, 
Thomas  McClellan, 
Prentice  Bowen, 
Garret  Staats, 
Benjamin  Bogardus, 
William  Colebieadth, 
Christopher  Hutton. 


Ensigns. 


George  Denniston, 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer, 
Benjamin  Herring, 
Gerrit  G.  Lansing. 


rr 


FOURTH    REGIMENT. 


12th  January,  1776. 


Lieut.  Colonel  Commandant — Pierre  Regier. 
Major — Joseph  McCracken. 

Regimental  Staff. 

John  Vashe — Surgeon. 

William  Wood — Surgeon' s-mate. 

Captains,  Lieutenants, 

Samuel  Sackett,  Peter  Ellsworth, 

John  Davis, 
Benjamin  Walker, 
Israel  Smith, 
Nathaniel  Norton, 
Theodorus  Fowler, 
Edward  Dunscomb. 


Thomas  Hunt, 
Abraham  Hyatt, 
Rudolphus  VanHovenburgh, 
Joseph  Treligh, 
James  Barret, 
Daniel  Denniston. 


Captain  Lieutenant — Silas  Grey. 

The  State  Library  has  in  vain  been  searched  for  information  as 
to  the  pay  and  emolument  offered  to  the  officers  and  troops  sum- 
moned into  service  for  the  publick  defence.  The  law  of  the  colo- 
nial congress  makes  no  reference  to  the  subject,  based  apparently 
upon  the  confident  reliance  that  the  soldiers  would  come  into  the 
field  and  do  the  fighting  first,  and  talk  about  the  pay  afterwards. 
The  New  York  battalions,  in  their  minute  organization,  were  pro- 
bably under  the  more  immediate  legislation  of  the  provincial  coun- 
cil. No  records  of  this  council  are  to  be  found  in  the  State  Library, 
at  Albany,  which  is  certainly  a  lamentable  defect  in  its  historical 
department. 

Lord  Stirling  was  appointed,  and  acted  as  colonel  of  the  Somer- 
set militia,  which  immediately  applied  to  the  continental  congress 
appointing  him  colonel  of  the  first  regiment  oi  New  Jersey. 


APPENDIX. 


ENGLISH  SETTLEMENT  OF  NEW  JERSEY. 

1664  Charles  the  Second,  by  letters  patent,  bearing  date  the 
20th  day  of  March,  1664,  for  the  consideration  therein 
mentioned,  granted  unto  James,  Duke  of  York,  his  heirs  and  assigns, 
^'  all  that  part  of  the  main  land  of  New  England,  beginning  at  a 
certain  place,  called  or  known  by  the  name  of  St.  Croix,  near  ad- 
joining to  New  Scotland,  in  America  ;  and  fiom  thence  extending 
along  the  sea  coast,  unto  a  certain  place  called  Pemaquie  or  Pema- 
quid,  and  so  up  the  river  thereof,  to  the  furthest  head  of  the  same, 
as  it  tendeth  northward  ;  and  extending  from  thence  to  the  river  of 
Cimbequin,  and  so  upwards  by  the  shortest  course,  to  the  river 
Canada  northwards  ;  and  also  all  that  island  or  islands,  commonly 
called  by  the  several  name  or  names  of  Matowacks  or  Long  Island, 
situate  and  being  towards  the  west  of  Cape  Cod,  and  the  narrow 
Higansetts,  abutting  upon  the  land  between  the  two  rivers,  there 
called  or  known  by  the  several  names  of  Connecticut  and  Hudson's 
river  ;  together  also  with  the  said  river  called  Hudson's  river;  and 
all  the  land  from  the  west  side  of  Connecticut  river,  to  the  east 
side  of  Delaware  bay  ;  and  also  several  other  islands  and  lands  in 
the  said  letters  patents  mentioned  :  together  with  the  rivers,  har- 
bours, mines,  minerals,  quarries,  woods,  marshes,  waters,  lakes, 
fishings,  hawking,  hunting  and  fowling,  and  all  other  royalties, 
profits,  commodities  and  hereditaments  to  the  said  several  islands, 
lands  and  premises,  belonging  or  appertaining." 

The  Duke  of  York  being  thus  seized,  did  by  his  deeds  of 
lease  and  release,  bearing  date  the  23d  and  24?/i  days  of  June,  1664, 
in  consideration  of  a  "  competent  sum  of  money,"  grant  and  con- 
vey unto  John,  Lord  Berkely,  baron  of  Stratton,  one  of  the  kings 
privy  council  ;  and  Sir  George  Carteret,  of  Saltrum,  in  the  county 
of  Devon,  knight,  and  one  of  the  privy  council,*  and  their  heirs 
and  assigns  forever ;  all  that  "  tract  of  land  adjacent  to  New  Eng- 
land, and  lying  and  being  to  the  westward  of  Long  Island  and 
Manhattas  Island  ;  and  bounded  on  the  east  part  by  the  main  sea, 
and  part  by  Hudson's  river ;  and  hath  upon  the  west,  Delaware 
bay  or  river  ;  and  extendeth  southward  to  the  main  ocean  as  far  as 
Cape  May,  at  the  mouth  of  Delaware  bay  ;  and  to  the  northward 


*  Sir  George  Carteret  was  govemoiir  of  Jersey,  and  held  it  for  king  Charles 
II.  in  the  troubles  of  1649 — expelled  the  house  of  commons,  in  166!)  for  confused 
accounts,  as  chamberlain. — Smollet. 

Treasurer  of  the  navy,  and  vice-chamberlain  of  the  king's  household. — Clarendon. 


ENGLISH  SETTLEMENT  OF    NEW  JERSEY.  Cl 

as  far  as  the  nortliermost  branch  of  the  said  bay  or  river  of  Dela- 
ware ;  which  is  in  41  degrees  and  40  minutes  of  latitude,  and 
crosseth  over  thence  in  a  straight  line  to  Hudson's  river,  in  41  de- 
grees of  latitude  ;  which  said  tract  of  land  is  hereafter  to  be  called 
Nova  Cesaria  or  New  Jersey  ;  and  also  all  rivers,  mines,  minerals, 
woods,  fishings,  hawkings,  huntings  and  fowlings,  and  all  other 
royalties,  profits,  commodities  and  hereditaments  whatsoever  to  the 
said  lands  and  premises  belonging  or  in  any  wise  appertaining, 
with  their  and  every  of  their  appurtenances  in  as  full  and  ample 
manner  as  the  same  is  granted  unto  the  said  Duke  of  York,  by  the 
before  recited  letters  patents."* 

On  the  10th  of  February  (old  style)  Carteret  and  Berkeley 
published  a  plan  of  government  for  the  settlers  of  New  Jersey 
which  may  be  considered  as  the  constitution  of  the  province. 
They  were  to  be  governed  by  a  legislature,  consisting  of  a  gover- 
nour  and  council,  (appointed  by  the  proprietor)  and  an  assembly 
of  delegates  chosen  annually  by  the  people.  A  judiciary,  a  mi- 
litia for  defence,  and  rules  for  the  sales,  purchases,  and  laying  off 
of  lands  were  established.  Philip  Carteret  was  appointed  first 
governour,  and  came  over  in  1668,  when  a  legislative  body  con- 
sisting of  governour,  council  and  house  of  burgesses,  elected  by 
the  people,  met  in  general  assembly. 

After  the  re-conquest  of  l^ew  York  and  New  Jersey  by  the 
Dutch,  and  the  retro-cession  to  Charles  II.;  by  the  general  article 
of  the  treaty  of  peace  in  1673,  in  order  to  prevent  any  disputes 
that  might  arise  upon  a  plea  of  the  property  being  thus  alienated 
from  the  first  purchasers,  Charles  by  letters  patent  bearing  date 
29th  day  of  June  1674,  granted  to  the  Duke  of  York,  his  heirs 
and  assigns,  the  several  tracts  of  land  in  America  of  which  New 
Jersey  was  part ;  and  in  the  same  year,  upon  the  application  of  the 
assigns  of  Lord  Berkeley,  the  duke  made  them  a  grant  of  West 
New  Jersey ;  and  in  like  manner  by  an  instrument  bearing  date 
the  10th  of  October,  granted  the  eastern  moiety  of  New  Jersey 
to  the  grandson  of  Sir  George  Carteret.t  Andros  the  duke's  go- 
vernour for  New  Jersey,  as  we  shall  see,  in  1630,  disputed  the 
rights  of  government  which  had  been  conveyed  to  New  Jersey. 

Upon  the  surrender  of  New  Amsterdam  and  the  territory  of  the 
Dutch  to  the  English,  Nicolls,  as  governour  for  James  Duke  of 
York,  (not  knowing  that  his  master  had  sold  New  Jersey  to  Berke- 
ley and  Carteret,)  induced  some  of  the  English  of  Long  Island 
to  emigrate  to  what  they  called  Ehzabethtown,  Woodbridge, 
etc.  etc.     Nicolls  called  the  territory   Albania  :    this   name  was 


*  Samuel  Smith's  History  of  New  Jersey,  pp.  59  61. 
+  Ibid,  pp.  110-111. 


CII  APPENDIX. 

changed  by  those  who  purchased  from  James,  and  the  titles  to  land 
derived  from  Nicolls  were  disputed,  which  caused  much  disturb- 
ance for  many  years. 

Smith  says,  Governour  Richard  Nicolls  granted  a  deed  or  patent 
to  John  Baker  of  New  York,  John  Ogden  of  Northampton,  John 
Bailey,  Luke  Watson  and  their  associates,  dated  at  Fort  James, 
New  York,  the  2d  of  December.  "  This  was  before  Lord  Berke- 
ley's and  Sir  George  Carteret's  tide  was  known."  The  towns  in 
the  province  were  Elizabeth,  Newark,  Middletown,  and  Shrews- 
bury. Woodbridge  and  Piscataway  were  setded  under  Philip 
Carteret's  rule  and  influence.  Now  he  says,  that  Philip  Carteret 
*'  going  for  England  in  the  summer  of  1672,  left  Captain  John 
Carteret  his  deputy.  Philip  returned  in  1674,  and  found  the  inha- 
bitants more  disposed  to  union  among  themselves.  He  remained 
governour  till  his  death,  in  1682." 

Nicolls  addressed  a  remonstrance  to  the  Duke,  on  the  impolicy 
of  dividing  New  York  and  selling  this  part  of  it  to  Berkeley  and 
Carteret,  and  foretold  that  to  them  the  purchase  would  be  ruinous. 
It  was  too  late,  and  in  November,  Philip  Carteret  arrived 
1665  with  thirty  emigrants  from  England,  and  Nicolls  reluctantly 
surrendered  the  government  of  New  Jersey  to  him.  By 
degrees  settlers  were  added  and  the  country  cultivated  ;  but  in 
1670,  those  who  had  their  titles  from  Nicolls,  refused  to  pay  quit 
rent  to  the  proprietors,  and  others  imitated  them.  After  a  struggle 
of  two  years,  Carteret  went  to  England. 

Grahame  accuses  James  of  wishing  to  resume  the  grant  purchased 
by  Berkeley  and  Carteret,  and  paid  for,  and  that  he  was  willing  to 
make  the  Dutch  conquest  and  cession  a  pretext  for  breaking  his 
faith.  "  It  was  pretended  that  the  Dutch  conquest  had  extinguished 
the  proprietory  right,"  and  that  the  territory  "  reverted  to  the 
crown."  Charles  gave  his  brother  a  new  charter,  and  the  Duke 
appointed  Andros  "  his  lieutenant  over  the  whole  re-united  pro- 
vince, establishing  the  same  arbitrary  sway  in  New  Jersey"  as  in 
New  York.  Carteret  requested  a  renewal  of  his  grant,  and  it  was 
promised,  but  as  much  as  possible  evaded  by  the  royal  duke. 
Andros  seconded  the  views  of  his  master,  endeavouring  to  render 
the  colonists  of  New  Jersey  tributary  to  New  York,  issued  mandates 
restricting  their  trade — seized  some  of  their  vessels,  and  arrested 
Governour  Carteret,  carrying  him  prisoner  to  New  York  city,  from 
his  residence  at  Elizabethtown.  Berkeley  and  Carteret  had  by 
agreement  divided  the  province  they  had  purchased  of  James  "for 
a  compensation,"  and  Berkeley  had  the  western  division,  which  in 
1676,  he  sold  to  two  English  Quakers,  Fenwick  and  Byllinge. 
This  sect  had  been  persecuted,  after  having  in  its  commencement 
persecuted  others  by  impertinent  intrusions  and  indecent  exhibi- 
tions, and  after  having  rendered  itself  ridiculous  by  wild  aberra- 


ENGLISH  SETTLEMENT  OF  NEW  JERSEY.  CIII 

tions  from  sober  and  reasonable  conduct.  What  must  have  been 
thought  of  a  society  who  could  tolerate  in  its  members  the  outra- 
geous spectacle  of  naked  women  appearing  in  places  of  worship  ? 
or  of  opinions  which  could  mislead  the  cautious  wisdom  of  Robert 
Barclay  to  walk  through  the  streets  of  his  native  town,  Aberdeen, 

in  sackcloth  and  ashes  ? 
1676         But  those  times  were  gone  by,  and  Quakers,  in  1676, 

were,  as  now,  only  distinguished  by  peculiarities  innocent, 
if  not  praiseworthy,  and  conduct  which  deservedly  placed  them 
among  the  foremost  leaders  in  political,  civil,  and  religious  reform. 
Still  they  were  persecuted  in  Europe,  and  looked  to  America  for 
an  asylum.  Many  settled  on  Long  Island,  where  George  Fox 
visited  them  during  his  journey  to  America.  At  Oyster  Bay,  on  the 
side  of  the  sound,  the  people  point  out  a  rock,  a  litde  from  the  shore, 
on  which  it  is  said  he  stood  and  preached  to  the  people.  He  like- 
wise visited  New  Jersey.*  In  1676,  many  Quakers  were  trans- 
ported from  England  to  Barbadoes  and  to  the  American  settlements. 
Bylllnge,  one  of  the  purchasers  of  West  Jersey,  established  him- 
self in  that  portion  of  the  province,  but  soon  found  it  convenient  to 
sell  or  assign  his  share  to  William  Penn,  Gawin  Lawrie,  and  Nich- 
olas Lucas,  who  assumed  the  direction  of  the  territory,  and  obtained 
a  formal  division  of  the  province  between  Humphrey  and  Sir 
George  Carteret,  he  taking  the  eastern  part  and  they  the  west. 
They  (Penn,  Lawrie,  and  Lucas)  framed  a  constitution  for  the  inha- 
bitants of  West  Jersey,  which  they  called  concessions.  They  con- 
firmed the  provisions  made  by  Berkeley  and  Carteret.  The  colo- 
nists were  exempted  from  taxes  other  than  such  as  their  own 
assembly  imposed;  and  as  "no  men,  nor  number  of  men  upon 
earth,  have  power  to  rule  over  men's  consciences  in  religious  mat- 
ters," they  were  free  to  worship  as  they  pleased.  Representatives 
to  the  general  assembly  were  to  be  chosen  by  balloting  balls :  and 
each  member  so  chosen  was  to  receive  a  shilling  a  day,  "  that  thereby 
he  may  be  known  to  be  the  servant  of  the  people."  Every  man 
was  eligible  as  a  representative,  and  free  to  vote  by  his  ballot.t  The 
assembly  could  make,  alter,  and  repeal  laws.  A  trial  by  jury  in- 
sured liberty,  property,  and  life  to  the  honest  and  innocent.  Im- 
prisonment for  debt  was  not  permitted,  and  the  bankrupt,  after 
surrendering  his  estate,  was  ii'Qe  to  exert  himself  for  his  family  or 
himself. 


*  See  his  account  of  his  travels. 

f  In  1676,  the  wise  Quaker  government  of  New  Jersey  declared  "  that  all  elec- 
tions be  not  determined  by  the  common  and  confused  way  of  cries  and  voices;  but 
by  putting  balls  into  ballot-boxes,  whereby  every  man  may  freely  choose  according 
to  his  o^n  judgment  and  honest  conviction."  Voting  by  ballot  was  not  adopted  in 
New  York  until  after  the  revolution  which  established  our  independence. 


CIV  APPENDIX. 

^  t 

Such  a  form  of  government  entitles  Penn  to  the  applause  of  pos- 
terity. "  We  lay  the  foundation,"  said  these  Quaker  lawgivers  of 
New  Jersey  "for  after  ages  to  understand  their  liberty  as  men  and 
Christians,  that  they  may  not  be  brought  in  bondage  but  by  their 

own  consent ;  for  we  put  the  power  in  the  people." 
1677  To  enjoy  the  benefits  of  such  self-government  in  such  ^ 

country  as  West  Jersey,  it  is  not  surprising  that  in  1677, 
between  four  and  five  hundred  Quakers  left  England,  bringing  with 
them  their  families  and  servants.  W^hile  on  ship-board  and  in  the 
Thames,  Charles,  passing  in  his  pleasure-barge,  was  attracted  by 
the  appearance  of  so  many  Quakers.  He  enquired  where  they 
were  going?  and  being  told  "  to  America,"  he  "  invoked  a  bles- 
sing on  them."  The  blessing  of  Charles!  and  his  courtiers  proba- 
bly standing  around  enjoying  the  joke.  On  the  arrival  of  the  Qua- 
kers, and  settlement  in  Bin*lington,  Andros  soon  made  them  sensi- 
ble of  the  nature  of  a  king's  blessing,  by  summoning  them  to 
acknowledge  the  sovereignty  of  his  master,  the  Duke  of  York: 
they  remonstrated,  and  he  pointed  to  his  sword.  They  submitted, 
but  carried  their  application  for  redress  to  England. 

William  Penn,  as  an  active  agent  in  the  welfare  of  that  part  of 
New  Netherlands  now  called  New  Jersey,  becomes  a  subject  for 
our  consideration,  and  without  going  into  minute  details  respecting 
his  biography,  I  will  consider  some  of  the  peculiarities  of  his  life 
and  character.  In  his  political  career,  he  endeavoured  to  assure  to 
the  people  entrusted  to  him,  both  civil  and  religious  liberty,  yet  he 
v;as  the  friend  and  favourite  of  the  two  infamous  royal  brothers, 
Charles  and  James.  While  they  formed  plans  to  deprive  New 
England  of  her  rights  and  charters,  and  sent  their  tools  to  execute 
them,  they  granted  almost  unbounded  liberty  to  the  Quaker  settle- 
ments under  William  Penn. 

His  father  had  been  severely  treated  by  Cromwell,  and  was  a 
friend  to  the  restoration  of  the  Stuarts,  and  they  appear  to  have 
relied  upon  Penn  and  the  Quakers,  as  the  advocates  of  passive 
obedience  and  non-resistance  in  political  affairs :  they  likewise 
wished  to  remove  the  sect  from  Great  Britain,  where  they  added 
numbers  and  strength  to  the  nonconformists  in  religious  discipline 
and  the  opposers  of  popery.  They  might  further  be  satisfied,  that 
after  having  deprived  the  New  England  colonists  of  their  rights, 
there  would  belittle  difficulty  in  extending  their  despotick sway  over 
the  nonresisting  Quakers  of  New  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania.  We 
shall  see  that  in  1686,  James's  governour  of  New  York  and  Massa- 
chusetts, by  his  master's  orders  so  far  infringed  the  rights  granted 
to  the  settlers  of  New  Jersey,  that  Penn  and  his  coadjutors  defen- 
ded by  remonstrance  that,  w^hich  James  knew  their  principles  for- 
bade them  to  defend  by  more  effectual  weapons  against  tyranny. 

The  immediate  occasion  of  this  remonstrance  was  a  tax  imposed 


ENGLISH  SETTLEMENT  OF  NEW  JERSEY.  CV 

by  Andros,  of  ten  per  cent,  on  the  importation  of  European  mer- 
chandize into  West  Jersey.  I  copy  the  greater  part  of  this  remon- 
strance, admirable  nocwiihstanding  its  proHxity.* 

;  "To  those  of  the  duke's  commissioners,  whom  he  has  ordered  to 
hear,  and  make  report  to  him,  concerning  the  customs  demanded 
in  New  West  Jersey,  in  America,  by  his  governour  of  New 
York. 

"  1st.  The  king  has  granted  to  the  Duke  of  York  a  tract  of  land 
in  America,  consisting  of  several  Indian  countries,  with  such  pow- 
ers and  authorities  as  are  requisite  to  make  laws,  and  to  govern  and 
preserve  the  territory  when  planted :  but  with  this  restriction  twice 
expressed  and  several  times  referred  to,  viz. — '  So  always  as  the 
said  statutes,  ordinances,  and  jiroceedings,  be  not  contrary,  but  as 
near  as  may  be,  agreeable  to  the  laws,  statutes,  and  government  of 
this  our  realm  of  England.'  In  another  place  thus  :  '  And  further, 
it  may  be  lawful  for  our  dearest  brother,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  by 
these  presents,  to  make,  ordain,  and  establish  all  manner  of  orders, 
laws,  directions,  instruments,  and  forms  of  government,  and  magis- 
trates fit  and  necessary  for  the  territory  aforesaid  :'  but  still  with 
this  limitation  :  '  so  always  as  the  same  be  not  contrary  to  the  laws 
and  statutes  of  this  our  realm  of  England,  but  as  near  as  may  be 
agreeable  thereto.' 

"  2.  The  Duke  of  York,  by  virtue  of  this  grant  from  the  king  to 
him,  for  a  competent  sum  of  money,  (paid  by  the  Lord  John  Berkeley 
and  Sir  George  Carteret)  granted  and  sold  to  them,  a  tract  of  land, 
called  now  by  the  name  of  New  Cesarea,  or  New  Jersey  ;  and  that 
in  as  ample  manner  as  it  was  granted  by  the  king  to  the  duke. 

*'  Thus  then  we  come  to  buy  that  moiety  which  belonging  to 
Lord  Berkeley,  for  a  valuable  consideration  ;  and  in  the  convey- 
ance he  made  us,  powers  of  government  are  expressly  granted  ; 
for  that  only  could  have  induced  us  to  buy  it ;  and  the  reason  is 
plain,  because  to  all  prudent  men,  the  government  of  any  place  is 
more  inviting  than  the  soil ;  for  what  is  good  land  without  good 
laws  ;  the  better  the  worse.  And  if  we  could  not  assure  people  of 
an  easy  and  free  and  safe  government,  both  with  respect  to  their 
spiritual  and  worldly  property  ;  that  is,  an  uninterrupted  liberty  of 
conscience,  and  an  inviolable  possession  of  their  civil  rights  and 
freedoms,  by  a  just  and  wise  government,  a  mere  wilderness  would 
be  no  encouragement ;  for  it  were  a  madness  to  leave  a  free,  good, 
and  improved  country,  to  plant  in  a  wilderness :  and  there  adven- 
ture many  thousands  of  pounds,  to  give  an  absolute  title  to  another 


*  Smith's  History  of  New  Jersey,  pp.  117-123. 

N 


CVI  APPENDIX. 

person  to  tax  us  at  will  and  pleasure.  This  single  consideration^ 
we  hope,  will  excuse  our  desire  of  the  government;  not  asserted 
for  the  sake  of  power,  but  safety;  and  that  not  only  for  ourselves, 
but  others  ;  that  the  plantation  might  be  encouraged. 

*'  3.  The  Lord  Berkeley  and  Sir  George  Carteret,  considering^ 
how  much  freedom  invites,  that  they  might  encourage  people  to 
transport  themselves  into  those  parts,  made  and  divulged  certain 
concessions,  containing  a  model  of  government.  Upon  these; 
several  went,  and  are  there  planted  ;  the  country  was  then  pos- 
sessed, and  the  said  government  uninterruptedly  administered  by 
the  said  Lord  Berkeley  and  Sir  George  Carteret,  or  their  deputy, 
for  several  years  ;  during  which  time  no  custom  was  de^manded. 

"  4.  We  dealt  with  the  said  Lord  Berkeley,  upon  the  sight  of 
these  concessions,  and  the  presumption  that  neither  he  nor  Sir 
George  Carteret,  would  attempt  to  act  any  thing  they  had  not 
power  to  do;  much  less,  that  they  or  either  of  them,  would  pretend 
to  sell  a  power  they  never  had ;  since  that  would  not  only  be  a 
cheat  to  the  people  that  dealt  with  them  for  it,  but  an  high  affront 
to  the  duke. 

"  5.  The  moiety  of  New  Cesarea,  or  New  Jersey,  thus  bought 
of  the  said  Lord  Berkeley,  we  dispose  of  part  of  our  interest  to 
several  hundreds  of  people,  honest  and  industrious ;  these  trans- 
port themselves,  and  with  them  such  household  stuff  and  tools,  as 
are  requisite  for  planters  to  have ;  they  land  at  Delaware  Bay,  the 
bounds  of  the  country  we  bought ;  the  passage  God  and  nature 
made  to  it;  at  their  arrival  they  are  saluted  with  a  demand  of  cus- 
tom of  five  per  cent,  and  that  not  as  the  goods  may  be  there  worth, 
but  according  to  the  invoice  as  they  cost  before  shipped  in  Eng- 
land ;  nor  did  they  take  them  as  they  came,  but  at  pick  and  choose, 
with  some  severe  language  to  boot.  This  is  our  grievance  ;  and 
for  this  we  made  our  application  to  have  speedy  redress,  not  as  a 
burden  only,  w^ith  respect  to  the  quantum  or  the  way  of  levying  it, 
or  any  circumstances  made  hard  by  the  irregularity  of  the  officers, 
but  as  a  wrong  ;  for  we  complain  of  a  wrong  done  us ;  and  ask 
yet  with  modesty,  quo  jure  ?  Tell  us  the  title  by  what  right  or  law 
are  we  thus  used  ;  that  may  a  little  mitigate  our  pain  f  Your  an- 
swer hath  hitherto  been  this  :  'That  it  w^as  a  conquered  country, 
and  that  the  king,  being  the  conqueror,  he  has  power  to  make  laws, 
raise  money,  etc.,  and  tiiat  this  power  jure  regale,  the  king  hath 
vested  in  the  duke,  and  by  that  right  and  sovereignty,  the  duke 
demands  that  right  we  complain  of  " 

"  .  .  .  .  The  king's  grant  to  the  Duke  of  York  is  plainly  re- 
strictive to  the  laws  and  government  of  England,  and  that  more 
than  once,  as  is  before  expressed.  Now  the  constitution  and 
government  of  England,  as  we  humbly  conceive,  are  so  far  from 
countenancing  any  such  authority,  as  it  is  made  a  fundamental  in 


ENGLISH  SETTLEMENT  OF  NEW  JERSEY.  CVII 

our  constitution  and  government,  that  the  king  of  England  cannot 
justly  take  his  subjects'  goods  without  their  consent.  This  needs 
no  more  to  be  proved,  than  a  principle  ;  'tis  jus  indigene,  an  home- 
born  right,  declared  to  be  law  by  diverse  statutes." 

"  .  .  .  .  To  give  up  this  (the  power  of  making  laws)  is  to 
change  the  government,  to  sell,  or  rather  resign  ourselves  to  the 
will  of  another  ;  and  that  for  nothing.  For  under  favour  w^e  buy 
nothingof  the  duke,  if  not  the  right  of  an  undisturbed  colonizing,  and 
that  as  Englishmen  with  no  diminution,  but  expectation  of  some 
increase  of  those  freedoms  and  privileges  enjoyed  in  our  own  coun- 
try; for  the  soil  is  none  of  his,  'tis  the  natives,  by  the  jiis  gentium^ 
by  the  law  of  nations  ;  and  it  would  be  an  ill  argument  to  convert 
to  Christianity,  to  expel  instead  of  purchasing  them  out  of  those 
countries.  If  then  the  country  be  theirs,  it  is  not  the  duke's  ;  he 
cannot  sell  it ;  then  what  have  we  bought  ?  We  are  yet  unan- 
swered in  this  point,  and  desire  you  to  do  it  with  all  due  regard  to 
the  great  honour  and  justice  of  the  duke.  If  it  be  not  the  right  of 
colonizing  there,  which  way  have  we  our  bargain,  that  pay  an  arbi- 
trary custom,  neither  known  to  the  laws  of  England,  nor  the  settled 
constitution  of  New  York,  and  those  other  plantations  ?  To  con- 
clude this  point,  we  humbly  say,  that  we  have  not  lost  any  part  of 
our  liberty,  by  leaving  our  country  ;  for  we  leave  not  our  king,  nor 
our  government,  by  quitting  our  soil ;  but  we  transplant  to  a  place 
given  by  the  same  king,  with  express  limitation  to  erect  no  polity 
contrary  to  the  same  established  government,  but  as  near  as  may 
be  to  it ;  and  this  variation  is  allowed  but  for  the  sake  of  emergen- 
cies ;  and  that  latitude  bounded  with  these  words,  for  the  good  of 
the  adventurer  and  planter.'''' 

"  .  .  .  .  Besides  there  is  no  end  of  this  power  ;  for  since  w*e 
are  by  this  precedent,  assessed  whhout  any  law,  and  thereby  ex- 
cluded our  English  right  of  common  assent  to  taxes,  what  security 
have  we  of  any  thing  we  possess  f  w^e  can  call  nothing  our  own, 
but  are  tenants  at  will,  not  only  for  the  soil  but  for  all  our  personal 
estates  ;  we  endure  penury  and  the  sweat  of  our  brows,  to  improve 
them  at  our  own  hazard  only.  This  is  to  transplant,  not  from 
good  to  better,  but  from  good  to  bad ;  this  sort  of  conduct  has  de- 
stroyed government,  but  never  raised  one  to  any  true  greatness ; 
nor  ever  will  in  the  duke's  territories,  whilst  so  many  countries 
equally  good  in  soil  and  air,  surrounded  with  greater  freedom  and 
security.  Whereas  if  the  duke  please  to  make  all  planters  easy 
and  safe  in  their  liberty  and  property,  such  a  just  and  free  govern- 
ment will  draw  in  other  places,  encourage  persons  to  transplant  into 
his  country,  and  his  disbursements  will  soon  be  at  an  end  ;  his  reve- 
nues with  satisfaction  to  the  people,  presently  visibly  augmented. 
Next  this  encourages  shipping  and  seamen,  which  not  only  takes 
off  abundance  of  idle  people,  but  our  native  growth  and  manufac- 


CVIII  APPENDIX. 

ture,  and  the  export  of  them;  and  the  import  of  the  produce  of 
these  plantations,  in  a  httle  time  overflow  and  advance  tlie  revenue 
of  the  crown.  Virginia  and  Barbadoes  are  })ioois  undeniable  in 
the  case." 

This  remonstrance  procured  redress ;   the  commissioners  were 
obliged  to  pronounce  judgment  in  conformity  with  the  opinion  of 
Sir  William  Jones,  that  the  legality  of  the   taxes  could   not  be. 
defended. 

Thus  the  unqualified  assertion,  that   no.  taxes  could  be  justly 
imposed  upon  them  without  their  consent,  was   triumphantly  as- 
serted by  the  setders  of  New  Jersey  in    16S0.     Next  year 

1651  the  first  representative  assembly  of  West  Jersey,  was  con- 
vened   by   Samuel   Jennings.      They  enacted   a  code    of 

fundamental  const  hut  ions,  by  which  they  were  empowered  to  appoint 
and  displace  all  persons  holding  offices.  The  governour  was  pre- 
cluded from  any  act  obligatory  on  the  people,  without  the  concur- 
rence of  their  representatives,  and  from  witliholding  his  assent  from 
their  enactments.  In  all  criminalcases,  (except  treason,  murder,  and 
theft,)  the  party  aggrieved  had  power  to  pardon  the  offender,  before 
and  after  condemnation.  Landed  property  was  made  responsible 
for  debt.  Marriages  were  to  be  solemnized  by  justices  of  the  peace. 
The  sale  of  spirituous  liquors  to  Indians  was  prohibited.  Indented 
servants  or  redemptioners,  were  entitled,  at  the  expiration  of  their 
time,  to  a  set  of  implements  of  husbandry,  ten  bushels  of  corn,  and  a 
suit  of  clothes.  No  new  settler  was  to  be  admitted,  without  satis- 
factory evidence  of  harmless  character  and  sober  life. 

The  assembly  met  annually,  until  the  end  of  the  proprietary 
government. 

In  1681,  Sir  George  Carteret's  heirs  or  executors,  offered  East 
Jersey  for  sale,  and  W^illiam   Penn,  and   eleven  Quakers, 

1652  purchased  it  in  16S2.*     The  population  was  then  about  four 
thousand,  a  majority  not  Quakers.     The  first  twelve,  soon 

admitted  twelve  others,  among  them  the  Earl  of  Perth,  Chancellor 
of  Scotland,  and  Lord  Drummond  of  Gilston,  secretary  of  slate 
for  Scotland.     In  favour  of  the  twenty  four,  the  Duke  of  York  ex- 


*  Sir  George  Carteret  dying  in  1679,  ordered  the  province  of  East  Jersey  to  be 
sold  to  pay  his  debts,  and  VVilliam  Penn  with  eleven  others,  purchased  it.  They 
added  twelve  others,  making  twenty-four,  to  whom  the  Duke  renewed  the  grant 
in  1682,  and  they  were  established  as  a  council  of  proprietors,  with  power  to  ap- 
point all  officers  necessary  for  the  management  of  their  property. 

Shortly  after,  the  persecution  of  the  Presbyterians  in  Scotland,  drove  many  to 
take  refuge  in  New  Jersey.  The  tyranny  of  James  II  and  Lauderdale,  filled  the 
jails  and  gibbets  with  conscientious  religionists  :  they  were  hunted  like  wild  beasts 
by  the  soldiers,  and  many,  who  did  not  fly  volutarily  to  America,  were  transported 
tliither,  and  sold  as  slaves. 


ENGLISH  SETTLEMENT  OF  NEW  JERSEY.  CIX 

edited  his  third  and  last  grant  ofEa-t  Jersey,  and  they  njioointed 
a  council,  to  whom  all  the  functions  oi' tlie  proprietaiy  poAer  were 
entrusted. 

We  hive  seen  thitfrom  Lon:^ Inland,  some  of  the  towns  of  East 
Jersey  were  settled.  Otliers,  English  or  New  l^nghind-men,  came 
from  the  eastern  provinces.  Some  laws  of  this  government  are 
supposed  to  come  from  New  England.  Chihlren  sirikiniror  curs- 
ing their  parents,  were  liable  to  the  punishment  of  death  :  adul- 
teries, to  Hogging  or  banishment:  fornication,  to  fine,  Hogging,  or 
marriagf^ :  a  thief  was  adjudged  to  restore  three  fold  the  value 
stolen,  for  the  first  offence  ;  for  frequent  repetition,  death  or  slavenj 
was  the  punishment.  There  was  no  law  for  the  puhlick  sup- 
port of  religion,  but  the  people  of  most  townships  had  their  minis- 
ters, and  were  generally  sober,  industrious,  and  thriving.  Some 
years  after  it  appears,  that  it  was  necessnr)  to  interdict  the  wear- 
ing of  swords,  pistols,  or  daggers.* 

Governour  Philip  Carteret  directed  in  his  will,  dated  December 
10th,  1GS2,  tliat  his  body,  after  death,  should  be  deposited,  if  per- 
mission should  be  obtained,  in  the  vault  of  Governour  Stephenson, 
(as  Stuyvesant  was  frequently  sjjelt  by  the  English  of  those  days,) 
in  the  Bowery  :  otherwise  liberty  to  be  purchased  to  deposit  it  in 
the  church  at  ^e\v  York.  His  will  is  deposited  in  the  eastern 
proprietors  office.  Where  were  his  earthly  remains  placed  ? 
16S3  Robert  Barclay  was  among  the  proprietors  of  East  Jer- 
sey, and  in  1GS3,  was  chosen  governour.  He  was  a 
Scotch  gentleman,  born  at  Urie  :  converted  to  Quakerism,  he 
wrote  in  its  defence  his  famous  apology.  He  was  in  favour  with 
Charles  and  James,  perhaps  for  the  same  cause  that  they  favoured 
Penn.  Grahame  remarks,  that  it  appears,  as  a  moral  phenomenon, 
that  such  men  as  Barclay  and  Penn,  tiie  votaries  of  universal  to- 
leration and  pliilanthropy,  shouhl  be  found  voluntarily  associating 
in  their  labours  for  the  happiness  of  an  infant  community,  such 
instruments  as  Lord  Perth,  and  other  abettors  of  royal  tyranny 
and  ecclesiastical  persecution  in  Scotland.  Yet,  Barclay  addressed 
a  noble  admonition  to  Charles,  where  he  says,  after  reminding  him 
of  his  prosperity  after  adversity  ;  "If  after  all  these  warnings  and 
advertisements,  thou  dost  not  turn  unto  the  Lord  with  all  thy  heart, 
but  forget  him  who  remembered  thee  in  thy  distress,  and  give  thy- 
self up  to  follow  lust  and  vanity,  surely  great  will  be  thy  condem- 
nation." Charles  probably  made  a  jest  of  this  admonition,  as  we 
know  the  base  and  loathsome  character  of  this  slave  to  vice,  and 
pensioner  of  France. 


*  See  S.  Smith's,  Hist,  of  New  Jersey. 


ex  APPENDIX. 

Many  Scotch,  Quakers,  and  otners,  emigrated  from  Barclay's 
native  county  of  Aberdeen,  to  East  Jersey  during  his  govern- 
ment.* 

James  II.  having  ascended  the  throne,  thought  it  beneath  the  king 
to  be  tied  by  the  engagements  of  the  duke,  and  he  imceremoniously 
introduced  New  Jersey  in  his  plan  of  annulHngihe  charters 
1686     of  the  American  colonies,  and  in  1686,  writs  of  quo  war- 
ranto  were  issued  against  both  East  and   West    Jersey. 
The  proprietors  of  East  Jersey  presented  a  memorial  to  the  king, 
in  which  they  reminded  him,  that  they  had  not  received  the  grant 
of  the  province  as  a  benevolence,  but  had  bought  it :  and  had  been 
encouraged   to  make  the  purchase  by  assurances  received   from 
himself.     The  only  answer  they  received  from  his  most  gracious 
majesty  was,  that  he  was  determined  to  unite  both   East  and  West 
Jersey  with  New  York,  and  the  New  England   provinces,  in   one 
general  government,  dependant  on  the  crown,  and   to  be   adminis- 
tered by  Sir  Edmund  Andros. 
1688         It  appears,  that  the  proprietors  made  no  resistance,  but 
abandoned  the  rights  of  the  people,  offering  a  formal   sur- 
render of  their  patent,  on  condition  that  their  own  private  property 
in  the  colonial  soil,  should  be  secured  to  them — but  which  business 
was  in  an  unfinished  state,  when  the  tyrant  was  driven  from  the  throne, 
and  the  people  of  New  Jersey  continued  for  a  lime  longer,  to  go- 
vern themselves. 
1692  The  original  proprietors   of  New  Jersey   had,  by  the 

year  1692,  sold  out:  the  government  fell  into  weak  or  cor- 
rupt hands,  and  encouraged  by  WilUam  III.,  the  governour  and 
council  of  New  York  attempted  to  revive  the  old  pretension  of 
raising  a  revenue  in  the  sister  colony.  The  inhabitants  were  in- 
cluded in  a  tax  laid  upon  those  of  New  York.  This  was  resisted, 
and  with  the  same  success  as  on  the  former  occasion.  New  Jer- 
sey complained,  and  the  lawyers  to  whom  the  case  was  referred, 
(Sir  John  Hawles,  and  Sir  Creswell  Levinz,)  declared,  that  "  no 
customs  could  be  imposed  on  the  people  of  the  Jerseys,  otherwise 
than  by  an  act  of  parliament,  or  their  own  assembly."  Thus,  al- 
though the  pretension  of  the  governour  of  New  York  was  defeated, 
a  right  in  the  English  parliament  was  set  up  over  these  colonists 
for  the  first  time. 

Dissentions  between  different  proprietors,  and  between  them 
and  the  people,  grew  to  such  a  height  in  the  succeeding  years, 
that  the  proprietors  listened  to  the  English  ministers,  (who  to  quiet 
the  complaints  made,  and  to  increase  the  influence  of  the  crown, 


For  particulars  see  S.  Smith. 


ENGLISH  SETTLEMENT     OF    NEW  JERSEY.  CXI 

made  overtures  to  them)  and  surrendered  their  powers  of  government. 
This  was  finally  arranged  at  the  commencement  of  the  reign  of 
Anne,  and  she  sent  her  hopeful  cousin,  Edward  Hyde,  Lord 
Cornbury,   to  govern  and   oppress  both  the   Jerseys,  and    New 

York. 
1702  At  this  time  New  Jersey  is  supposed  to  have  had  a  po- 

pulation of  from  15,000  to  20,000;  Swedes, Dutch,  Scotch, 
and  English,  keeping  for  a  long  time  their  distinctive  characters. 
Kalm,  the  Swedish  botanist,  who  found  here  the  beautiful  flower 
named  by  him,  Kalmia,  and  amused  himself  with  the  wry  faces  his 
servants  made  on  biting  a  persi?nmon,  gives  us  a  favourable  descrip- 
tion of  his  American  countrymen.* 

The  Dutch  near  the  Hudson,  are  still  Dutch,  in  language,  sober 
industrious  habits,  and  primitive  dress  ;  the  descendants  of  the 
Scotch,  are  only  distinguishable  from  the  English,  as  being  less 
like  the  New  Englanders.  All  were  united  by  similarity  of  occu- 
pation, moral  conduct,  and  a  desire  for  a  setded  government,  which 
they  fondly  hoped  was  obtained  by  the  union  in  1702,  and  the  arrival 
of  Cornbury  ;  for  even  his  vices  and  despisable  conduct,  did  not 
tend  to  divide  the  people,  but  rather  engendered  an  universal  spi- 
rit of  resistance  to  foreign  government,  which  grew  and  produced 
fruit  in  1775.  New  Jersey  had  imbibed  a  love  of  liberty,  from 
the  early  form  of  government,  planted  by  the  first  settlers. 

The  surrender  was  made  by  an  instrument, t  headed  thus  : 
*'  Surrender  from  the  proprietors  of  East  and  West  New  Jersey, 
of  their  pretended  right  of  government  to  her  majesty."  This  and 
some  passages  in  the  instrument  evince  a  pitiable  deterioration  from 
the  spirit  of  the  first  proprietors. 

The  instructions  to  Cornbury ,t  are  drawn  up  carefully  and  with 
a  view  principally,  to  the  interest  of  the  mother  country,  at  the 
same  time,  seeming  to  guard  against  the  vices  of  the  government. 
Slaves  and  slavery  are  recognized — Christian  servants  .are  to  be 
armed  and  mustered  in  the  militia — Quakers  are  exempted  from 
oaths,  and  their  affirmation  admitted,  and  they  are  eligible  to  office 
— his  utmost  endeavours  are  to  be  used  with  the  assembly,  that  an 
act  be  passed  for  raising  and  settling  a  publick  revenue,  for  defray- 
ing charges  of  the  government  of  the  province,  and  a  competent 
salary  for  himself,  as  well  as  all  other  officers — he  is  not  to  come 
to  Europe  or  otherwise  leave  his  goven.ment,  (of  the  two  provinces) 
without  leave  from  the  queen — he  is  impowered  to  impress  seamen 


*  See  Kalm. 

t  See  Smith's  history  of  New  Jersey,  p.  211. 

t  Ibid,  pp.  230  to  261. 


CXJI  APPENDIX. 

for  En2:rish  ships  of  war,  but  as  complaints  had  been  made,  that 
captains  of  such  ships  had,  at  their  pleasure,  made  impressments, 
they  are  not  to  he  pei'mitled,  hut  on  application  to  him — (he  is  Vice 
Admiral,  under  Anne's  hushand.  Prince  George  of  Denmark,)  and 
is  to  send  any  captain  who  disobeys  him,  to  said  "dearest  husband" 
— the  acts  of  trade  and  navigation  are  to  be  strictly  put  in  execu- 
tion— he  is  to  "  take  especial  care,  that  God  Almighty,  be  devoutly 
and  duly  served  throughout  his  government,  the  book  of  common 
prayer  (as  by  law  established)  read  each  Sunday,  and  holy  day, 
and  the  blessed  sacrament  administered,  according  to  the  rites  of 
the  church  of  England."  Churches  are  to  be  b(nlt,  and  a  com- 
petent maintenance  assigned  to  the  minister  of  each  orthodox  church, 
and  a  convenient  house  built  for  him,  with  a  glebe  or  proportion  of  land. 
This  is  to  be  at  the  common  charge  :  this  means,  that  all  the  inha- 
bitants, Qunkers,  Presbyterians,  Dutch  and  Swedes,  Scotch  and 
Enghsh,  are  to  maintain  the  minister  of  the  church  of  England. 
The  ministers  are  not  to  be  preferred  without  a  certificate  from  the 
Bishop  of  London.  If  any  minister  within  his  government,  preaches 
or  administers  the  sacrament,  without  being  in  due  orders,  the  go- 
vernour  is  to  inform  the  said  Bishop  thereof — My  Lord  Cornbury 
is  to  discourage  immorality,  but  is  especially  charged  to  encourage 
*'  the  Royal  African  Company,"  instituted  for  the  purpose  of 
stealing,  kidnapping,  and  buying  negroes  from  those  encouraged 
to  kidnap  tliem,  and  for  carryijig  then)  in  chains  to  the  plantations  : 
and  "  tliat  the  said  province  may  have  a  constant,  and  sufKcient 
supply  of  mrrc/unitaLIe  vcgrots  at  moderate  rates,  he  is  to  take  care 
that  payment  be  duly  made"  to  tlie^e  kidnappers.  Thi^  is  included 
in  the  service  of  God  Almighty.  The  governour  is  to  endeavour 
to  get  a  law  passed  to  prevent  inhimian  cruelty  towards  "Christian 
servants  and  67^/res,"  and  against  the  wilful  killing  "of  Indians  and 
negroes,"  which  is  to  be  made  punishable  with  death  :  and  maiming, 
to  be  punished  by  a  fit  penalty.  He  is  to  find  out  the  best  means  to 
facilitate  and  encourage  the  conversion  of  negroes  and  Indians,  to 
the  Christain  rehgion.  He  is  to  provide  for  the  raising  of  Stocks 
and  building  of  publick  work-houses,  "for  the  employment  of  poor 
and  indigent  people."  He  is  to  encourage  the  Indians  to  trade 
with  England,  rather  than  with  any  other  country  or  nation.  He 
is  to  dispose  the  assembly  of  New  Jersey,  to  raise  supplies  for  the 
defence  of  the  province  of  New  York.  He  is  to  prevent  any  per- 
son Jcceimig  a  printing  jircss^  for  printing,  and  no  hoolc^  imnqMct, 
or  other  matter  whatsoever,  is  to  be  printed,  whhout  his  especial 
leave  and  license  first  obtained." 

James  Grahame,  considers  the  commission  and  instructions  given 
to  Cornbury,  "an  abstract  of  the  political  state  of  New  Jersey, 
from  the  resumption  of  its  charter,  till  the  termination  of  its  connex- 
ion with  the  British  Empire." 


ENGLISH  SETTLEMENT  OF    NEW  JERSEY.  CXITI 

The  government  was  to  consist  of  a  governonr  and  twelve  coun- 
sellors nominated  by  the  crown,  and  a  liouse  of  assembly,  consist- 
ing of  twenty-four  members  elected  by  tlie  people,  qualified  by 
possessing  an  hundred  acres  of  land,  or  personal  property  to  the 
value  of  fifty  pounds. 

The  laws  enacted  by  the  assembly  were  subject  to  the  negative 
of  the  governour :  but  if  approved  by  him,  were  to  be  transmitted 
to  England  for  confirmation,  or  the  contrary. 

In  1G95,  tlie  governour's  salary  in  East  Jersey  was  ,£150,  in 
West  ^200.  After  1702,  the  salary  of  the  governour  (of  both 
united)  was  <£600.*  As  Smith  mentions  this  sum,  I  conclude  it 
was  provincial  currency.  When  Lewis  Morris  was  governour,  the 
salary  was  raised  to  <£  1,000. 

The  sessions  of  the  assembly  were  to  be  held  alternately  at 
Perth  Amboy,  in  f]ast  Jersey,  and  Burlington,  in  West  Jersey. 

The  arbitrary  rule  of  Cornbury  I  have  mentioned  elsewhere. 
Notwithstanding  his  notorious  vices,  he  prevailed  upon  some  of  his 
counsellois,  appointed  by  the  crown,  to  subscribe  an  address  to 
himself,  beginning  thus:  "Your  lordship  has  not  one  virtue  or 
more,  but  a  complete  accomplishment  of  all  perfections,  and  ex- 
pressing" says  Grahame,  "the  most  loyal  abhorrence  of  the  factious 
stubbornness  of  their  fellow  subjects."  And  this  was  received  by 
the  ministry  for  a  time  as  sufficient  testimony  to  prevent  the 
170S  effects  of  the  complaints  made  against  him.  He  was 
superseded  in  1708,  by  Lovelace.  As  a  comment  on 
on  whom,  1  may  quote  Oldmixon's  words.  "  I  confess  it  gives  me 
a  great  deal  of  pain  in  writing  this  history,  to  see  what  sort  of  gov- 
ernours  I  meet  with  in  the  plantations." 

Maniifactures  were  discouraged  by  the  English  government. 
Education  was  not  in  a  flourishing  state  ;  yet  Princeton  College 
was  founded  in  1738. 

In  1677,  the  beautiful  town  of  Burlington  on  the  banks  of  the 
Delaware,  was  established  by  Eni]:lish  emigrants  from  London  and 
fom  Yorkshire,  who  agreed  upon  this  spot,  and  laying  out  the  main 
street  directly  from  the  river — the  Londoners  taking  ten  lots  on  the 
west  side,  and  the  Yorkshiremen  the  same  number  on  the  east.  It 
was  first  called  New  Beverley,  then  Bridlington,  and  finally  Bur- 
lington. 

In  1683  a  town  was  laid  out  on  the  point  of  land  which  is  situa- 
ted at  the  mouth  of  the  Raritan,  having  that  river  to  the  south-west, 
and  the  sound,  called  Arthur  Kull,  dividing  it  from  Staten  Island 
on  the  north-west.  This  beautiful  situation,  having  a  harbour  for 
large  ships,  overlooks  the  point  of  Staten  Island,  and  gives  a  viev^ 


•  See  S.  Smith's  Hist,  of  New  Jersey. 
O 


CXIV  APPENDIX. 

of  the  Great  Bay,  Sandy  Hook,  the  Highlands  of  Neversink  and  the 
hills  of  Monmouth. 

Gawin  Lawrie  arrived  as  deputy-governour  of  East  Jersey  under 
Robert  Barclay,  in  16S-3,  and  pitched  upon  this  point  for  the  capi- 
tal. It  was  called  originally  Amboge,  as  may  be  seen  by  old 
records  ;  shortly  after,  Ambo  Point,  and  when  in  compliment  to 
the  Earl  of  Perth,  one  of  the  second  set  of  proprietors,  the  town 
was  named,  the  original  Amboge  was  changed  to  Amboy,  and  the 
city  called  Perth  Amboy. 

Lawrie,  writing  to  a  friend  in  Britain,  says  :  "  There  is  no  such 
place  in  England,  for  conveniency  and  pleasant  situation."  He 
says,  he  has  laid  out  "  a  place  for  a  market,  with  cross  streets  from 
the  riv^er"  where  the  town  houses  are  to  be  built.  "  I  engage  all 
to  build  a  house  of  thirty  feet  long,  and  eighteen  broad,  and  eighteen 
feet  to  the  raising.  I  have  laid  out  forty  or  fifty  acres  for  the 
govern our's  house." 

The  proprietors  of  New  Jersey  established  universal  freedom  of 
religious  worship.  The  government  and  church  of  England  sent 
out  missionaries  to  that  province  ;  the  first  who  arrived  was  Edward 
Perltinch  :  the  people  of  Perth  Amboy  fitted  up  a  house  for  public 
Episcopal  w^orship  :  this  was  near  the  gate  of  the  dwelhng-place 
now  owned  (1S40)  by  Mr.  Andrew  Bell.  The  site  of  this  first 
place  of  publick  worship  was  long  marked  by  a  hollow  which  had 
been  the  cellar,  and  in  that  hollow  grew  a  cherry-tree.  This  was 
on  the  church-lot. 

According  to  the  original  plan,  the  city  of  Perth  Amboy  w^as 
divided  into  150  lots,  each  of  ten  acres  :  the  price  to  those  who 
first  purchased  w^as  £15  sterling  ;  and  one  year  after  it  was  raised 
to  £20.  Four  acres  were  reserved  for  a  market  square.  Gawin 
Lawrie  gave  the  plan  for  a  regular  town. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXV 


\ 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.* 

I  HAVE  given  the  unsuccessful  negotiations  of  Governour  Stuy- 
vesant  to  prevent  the  New  England  encroachments  in  the  settle- 
ment of  Westchester;  but  the  Dutch  did  not  confine  their  efforts 
to  self-preservation  (or  at  least  preservation  of  their  territory)  to 
mere  negotiation — they  resisted  the  intruders,  and  at  length  car- 
ried off  twenty-three  persons  to  Fort  Amsterdam,  and  there  held 
them  prisoners.  They  were,  however,  dismissed  by  the  gover- 
nour, on  submitting  to  his  jurisdiction,  or  removing.  When  Nicolls 
arrived  at  Westchester,  they  complained  to  him ;  but  were,  of  course, 
adjudged  to  belong  to  l^ew  York.  At  this  period,  Carr  and  Cart- 
wright,  took  possession  of  Albany  for  Nicolls,  and  concluded  a 
treaty  with  certain  chiefs  6f  the  IVIohawks  and  Senecas,  by  which 
it  was  stipulated,  that  the  English  should  furnish  to  the  Iroquois, 
all  such  ardcles  as  the  Dutch  had  done  ;  and  should  punish  any 
Englishman  who  behaved  ill  to  the  Indians,  they  agreeing  to  do  the 
same  by  their  people.  The  English  commanders  likewise  agreed, 
to  conclude  a  peace  for  the  Iroquois  with  the  Indians  on  the  river 
and  on  Manhattan  Island. 

Of  the  changes  that  have  taken  place  on  our  shores  by  the  in- 
fluence of  the  sea,  most  people  are  aware.  It  is  stated,  that  "  Coney 
Island  proper,"  lay  at  the  entrance  of  the  Narrows,  and  was  sepa- 
rated from  the  Island  now  called  by  that  name,  a  channel  interve- 
ning. Who  shall  say,  that  when  Verrazzano  entered  within  Sandy 
Hook,  he  did  not  find  in  Amboy  Bay,  five  small  islands  ?  It  is 
certain  that  Nutten,  or  Governour's  Island,  was  almost  within  the 
memory  of  man,  part  of  Long  Island,  insomuch  that  at  low  water  the 


*  The  author  had  collected  a  great  mass  of  materials  for  his  work,  which  could 
not  properly  be  introduced  as  part  of  the  text,  but  yet  were  too  important,  or  in- 
teresting, or  curious  to  be  overlooked.  These  principally  consist  of  abstracts  from 
records  and  other  authentick  documents  in  the  possession  of  the  Corporation  of 
the  City  of  New  York,  to  which  the  writer  was  in  the  kindest  manner  permitted 
unrestricted  access.  There  are  other  extracts  from  files  of  cotemporary  newspa- 
pers, which  are  probably  now  only  to  be  found  in  the  libraries  of  publick  institu- 
tions. The  collections  of  the  author  extend  from  before  the  year  1669  to  the 
period,  and  after,  when  his  history  was  to  be  concluded.  This  collection  is  con- 
tained in  upwards  of  300  close  written  images  of  foolscap.  The  writer  had  evi- 
dently arranged  the  first  part  of  these  abstracts  for  the  purpose  of  "An  Appendix 
of  Miscellaneous  Matter,"  with  the  design  of  introducing  such  interesting  subjects 
as  would  not  swell  out  the  work  to  an  inconvenient  extent.  The  Editor  has  en- 
deavoured out  of  this  treasure,  to  select  the  pieces  most  valuable — although  if  the 
whole  were  to  be  published,  very  little  would  be  found  either  uninstructive  oj 
uninteresting. 


CXVl  APPENDIX. 

cattle  passed  and  repassed.  A  ship  channel  now  separates  the  two 
islands.  On  the  other  hand,  in  1G43,  Gravesend  had  a  good  har- 
bour for  shipping,  which  is  now  nneadow  land. 

The  trade  of  Long  Island  was  among  the  people  themselves  by 
exciiange  of  commovliiy  or  barter.  Land,  as  well  as  every  thh;g 
else,  was  paid  for  in  produce.  The  herdsman  who  attended  the 
cattle  of  the  town  was  paid  in  butter,  wheal  and  corn.  The  min- 
ister of  East  Hamj)ton  had  ^60  a  year  "  in  such  pay  as  men 
raise,  as  it  passes  from  man  to  man.*'  And  the  people  of  Newtown 
gave  William  Leveredge  their  minister,  annually,  40s.  a  piece,  to 
be  paid  half  in  corn  and  half  in  cattle  ;"  and  thus  of  every  service 
performed,  or  debt  adjudged  to  be  paid.  Stock  and  produce  were 
estimated  by  assessors,  and  Mr.  Wood  gives  the  prices  as  fixed  in 
1665  and  1679.  This  practice  continued  until  1700,  when  money 
became  more  plenty. 

Of  the  Lidians  of  Long  Island  the  Montauks  appear  to  have 
been  the  principal,  and  their  name  is  perpetuated  by  the  appella- 
tion of  the  extreme  eastern  point  of  the  Island.  They  were,  how- 
ever, subject  to  the  Pequots  of  New  England,  and  perhaps  to  the 
Iroquois  of  New  York.  In  1643  the  Montauks  and  neighbouring 
tribes  put  themselves  under  the  protecdon  and  government  of  the 
Commissioners  of  the  United  Colonies,  and  a  sachem  of  the  Mon- 
tauks was  made  chief  of  the  Lonsj  Island  Indians.  In  J  654  the 
Narragansetts  invaded  the  Montauks,  and  the  whole  tribe  would 
have  been  extirpated  but  for  the  protection  of  the  settlers  of  East 
Hampton. 

It  being  found  inconvenient  that  the  town  and  county  rates 
should  as  heretofore  be  paid  in  beef,  pork,  etc.,  Nicolls  ordered 
the  towns  to  meet  and  send  in  the  combined  rates,  as  no  more 
beef,  pork,  etc.,  would  be  received. 

William  Smith*  says  that  at  the  dme  of  the  surrender  to  Nicolls, 
New  York  "  consisted  of  several  small  streets,  laid  out  in  the  year 
1656."  We  know  that  the  fort  was  on  an  eminence  overlooking 
the  bay  on  the  side  of  approach  from  the  sea,  and  the  town  on  the 
land  side.  It  was  a  square,  with  four  bastions ;  the  outer  and 
lower  wall  was  of  stone.  Within  the  fort  were  the  governour's 
house,  secretary's  office,  the  church,  and  barracks  for  the  garrison. 

In  1653,  Governour  Stuyvesant  raised  the  wall  comj)osed  of 
stones  and  earth,  surmounted  by  palisadoes,  which  extended  from 
water  to  water,  about  the  site  of  the  present  Wall  street.  It  had 
two  gates:  the  Watergate,  near  the  present  Pearl  street,  then  close 
on  the  East  river,  and  the  land  gate,  on  the  high  ground,  now 
Broadway. 


•  History  of  New  York,  Vol.  I,  p.  33. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXVII 

A  Dutch  memorial  states  the  population  of  the  province  at  6,000. 
The  city  is  supposed  to  have  contained  3,000. 
1669  When    Governour    Lovelace   required  aid  from   Long 

Island  to  fortify  New  York,  it  was  refused  "  unless  the  peo- 
ple niif::ht  have  the  privileges  which  others  of  his  majesty's  subjects  in 
these  parts  enjoyed."  Evidently  meaning  by  "  his  majesty's  sub- 
jects" tlie  peo[)le  of  New  England.  These  proceedings  were  pro- 
nounced "  scandalous,  illegal,  and  seditious."  'I'he  governour  and 
council  ordered  the  j^aper  demanding  iliese  rights  (which  had  been 
promised  in  fact  by  Nicolls)  to  be  burned  befoie  the  Town  house. 

We  have  seen  (vol.  1.,  p.  127,)  that  Mr.  Bed  low  was  one  of 
the  governour's  council.  The  island  which  is  now  called  by  his 
name,  once  had  the  name  of  *'  Love  Island,"  and  subsequently  the 
more  appropriate  one  of  "  Oyster  Island."  In  1669,  by  request 
of  Mr.  Bedlow,  it  was  made  a  place  of  privilege  from  warrant  of 
arrest. 

We  find  an  order  from  Governour  Lovelace  and  council,  dated 
January  28th,  1669,  for  the  transportation  of  Marcus  Jacobs,  or 
Jacobson,  called  the  Long  Fitui,  to  Barbadoes,  there  to  be  sold 
for  a  servant  to  the  best  advantage.  He  had  been  imprisoned  a 
month  in  New  York.  Marcus  has  not  printed  his  autobiography, 
or  perhaps  he  would  appear  a  patriot  hero.  As  his  enemies  say,  he 
was  an  imposter  and  a  rebel,  assuming  the  name  of  a  distinguished 
Swede,  and  opposing  the  legal  government  of  England  in  Delaware 
Bay*  He  was  tried  by  a  special  connnission,  as  Leisler  afterwards 
was,  that  is,  by  those  who  had  determined  to  destroy  him.  He 
was  sentenced  to  death,  but  merdfulbj  the  sentence  was  changed 
to  whipping,  branding,  imprisonment,  transportation,  and  slavery. 

March  24th,  1669,  Governour  Lovelace  established  by  order  a 
time  and  place  for  merchants  to  meet.  The  time  was  to  be  on 
Fridays,  between  the  hours  of  eleven  and  twelve,  at  present  near 
the  bridge.  The  bridge  was  a  planked  walk  over  a  part  of  the 
canal  near  the  foot  of  Broad  street.  This  canal  or  sewer  had  for- 
merly been  the  creek  leading  from  the  bay  to  near  the  present  Cus- 
tom-house, that  is,  to  the  foot  of  the  hill  called  by  the  Dutch  Ver- 
lettenberg,  and  long  after  by  the  English,  Flattenbarrack  Hill. 
Berg  is  in  itself  hill,  and  verletten  is  to  stop.  Thus  the  hill  was 
called  the  stopping-hill,  or  the  termination  of  the  tide  water  ;  and 
here  was  the  Ferry  house. 

When  Lovelace  fixed  the  time  of  meeting  for  the  merchants,  he 
ordered  the  mayor  to  take  care  that  they  be  not  disturbed  ;  and 
the  ringing  of  aJDell  denoted  the  times  of  congregating  and  dispers- 
ing.    In  afterdays,  a  building  was  erected  on  this  spot,  called  the 

ExcJui-nge. 
1670  It  is  believed  that  Pauw,  one  of  the  first  patroons,  pur- 

chased Staten  Island  from  the  Indians ;  but  in  1051  it  was 


CXVIII  APPENDIX. 

again  purchased  from  them  by  Augustine  Herman,  on  the  6th  of 
December  ;  notwithstanding  whicli,  and  another  sale  made  to  the 
Dutch  in  1657,  certain  Indian  sachems  claimed  the  whole  or,  a 
greater  part  of  it,  from  the  governour  and  council,  in  1670.  Love- 
lace appealed  to  the  old  sales,  but  the  Indians  said  the  Dutch  had  not 
paid  them  in  full,  and  they  now  demanded  an  addition  of  six  hundred 
fathoms  of  wampum,  but  finally  agreed  to  receive  four  hundred, 
together  with  a  number  of  guns,  axes,  ketdes,  and  watchcoats.  Tha 
governour  and  council  came  to  an  agreement  with  them  on  the  9th  of 
April,  1670,  by  which,  on  receiving  payment,  they  promised  to  aban- 
don the  island.  On  the  13th,  they  were  satisfied,  and  on  the  1st  of 
May  they  formally  delivered  up  the  island  to  INIr.  Thomas  Love- 
lace and  Mr.  Matthias  iXicoUs,  who  were  deputed  by  the  gover- 
nour. Yet,  Nathaniel  Sylvester  is  represented  in  a  publick  instru- 
ment of  the  government,  in  1672,  July  8th,  as  the  owner  of  the 
island. 

In  July  of  this  year,  (1670,)  Catharine  Harrison,  a  native  of 
England,  (who  lived  nineteen  years  at  Weathersfield,  in  Connec- 
ticut, where  she  had  been  tried  for  w^itchcraft,  found  guilty  by  the 
jury,  acquitted  by  the  bench,  and  released  out  of  prison  upon  con- 
dition that  she  would  remove)  appeared  before  the  council  on  the 
accusation  of  Thomas  Hunt  and  Edward  Waters,  in  behalf  of  the 
town  of  Westchester,  they  praying  that  she  might  be  driven  from 
the  town.  This  affair  was  adjourned  to  the  24th  August,  when 
being  heard,  it  was  referred  to  the  general  court  of  assizes — the 
woman  being  ordered  to  give  security  for  good  behaviour. 

In  Albany,  the  excise  on  beer  was  farmed  out  to  Delavall,  the 
mayor,  for  7,800  guilders. 

There  were  three  companies  of  militia  at  the  city  of  New  York, 
and  when  Governour  Lovelace  went  to  Delaware,  he  ordered  out 
twenty  horse,  to  escort  him. 

Lovelace  being  applied  to  for  a  bill  of  divorce,  which  a  court 
had  declared  beyond  their  powers,  he,  in  council,  decreed  that  "  it 
being  conformable  to  the  laws  of  this  government  as  well  as  to  the 
practice  of  the  civil  law  and  the  laws  of  our  nation  of  England,"  the 
marriage  should  be  dissolved,  on  proof  of  the  wife's  adultery. 
1671  The  governments  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  made 

preparations  for  a  war  with  the  Indians  of  the  latter  pro- 
vince, in  consequence  of  two  murders  committed  on  whites,  who 
lived  upon  the  Little  Island  in  the  Delaware,  lying  between  Bur- 
lington and  Bristol.  But  the  Indian  sachems,  disowned  partici- 
pation in  the  act,  and  proved  it  by  ordering  the  death  of  the  mur- 
derer. He  was  a  young  man,  who  in  a  fit  of  grief  or  frenzy,  oc- 
casioned by  the  death  of  his  sister  by  sickness,  had  committed  this 
deed,  and  on  being  informed  that  the  sachems  ordered  his  death, 
covered  his  eyes  with  his  hands,  saying,  '*  kill  me."     The  Indian 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXII 

sent  with  the  message,  immediately  shot  him.  The  Enghsh  hung 
his  body  in  chains,  and  a^ave  the  sachems  five  matchcoats. 

In  June  this  year.  Sir  WilUam  Berkeley,  governour  of  Virginia, 
returned  thanks  to  God,  that  there  were  neither  free  schools  nor 
printing  in  the  colony.  "  God  keep  us  from  both."  Agreeably  to 
this  sentiment  of  the  good  old  times,  when  Lord  Effingham  was 
appointed  governour  of  Virginia,  he  was  ordered  by  the  English 
government,  "  to  allow  no  person  to  use  a  printing  press  on 
any  occasion  whatever,"  This  order  was  in  1683.  Evelyn  tes- 
tifies that  in  1670,  there  were  fears  that  the  New  England  planta- 
tions would  break  from  all  dependance  on  England.  The  pros- 
perity of  the  colonies  was  a  constant  source  of  jealousy  to  England, 
and  to  make  profit  by  engrossing  their  trade  was  the  great  object  of 
English  legislation,  in  respect  to  them. 

The  books  of  the  council  give  as  the  yearly  charge  to  the  town 
of  iVlbany  for  officers — to  the  minister,  125  beavers,  "  at  thirty 
guilders  or  stuyvers"  the  beaver.  The  secretary  600  guilders  : 
the  recorder  400. 

The  governour  commissioned  an  Indian  to  be  sachem  of  the 
Shinnacocks :  and  he  commissioned  an  Indian  as  constable  anions: 
the  Shinnacocks. 

Samuel  Drisius,  the  Dutch  minister  of  the  city,  applied  to  the 
governour  and  council,  December  tlie  5th,  1671,  to  have  two  years 
arrears  of  salary  made  good  :  they  determined  that  as  he  had  been 
sick  one  year  of  the  time,  they  w^ould  only  pay  him  one  year,  and 
accordingly,  ordered  <£100  to  be  paid  him.  And  they  recom- 
mend to  the  elders  and  deacons  of  the  church,  that  if  h  should  not 
be  thought  sufficient,  they  will  by  some  means  help  him   further, 

and  for  the  future  his  salary  go  on  as  before. 
1672  Henry  Roonboome  the  Dutch  sexton  at  Albany,  applies 

to  the  governour  and  council,  that  he  might  have  liberty  to 
bury  Lutherans  and  all  there.  Ordered,  that  since  the  Lutherans 
have  a  toleration  for  their  religion,  they  may  bury  their  own 
dead. 

"  Ordered  by  the  court  of  assizes,  "  that  a  good  piece  of  eight  of 
Spanish  coin  of  Mexico,  Sevil,  or  Pillar,  be  valued  and  go  for  six 
shillings." 

Gardnerh  Island,  had  been  called  the  Isle  of  Wight  by  the 
English,  and  by  the  Indians  Manchouack.  It  appears,  that  David 
Gardner  (son  of  Lyon)  in  1665,  received  a  patent  from  Nicolls,  in 
which  was  stipulated,  that  he  should  pay  a  yearly  rent  of  five 
pounds,  but  Gardner  petioned  Lovelace,  in  September,  1670,  to 
have  the  above  rent  remitted.  Accordingly,  the  governour  remit- 
ted it,  and  in  lieu,  ordered  a  lamb  (if  demanded)  to  be  paid  on  the 
1st  of  May,  yearly,  forever.  About  this  time  governour  Love- 
lace purchased  Staten  Island. 


CXX  APEENDIX. 

On  ibe  12tb  of  October,  1672,  Lovelace  elected  nvt  nf  the  jjer- 
sons  iioiii'iiKitrd  bij  lite  jmti/or  cnid  aULrmen  tben  in  office,  Mr.  Jobn 
Lawrence  to  be  innyor  for  tbe  coming  year,  Cornebiis  Van  Ruy- 
ven  lo  be  deputy-mayor,  and  Messr.^^.  I^aac  Bedlow,  Jobannes 
Depeyster,  Wilbani  Darvall,  and  l^'rancis  Rotiionts,  lo  be  aldermen. 
Mr.  Mattbias  Nicolls,  ibe  mayor  for  1672,  on  "taking  leafe  of  ibe 
bend),"  recommended  tbat  certain  days  be  appointed  for  bolding 
tbe  court,  witb  otlier  regulations  :  and  tbat  "  Mr.  Cliarleton  may 
be  admitted  to  continue  bis  scboole  in  tbe  state-bouse."  By  tbe 
influence  of  Mr.  Mattbias  Nicolls,  it  was  ordered  tbat  no  person 
arrested,  sbouUl  be  detained  in  prison,  any  longer  tban  die  next 
ensuing  court  day,  and  tben  to  bave  a  bearing,  or  else  be  released. 
Tbe  court  allowed  to  Peter  Scbieflein,  as  a  gift  for  tbis  present 
year,  **  above  bis  former  salary,  tbe  sum  of  fifty  guilders,  provided 
it  be  laid  oui  in  cloatbs." 

In  1()72  tbe  number  of  militia  in  tbe  province  was  2000 — num- 
ber of  iidiabitants  H)  or  12,000.  In  I  GSG  tbis  number  was  doubled. 
Militia  4000  foot,  300  liorse,  and  a  company  of  dragoons.  Regu- 
lar troops,  a  company  at  New  York,  and  one  at  Albany.  New  York 
bad  a  fort  i^i  46  guns.  A  sinall  fort  at  Albany  of  palisades,  was 
tbe  defence  of  tbat  place. 

Negro  slaves  were  brougbt  from  Barbadoes  and  excbanged  for 
tbe  necessaries  of  life.  Twenty-four  villages  divided  into  six  cir- 
cuits constituted  tbe  province.  Sixty  tbousand  busbels  of  vvbeat 
were  now  annually  ex|)orted  :  otber  produce  was  peas,  tobacco, 
carpenter's  wood,  and  nut  wood.  Already  tar  and  pitcb  were  made. 
Beef,  pork,  borses,  were  also  exportec\  and  tbe  traders  received 
mucb  fur  from  tbe  Indians.  'J'be  imports  were  manufactures  of 
all  kinds.  Woollen  blankets  and  otber  articles  for  tbe  Indians, 
tbe  trade  witb  wbom  was  carried  on  at  Albany,  to  tbe  amount  of 
^50,000  per  annum.  Yet  a  mercbant  possessed  of  .£1000,  or  even 
^500,  was  accounted  ricb.  Tbe  moveable  property  of  tbe  mer- 
cbants  and  landbolders  was  estimated  at  .£150,000.  Trade  was 
carried  on  in  ten  or  fifteen  vessels  of  100  tons,  belonging  to  Europe, 
New  England,  and  New  York.  Of  tbe  latter,  six  small  vessels 
were  all.  A  bogsbead  of  tobacco  paid  a  tax  of  ^25,  and  one  of 
beaver  skins  .£15  :  otber  articles  exported  free  :  2  per  cent,  was 
paid  on  imports,  and  3  per  cent,  on  tbe  Indian  trade.  Dealers  in 
spirits  paid  a  bigber  duty  and  for  a  license.  Tbere  were  many 
sects,  but  few  supported  ministers.  Tbe  Presbyterians  and  Inde- 
pendents were  tbe  richest.     Jews  were  tolerated. 

October  23d. — At  a  special  court  of  tbe  mayor,  Jobn  Lawrence 
and  Aldermen  Van  Ruyven,  Depeyster  and  Darvall : — Messrs. 
Johannes  Van  Brugh,  Jeronymus  Ebburgh,  Jacob  Leisler,  and 
Nicholas  Bayard,  or  in  bis  absence  Gelyne  Verplank,  were  ap- 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXXI 

pointed  to  examine  a  certain   claim   made  by  Jaques   Cousseau. 
In  the  next  record  Jacob's  name  is  written  Leislaer, 

October  26th. — In  the  mayor's  court  the  first  cause  is  recorded 
in  Dutch,  the  others  in  English.  Anna  Wessels  demands  for  a 
debt  to  her,  from  Rymer  Van  der  Coote,  that  Symon  Hawkes,  the 
servant  of  Rymer  Van  der  Coote,  may  be  condemned  to  serve  out 
the  remainder  of  his  time  for  said  debt.  Hawkes  says,  that  Rymer 
Van  der  Coote,  paid  450  guilders  for  him,  which  he  was  to  work 
out  "by  said  Van  der  Coote."  Gelj'n  Verplanck  and  Thomias 
Taylor  appointed  constables  for  a  year. 

November  Gth. — By  the  order  of  Governour  Francis  Lovelace, 
the  following  ordinances  are  published  from  the  State-house. 
*'  Concerning  the  prosecution  of  servants  with  hue  and  cryes  at  the 
publick  charge."  2d — "  Touching  the  killing  of  wolves."  3rd 
— "  That  no  stranger  or  person  unknown,  should  travel  within  this 
government  without  a  passport  whence  he  came."  A  law  for  the 
observing  of  the  Sabbath,  passed  in  1665,  renewed.  Nicholas 
Bayard  at  this  time  vendue  master. 

December  3d. — The  sheriff  brings  Thomas  Crancon,  a  carman, 
into  court,  for  *'  uttering  of  [here  a  word  occurs  in  the  record 
which  I  cannot  decipher,]  language,  and  bad  speaches  against  Mr. 
Pell,  Mr.  Atwood,  and  others  of  the  inhabitants."  The  carman 
confessed,  and  promised  better  behaviour:  "the  court  passed  by 
his  errour,  but  ordered  him  not  to  suffer  his  daughter  to  go  any  more 
in  the  cart ;  but  he  himself  to  attend  the  Kart,  or  put  an  able  person 
in  his  stead."  A  man  coming  into  court  states  that  in  compliance 
with  their  order,  he  had  kept  the  peace  and  in  no  manner  molested 
his  wife,  and  therefore,  requested  that  his  wife  should  be  ordered 
to  come  and  live  with  him,  he  promising  to  behave  himself.  She 
is  sent  for,  but  declares  that  she  had  tried  him  so  often  and  been 
deceived,  that  she  "would  rather  dye  than  be  brought  to  it  again." 
But  the  court  determined  that  being  lawfully  married,  and  no 
just   cause    of    separation,    they  do    live    together   as    man    and 

wife. 
1673         April  8th. —  Upon    information    given  to  the   Mayor's 
Court,  the  court  ordered  that  William  Pamer  shall  make 
appear  to  Mr.  Mayor  before  next  court  day,  how  he  was  married, 
jand  by  what  means  he  came  by  this  wyfe. 

May  6th. — The  court  adjudged  a  man  to  pay  ^6  Boston  sil- 
ver, or  the  value  thereof  in  wheat :  the  wheat  at  the  price  of  3s.  6d. 
per  bushel. 

May  28th. — A  man  swears  to  the  agreement  between  Peter  Ben- 
nett and  Jean  Le  Roux.  Bennett  was  the  captain  of  a  vessel  sail- 
ing from  London,  and  she  engaged  to  pay  for  the  passage  of  her- 
self and  four  children  to  New  York,  each  the  sum  of  ^8  sterling 
on  arrival ;  and  if  the  said  Jean  could  not  procure  the  money  in 

p 


CXXII  APPENDIX. 

six  weeks,  *'  the  said  four  children  should  be  at  the  disposal  of  the 
said  Bennett  for  to  be  sold  or  disposed  of  at  his  pleasure."  The 
court  ordered  accordingly,  that  she  should  pay  <£8  sterling  per 
head.  Nothing  is  said  of  the  power  given  to  the  captain  over  the 
children.  But  June  20th,  Jacob  Leisler  came  forward  in  behalf 
of  this  poor  woman,  and  tendered  the  amount,  <£40  sterling  "  in 
this  country  pay,"  and  the  payment  was  made  by  agreement  in  mer- 
chandize and  produce. 

Some  attempts  were  made  to  get  np  witchcraft,  but  they  failed. 
The  mayor  and  citizens  did  military  duty,  parading  before  the 
City  hall,  at  Coenties  slip,  and  holding  guard  at  the  fort,  after 
locking  the  city  gates,  (on  Wall  street.)  The  fort  was  on  a  mound, 
terminating  precipitously  in  a  bluff  on  the  south  point  of  the  island, 
and  so  remained  till  1789,  or  after.  The  governour  and  council 
proclaimed  that  instead  of  eight  white  and  four  black  wampums, 
six  white  and  three  black  should  be  equal  to  a  stiver  or  penny,  (I 
presume  a  penny  sterling.)  The  white  wampum  was  worked  out 
of  the  inside  of  the  conque,  and  the  black  (or  purple)  out  of  the 
mussel  or  the  clam  shell. 

Coenties  slip  was  so  called  from  Coenradt  Ten  Eyck — Coenties 
being  the  familiar  equivalent  for  Coenradt. 

1674  In  the  year  1674,  John  Gerritts  was  thrown  into  prison 
for  pretending  to  extraordinary  sanctity,  and  endeavouring 

to  impose  on  the  people.  And  Peter  Ebbet  was  taken  up  on  a 
warrant,  for  reporting  that  he  had  seen  sights  and  visions  in  the 
city,  and  causing  publick  uneasiness.  There  were  Indian  alarms, 
and  block-houses  were  ordered.  The  Quakers  w^ere  fined  for  not 
doing  military  duty.  The  Long  Island  sachems  came  to  New 
York  and  gave  Andros  assurances  of  friendship ;  but  it  appears 
that  the  Indians  had  been  disarmed,  and  traffick  had  been  forbidden 
with  the  Long  Island  Indians  by  the  court  of  assizes.  On  the 
18th  of  September,  arms  were  restored  to  the  Indians  of  East 
Hampton  and  Shelter  Island,  on  account  of  good  behaviour  ;  but 
in  October,  they  were  again  disarmed. 

1675  Orders  made  at  the  general  court  of  assizes  in  New  York, 
beginning  the  6th  and  ending  the  13th  of  October,  in  the 

27th  year  of  his  majesty's  reign,  1675.  In  consideration  of  the 
mischief  happening  from  carrying  hquors  and  goods  to  trade  with 
the  Indians  at  their  plantations,  where,  in  case  of  disorders  "small 
releefe  cann  bee  expected,"  it  is  ordered,  that  the  law  be  observed, 
which  prohibits  strong  Hquors  to  the  Indians  in  New  Yorke  schire, 
upon  Long  Island,  and  dependencies — and  the  constables  are  to 
take  care  that  no  powder  or  lead  be  sold  to  the  Indians  "  but  by 
them  as  directed,  or  by  their  consents."  The  governour's  procla- 
mation about  block-houses  is  to  be  observed.  Resolved,  that  all 
canoes  belonging  to  Christians  or  Indians  on  the  North   side  of 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXXIIl 

Long  Island,  to  the  East  of  Hellgate,  shall  be  (within  three  days 
from  the  publication  of  this  order,)  brought  to  the  next  townes  and 
deHvered  to  the  constables,  to  be  secured  near  their  block-house. 
And  any  canoe  found  upon  the  sound  after  that  time,  be  destroyed.* 
That  the  Indyans  at  Mr.  Pell's  or  Anne  Hook's  Neck,  be  ordered  to  re- 
move to  their  usual  winter  quarters,  within  Hellgate  upon  this  Island. 
English  w^eights  and  measures  ordered,  and  others  prohibited. 
This  being  a  time  of  scarcity,  corn  and  flower  not  to  be  exported. 
Ordered,  that  all  persons  having  horses  on  Long  Island,  do  within 
six  months,  prove  their  horses  before  the  constables  and  overseers, 
etc.,  and  such  as  shall  be  found  unmarked  (according  to  law) 
shall  be  forfeited,  the  one  half  to  his  Royal  Highness,  the  other  to 
the  town.  No  person  to  presume  to  mark  a  horse  or  coh,  but 
before  a  constable  or  overseer.  Those  on  Lons:  Island  who  have 
estaies  from  £20  to  100,  may  keepe  one  breeding  mare  and  no 
more,  and  so  for  every  .£100  ;  but  may  have  as  many  working 
horses  as  he  shall  have  occasion  for,  and  double  the  number  in  the 
woods.  That  every  single  person,  though  of  but  £'20  estate,  may 
keep  one  horse  at  home,  and  in  the  woods  proportionably.  Re- 
gulations made  for  the  oil  casks,  at  the  East  end  of  Long  Island 
in  the  towns,  "  where  the  whaling  designe  is  followed.''''  Ordered, 
that  besides  the  usual  county  rate  for  maintenance  of  ministers, 
"  there  shall  be  a  double  rate  levyed  upon  on  all  those  towns  that 
have  not  already  a  sufficient  maintenance  for  a  minister."  Ordered, 
that  after  this  season,  there  shall  be  a  fair  or  market  yearly  "  at 
Breuklyn,  near  the  ferry  for  graine,  cattle,  or  other  produce,  to  be 
held  the  first  Monday,  Tuesday,  and  Wednesday,  of  November ; 
and  in  the  city  of  New  York,  the  Thursday,  Friday,  and  Saturday, 
following."  Ordered,  that  in  case  of  a  "  war  with  the  Indians  in  this 
government  (which  God  forbid) — one  or  more  rates  shall  be  levyed." 
Ordered,  that  the  magistrates  "  do  justice  to  the  Indyans,  as  well 
as  Christians."  "That  by  reason  of  the  separation  by  w^ater,  Sta- 
ten  Island  shall  have  jurisdiction  by  itself,  and  have  no  further  de- 
pendance  on  the  courts  of  Long  Island,  nor  on  their  militia.'* 
Signed — Matthias  Nicolls,  Secretary. 

October  30th,  1675,  it  is  ordered,  that  all  persons  who  have  not 
complied  wath  the  proclamation  of  the  l-3th  of  March,  1674,  re- 
quiring all  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  his  majesty's  govern- 
ment, within  his  Royal  Highness's  government,  etc.,  shall 
appear  at  the  City  Hall,  on  Wednesday,  the  24th  of  November 
next,  by  nine  of  the  clock,  in  the  morning,  at  the  third  ringing 
of  the  bell  to  take  said  oath  :  a  special  sessions  to  be  held  for  that 


•  This  order  is  said  to  have  been  made  to  prevent  the  Indians  of  Long  Island 
j.oining  King  Philip  against  Nev^  England. 


CXXIV  APPENDIX. 

purpose.     The  proclamation  abov^  alluded  to,  is  set  forth,  and 
begins — "Whereas  there  has  been  a  change  of  government." 

December  30th. — The  deputy  mayor  and  aldermen,  prohibit  the 
firing  of  "  pistells  and  other  gunns"  on  New  Year's  day,  and  at  the 

same  time,  order  all  persons  to  clean  their  doors. 
1676         January  11th. — Orders  to  be  observed  by  the  constable, 

watch,  and  citizens  souldiers,  in  the  city  of  New  York.^ 
"  That  the  watch  be  sett  every  night  by  eight  o'clock  ;  immedi- 
ately after  the  ringing  of  the  bell.  That  the  city-gates  be  locked 
up  by  the  constable  or  deputy,  before  nine  of  the  clock,  and  opened 
in  the  morning  presently  after  day-light,  at  the  dismission  of  the 
watch:  and  if  any  person  goes  from,  or  absent  himself  without 
consent,  hee,  or  they,  shall  forfeit  for  every  such  default,  ten  guil- 
ders." That  the  sergeant  or  corporal!  of  the  watch,  shall  at  all 
times,  succeed  the  deputy  constables  on  the  watch  for  the  execu- 
tion thereof.  That  if  any  one  come  upon  the  watch  overcharged 
with  drink,  he  shall  pay  tw^o  guilders  :  but  if  abusive  or  quite 
drunk,  he  is  to  pay  the  same  as  if  he  absented  himself,  four  guil- 
ders. If  any  person  shall  quarrel  "  upon  the  watch  on  account  of 
being  of  different  nations"  or  other  pretence,  he  shall  pay  four 
guilders.  Any  centinel  leaving  his  post  before  he  is  relieved,  shall 
pay  twenty  guilders,  and  suffer  three  days  imprisonment.  The 
centinel  to  stand  on  his  post  one  hour.  That  frequent  rounds  about 
the  city  be  made,  especially  towards  the  bridge.  No  curseing 
and  swering  shall  be  allowed  upon  the  watch :  nor  any  gaminge  at 
dice  or  cards,  nor  any  exercise  of  drinkinge,  upon  the  penalty  of 
four  guilders.  That  a  list  of  the  fines  be  brought  by  the  ijrovost  unto 
the  mayor.  "  The  sergeant  belonging  to  every  watch  shall  come 
with  his  halbert ;  and  see  that  every  one  of  the  watch  bring  his 
arms,  that  is  to  say,  his  sword  and  good  half  pike."  Every  head 
of  family  to  have  "  one  good  musket  or  firelock,  with  six  charges 
of  powder  and  six  of  ball  at  least,  on  penalty  of  four  guilders  for 
the  first  offence,  eight  for  the  second,  and  twelve  for  the  third  ;  and 
the  ofhcers  of  each  county  are  to  search  four  times  a  yeare.  The  citi- 
zens souldiers  are  to  appear  with  good  armes  before  their  captain's 
coullers,  at  the  first  beating  of  the  drum.  Penalty  for  non-appear- 
ance, thirty  guilders — for  defficient  armes,  ten." 

January  20th. — Ordered,  by  the  mayor  and  aldermen,  that  all  mas- 
ters of  vessels  arriving  at  New  York,  as  soon  as  they  shall  come 
ashore,  give  an  account  to  the  mayor  of  all  and  every  passenger ; 
penalty  for  neglect,  "  A  merchandahle  bever^  Ordered,  that  no 
person  shall  sell  any  goods,  wares,  etc.,  by  retail,  on  pain  of  for- 
feiture, unless  he  be  a  freeman,  or  made  free,  or  burgher  of  this 
ciiy,  or  settled  house-keeper  :  unless  by  special  license  from  the 
mayor,  etc.,  with  approbation  of  the  governour.  Any  person  de- 
parting the  city,  unless  *'  he  keep  fire  and  candle  light,  and  pay 
scott  and  lott,"  shall  lose  his  freedom;  and  every  merchant  here- 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXXV 

after  to  be  made  free,  shall  pay  for  the  same  six  bevers — and 
handicraft  trades  and  others,  to  pay  two  bevers  for  being  made  free. 
— "  Ordered,  that  all  persons,  that  keep  publick-houses,  shall  sell 
beere  as  well  as  wyn  and  other  liquors,  and  keep  lodging  for  stran- 
gers," dated,  20th  January — Samuel  Leeth,  Clarke. 

April  14,  proclaimed. — That  every  merchant  trading  at  this 
place,  "before  the  ^ew  Docke  or  w^arfe  (intended  to  be  buildt) 
shall  bee  finished  and  paid  for,  shall  pay  proportionably  for  his 
estate,  the  same  as  the  inhabitants  and  other  traders  here,  towards 
the  building  of  the  same,"  15th  April,  "  allowed  by  the  governour, 
and  forthwith  to  be  put  in  execution." 

Proposals  by  the  mayor  and  aldermen,  presented  to'his  honour, 
the  governour.  "  That  there  be  six  houses  appointed  to  sell  all 
sorts  of  wine,  brandy,  and  rum,  and  lodging.  That  there  be  eight 
houses  appointed  to  sell  beere,  syder,  mum,  and  rum,  and  to  pro- 
vide for  strangers  as  the  law  directs,  to  sell  brandy,  rum,  and  strong 
waters,  and  tobacco.  That  two  of  the  wine  houses  be  ordinariyes  : 
and  four  of  the  beere-houses."  The  prices  of  wines  and  other  li- 
quors as  they  are  to  be  sold,  by  the  tappers.  French  wines  Is.  3d. 
per  quart.  Fayal  wines  ?ind  St.  Georges,  Is.  6d.  Madera  wines 
and  Portaport,  Is.  lOd.  Canaryes,  Bresados,  and  Malagoes,  2s. 
per  'quart.  Brandy,  6d.  per  gill.  Rum,  3d.  per  gill.  Syder, 
4d.  per  quart.  Double  beere,  3d.  per  quart.  Mum,  6d.  per  quart. 
The  ordinary  at  wine-house.  Is.  per  meal;  at  beere-houses,  8d. 
per  meal.  Lodging  at  the  wine-house,  4d.  per  night  ;  at  the 
beere-house,  3d.  per  night. 

Proclamation  was  made  by  the  governour,  Edward  Andros, 
February  3d,  that  a  weekly  market  should  be  held  every  Saturday, 
at  the  house  built  for  that  purpose  "  hy  the  water  side,  near  the 
bridge,"  i.  e.  at  the  foot  of  Broad  street.  The  first  market  to  be 
held  March  24th.  And  a  fair  to  be  held  at  "  Breuklyn"  for  cattle, 
grain,  and  country  produce,  the  first  Monday,  Tuesday,  and  Wed- 
nesday, in  November  ;  "  and  in  the  citty  at  the  market-house  and 
plaine  afore  the  fort,  the  Thursday,  Friday,  and  Saturday  follow- 
ing." All  persons  coming  thereto,  are  to  be  free  from  any  arrest 
for  debt  "  coming  or  returning  from  the  said  market  or  fayre." 
This  proclamation  to  remain  in  force  three  years  from  the  24th  of 
March  next. 

Matthew  Hillyer  petitions  the  common  council,  and  says  that  he 
hath  kept  school  for  children  of  both  sexes,  for  two  years  past,  to  the 
satisfaction  of  their  parents  ;  but  as  he  understands  complaints  have 
been  made  to  the  mayor,  etc.,  of  some  neglects,  he  wishes  to  inform 
them  that  the  occasion  of  these  neglects  was  the  want  of  a  conve- 
nient house  wherein  he  might  be  settled,  "  and  not  be  trobled  with 
so  often  removals."  "  But  your  petitioner  understanding  of  an 
obstruction,  by  a  person  lately  arrived,  who  endeavours  the  circum- 


CXXVI  APPENDIX. 

venting  of  your  petitioner,  and  reape  the  fruits  of  his  labours,  of 
which  Ukewise  your  petitioner  has  fully  informed  his  honour,  who 
is  by  the  petitioner's  humble  request  pleased  to  ordering  of  a  school 
and  master  to  your  worships  pleasure,  giving  your  petitioner  hopes 
and  encouragement  that  by  your  worship's  wisdom,  things  may  be 
better  regulated."  And  he  requests  that  he  may  be  established  in 
his  employ,  in  which,  with  the  help  of  God,  he  doubts  not  he  shall 
give  their  worships  satisfaction. 

August  25th. — Upon  the  petitions  of  Ebenezer  Kirtjand  and 
Matthew  Hillyar,  "  it  is  ordered  that  Matthew  Hillyar  continue  in 
the  same,"  the  schoolmaster's  office,  "  in  behaving  himself  for 
the  future  better  than  the  time  past :  and  instead  of  .£12  the  an- 
num, according  to  former  order,  is  only  to  have  a  roome  provided 
for  him." 

The  court  choose  two  tanners,  and  forbid  all  others  to  exercise 
the  trade  ;  and  Peter  Pangborne  is  chosen  the  currier  for  the  city. 
**  Also  ordered,  that  no  butcher  be  permitted  to  be  curriers,  or 
shoemakers,  or  tanners  ;  nor  shall  any  tanner  be  either  currier, 
shoemaker,  or  butcher  :  it  being  consonant  to  the  laws  of  England, 
and  practice  in  the  neighbour  colonys  of  the  Massachusetts  and 
Connecticott." 

Further  it  is  ordered,  that  if  any  Indians  shall  be  seen  coming 
out  drunk  of  any  house,  that  it  shall  be  a  sufficient  conviction  ;  and 
if  seen  drunk  in  the  streets,  and  the  house  not  found  out,  or  known 
where  he  or  she  were  made  drunk,  the  whole  street  to  be  fineable. 
Likewise  ordered,  that  no  person  distill  any  grain,  unless  it  be 
"unfit  to  grind  and  boalt." 

November  10th. — An  assessment  and  tax  for  defraying  the  charges 
of  the  new  dock,  and  paying  the  city  debts  and  other  public  duties, 
at  one  penny,half  penny  per  pound.  The  names  are  301,  arranged 
in  this  manner  : 

050     Alexander  Stilher, 

050     Andrew  Bradsteid  Cooper, 

100  Andrias  Jansen, 
Of  these  names,  there  are  but  104  that  are  decidedly  English, 
three  or  four  that  are  French,  and  the  remainder  Dutch.  Of  names 
now  with  us,  I  remark  those  of  Anthony,  i\lard,  Hardenbrook, 
Peterson,  Bedlow,  Byard  (Bayard,)  Crossfield,  Clopper,  Ten 
Eyck,  Provost,  De  Haert  (or  De  Hart,)  Clarkson,  Duykinge, 
Phillips,  [in  two  or  three  instances,  the  names  are  entered  thus  : 
*'  Garret,  the  Miller,"  "  Moses,  the  Jew,"  and  Moses  is  rated  at 
£200,  and  pays  £1  2s.  6d.,]  Kipp,  Davenport,  Brasier,  Smith, 
Vandewater,  Johnson,  INIatthews,  Sharpe,  Lawrence,  Cowley, 
Shackerley,  Henry,  Delaplaine,  Delanoy,  Turke,  Romeyn,  Tay- 
ler,  Cooke,  Delaval,  Aerstor,  Beakman,  Bogardus,  Elsworth, 
Blagg,   Spencer,  Hambleton   (probably   the   same  as  Hamilton,) 


£ 

s. 

d. 

00 

06 

03 

00 

06 

03 

00 

12 

06 

i 

i 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXXVII 

Clanson,  Cobbett,  Garritson,  Jacob  Israel,  the  Jew,  Norwood 
Verplanke,  and  Courland,  (perhaps  the  same  as  Cortlandt.) 
The  amount  of  property  assessed  is  <£99,G95,  19s.  7d.  The  richest 
persons  in  the  city,  according  to  this  assessment,  are — Cornelius 
Stanwike,  .£4,000;  Jacob Leishler,  ^3,000  (Leisler  ;)  the  Widow 
De  Haert,  ^£1,200  ;  Nicholas  Byard,  £1,500  (Nicholas  Bay- 
ard ;)  Courland,  (meaning  Cordandt,)  £3,000  ;  Storey,  £1,000  ; 
Dersall,  £3,000  ;  Delaval,  £3,000  ;  Jno.  Wilson,  £2,500  ; 
Jno.  Robinson,  £2,530;  Edward  Griffith,  £2,030  ;  Jno.  Robson, 
,£2,389 ;  George  Heathcott,  £2,03G. 

November  13th. — An  ordinance  against  profaning  the  Sabbath, 
from  rising  to  sun-setting.  No  buying  or  selling,  card-playing, 
disorderly  assemblings  of  children  in  the  streets  and  other  places  ; 
publicans  not  to  permit  any  persons  to  drink  or  game  in  their  hou- 
ses, or  gardens,  or  yards.  Fine  for  the  first  offence,  20  guilders, 
second,  50,  and  third,  100  guilders,  and  forfeiture  of  license. 

Ordered,  that  no  person  shall  come  and  dwell  in  this  city  for  the 
future,  or  take  a  house,  warehouse,  cellar,  or  shop,  or  lodging, 
without  first  coming  to  the  mayor  or  deputy-mayor  and  aldermen, 
and  have  hberty  or  license  from  them  for  the  doing  thereof,  (except 
such  persons  as  have  the  governour's  order  therefore) — the  penalty, 

five  pounds. 
1677  The   18th   April,  proclamation   by  the   governour  and 

court  of  mayor  and  aldermen  at  New  York.  That  the 
great  and  little  pacht  or  excise  be  taken  off,  and  liberty  given  to 
buy  and  sell  freely  at  all  due  times  ;  but  to  prevent  confusion,  etc., 
by  many  disorderly  retailers,  or  houses  of  entertainment,  ordered, 
that  none  sell  or  retayle  at  home  nor  out  of  dores  less  than  one 
gallon,  except  licenced  houses,  under  the  penalty  of  forfeiting  all 
such  liquors,  and  treble  the  value,  and  be  furder  punished,  and  for 
contempt,  as  the  case  may  require.  And  all  persons  who  wish  to 
retail,  are  to  apply  to  a  person  appointed  by  the  court ;  those  not 
complying  with  this  request  after  5th  February,  to  be  proceeded 
against.  To  be  in  force  one  year.  Given  in  the  27th  year  of  his 
majesty's  reign.  To  the  mayor  and  aldermen  to  be  forthwith  pub- 
lished at  the  City  hall. 

August  25th. — Ebenezer  Kirtland  petitions  the  deputy-mayor 
and  aldermen,  inasmuch  as  he  imderstands  that  they  wish  "  to 
erect  and  maintain  a  school  for  the  educadng  and  instructing  of 
youth  either  in  reading,  writing,  arithmetick,  Latin,  or  Greek,  and 
supposing  himself  a  person  fit  to  undertake  and  discharge  such  an 
employ,  did  address  himself  to  his  honour  the  governour,  for  his 
good  liking  therein,  and  he  having  signified  the  same,  and  ordered 
him  to  make  his  addresses  to  your  worshipful  body,  to  be  the  mas- 
ter of  said  school,  he  therefore  humbly  prays,"  etc.  etc. 


CXXVIII  APPENDIX. 

Stephen  Van  Cortland,  mayor,  John  Guion,  deputy-mayor, 
John  De  Peyster,  Peter  Jacobs,  Gulyne  Verplank,  aldermen, 
give  permission  to  Ashur  Levy  to  build  a  slaughter-house,  and 
take  in  Mr.  Garret  Jansen  Rose  as  a  partner,  and  all  persons  shall 
have  liberty  to  kill  and  hang  their  meat  there,  paying  for  the 
same. 

1678  Andros  appoints  Stephen  Van  Cortlandt,  the  present 
mayor,  to  be  judge  of  the  court  of  admiralty,  and  four  al- 
dermen to  be  assistants.  He  likewise  appoints  the  above-named, 
with  William  Beekman,  John  Junyans,  Francis  Rumboult,  and 
Christopher  Hooghlandt  to  be  aldermen,  and  Captain  Thomas  De- 
laval  to  be  mayor,  dated  14th  October.  On  the  3d  December,  he 
appoints  Delaval,  present  mayor,  to  be  judge  of  the  admiralty,  and 
six  aldermen  assistants. 

December. — The  provost  of  the  city  is  ordered  to  levy  fines  on 
all  persons  refusing  or  neglecting  to  watch.     But  the  elders  and 
deacons   "within  this  government  formerly  having  been  excused 
from  the  city  watch,"  are  still  excused. 

1679  The  next  appointment  of  aldermen  and  mayor  by  An- 
dros, is,  Francis  Rumbolt  to  be  mayor,  William  Beekman, 

Johannes  Van  Burgh,  Thomas  Lewis,  Peter  Jacobs,  Gulien  Ver- 
plank, and  Samuel  Wilson,  aldermen.  W^illiam  Corbett  is  ap- 
pointed clerk  of  the  court  and  city,  William  Bogardus,  treasurer. 

Andros  proclaims  that  he  has  received  information  that  Captain 
Philip  Carterett,  assuming  and  authorizing  others  to  exercise  juris- 
diction, without  the  legal  authority  of  said  Andros,  to  the  great  dis- 
turbance of  his  majesty's  subjects  within  the  bounds  of  his  majes- 
ty's letters  patents  to  his  Royal  Highness  ;  "  I  have  sent  to  forewarn 
said  Captain  P.  Carteret  to  cease  his  illegal  acts  ;  and  I  do  hereby, 
by  advice  of  my  council,  require  and  command  the  said  Philip 
Carteret  not  to  exercise  jurisdiction  within  the  bounds  of  the 
letters  patent  granted  to  his  Royal  Highness,"  etc.  He  caused 
Carteret  to  be  seized  and  brought  to  New  York. — (See  Vol.  I., 
p.  133.) 

1680  22d  March. — Proclamation  prohibiting  the  entertainment 
of  negers,  etc.,  published  in  this  city  and  precincts :  "Where- 
as, several  inhabitants  within  this  city  have  and  doe  dayly  harbour, 
entertain  and  countenance  Indian  and  neger  slaves  in  their  houses, 
and  to  them  sell  and  deliver  wine,  rum,  and  other  strong  liquors, 
for  which  they  receive  money  or  goods  which  by  the  said  Indian 
and  negro  slaves  is  pilfered,  purloyned,  and  stolen  from  their  seve- 
ral masters,  by  which  the  publick  peace  is  broken,  and  the  damage 
of  the  master  is  produced,  etc.,  therefore  they  are  prohibited,  etc. ; 
and  if  neger  or  Indian  slav^e  make  application  for  these  forbidden 
articles,  immediate  information  is  to  be  given  to  his  master  or  to 
the  mayor  or  oldest  alderman."  Penalty  for  the  breach  or  neglect, 
five  pounds. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTEil.  CXXIX 

April. — The  governour  and  council  resolved,  "  That  all  In- 
dyans  here,  have  always  been  and  are  free,  and  not  slaves 
— except  such  as  have  been  formerly  brought  from  the  bay  or 
other  foreign  parts.  But  if  any  shall  be  brought  hereafter  into 
the  government  within  the  space  of  six  months,  they  are  to  be 
disposed  of  as  soon  as  may  be  out  of  the  government.  But  after 
the  expiration  of  the  said  six  months,  all  that  shall  be  brought  here 
from  those  parts  and  landed,  to  be  as  other  free  Indyans." 

1681  January  28th. — A  proclamation  renewing  a  former  proc- 
lamation  prohibiting  Christians  from   trading  whh  Indians 

in  their  towms  and  plantations  or  abroad  in  the  country  and  rivers. 
The  militia  are  ordered  to  keep  watch.     A   commissioned  officer 
to  lock  the  gates  at  9  o'clock,  and  open  them  at  daylight. 

1682  In  this  year,  the  return  of  the  number  of  inhabitants 
and  houses  gave  upw^ards  of  2,000  men,  women,  and  chil- 
dren, besides  negroes  and  slaves,  and  207  houses  now  in  this  city, 
besides  barns  and  sheds.  This  return  I  found  on  a  loose  piece 
of  paper,  in  manuscript,  in  the  clerk's  office  of  the  common  coun- 
cil of  New  York  ;  but  in  the  book  of  records  it  is  stated  to  have 
contained,  in  1678,  343  houses  ;  this  can  only  be  reconciled  by 
adding  the    "  barns  and  sheds"   to  the  lesser  number. 

Whereas,  great  inconveniences  arise  from  frequent  meetings  and 
gatherings  of  negroes  and  Indian  slaves  on  the  Lord's  day,  and  at 
unseasonable  hours  ;  using  rude  and  unlawful  sports  to  the  dishon- 
our of  God  and  profanation  of  his  holy  day,  and  the  disturbance  of 
the  peace  of  his  majesty's  subjects,  many  of  whom  are  tempted  to 
become  spectators  and  neglect  their  duty  ;  Resolved,  that  no  ne- 
groe  or  Indian  slaves  presume  to  go  or  absent  themselves  from 
tlieir  master's  houses  on  the  Lord's  day  or  any  other  unseasonable 
time,  without  the  said  master's  leave,  in  writing ;  or  it  may  be  law- 
full  for  the  sheriff,  constable,  or  other  officer  to  seize  such  negroe, 
etc.,  and  carry  him  before  the  next  magistrate,  who  shall  order  him 
to  be  forthwith  severely  v/hipped  and  sent  to  his  master,  who 
is  to  pay  all  charges.  Then  follows  a  prohibition  to  sell  liquors 
to  negroes,  Indians,  etc. 

1683  The  deputy-mayor  and  aldermen  of  New  York  pray  the 
governour,  Dongan,  that  order  may  be  taken  to  regulate 

the  value  of  Spanish  coin.  They  give  their  opinion,  that  if  all 
pieces  of  eight  "  being  civill  Mexico  or  pillar,  not  weighing  less 
than  fifteen  pennyweight  do  pass  for  6s.,  and  all  Peru  of  the  same 
weight  at  5s.,  half  pieces,  at  3s.,  quarters  at  Is.  6d.,  and  royalls  at 
9d.  The  governour  accordingly,  on  the  13th  September,  1683, 
so  ordered,  only  chanc:ing  the  word  civill  into  sevill,  and  adding, 
*'  provided  they  be  good  silver." 

November  2d. — -Dongan  proclaims,  that  as  "  greate  hurt,  trou- 
bles and   inconveniences,   have  and  do  grow  and  increase  every 

Q 


CXXX  APPENDIX. 

day,  from  the  disorders  comniittfed  in  publick  driiiking-liouses, 
tap-houses,  and  ordinarys,  and  by  persons  presuming  to  sell  liquors, 
without  license  ;"  Ordered,  that  no  person  presume  to  sell  under 
five  gallons  v\ithout  obtaining  license. 

November  7th. — It  is  recommended,  inasmuch  as  the  traders 
within  the  city  are  few  who  deal  with  Indians,  and  therefore  no  mo- 
ney of  any  consequence  can  be  made  from  them  for  his  Royal  High- 
ness, that  all  trade  with  Indians  be  prohibited,  except  for  provisions, 
firewood,  and  gutters  for  houses. 

9th. — The  corporation  petidon  the  right  honourable  Colonel 
Thomas  Dongan,  Esq.,  showing,  that  the  city  hath  enjoyed  privi- 
leges, etc.  confirmed  by  Colonel  Richard  Nicolls,  late  governour,  in 
1665  ;  who  incorporated  the  inhabitants.  New  Harlaem,  and  all 
others  inhabiung  on  the  Island  Manhattan,  as  one  body  politique, 
and  so  has  continued  with  privileges,  viz  :  1st,  that  all  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  island  are  under  the  government  of  the  city ;  2d,  that 
the  government  was  by  seven  magistrates,  and  a  schout.  These 
magistrates  were  formerly  called  burgomaster  and  schejjpen,  now 
mayor  and  six  aldermen,  and  one  sheriff.  3d,  that  these  magis- 
trates had  power  to  appoint  inferiour  officers  and  to  make  laws  for 
governing  the  inhabitants — and*  held  a  court  of  judicature  every 
fourteen  days — having  power  to  determine  all  matters  under  forty 
shillings,  without  appeal,  by  verbal  hearing  of  parties.  After  men- 
tioning powers  of  the  sheriff — 6th,  that  all  merchandize  of  the  pro- 
vince was  to  be  shipped  and  unladen  in  the  city  ;  7th,  that  no 
person  was  a  freeman  of  the  city,  but  as  admitted  by  these  magis- 
trates, and  none  before  such  admission  to  sell  by  retail,  or  exercise 
any  handicraft  trade,  and  every  merchant  or  shop-keeper  was  to 
pay  the  city  ^3  123.,  and  every  handycraft  man  £1  4s.  on  being 
made  free;  8th,  that  no  freeman  was  to  be  arrested,  or  have  his 
goods  attached,  unless  it  was  made  appear  that  he  was  disposing  or 
conveying  away  his  estate  to  defraud  his  creditors  ;  9th,  no  person 
was  permitted  to  trade  upon  Hudson's  River  unless  a  freeman  and 
resident  of  the  city  three  years ;  10th,  all  the  inhabitants  on  Hud- 
son's River  were  forbid  to  trade  over  sea  ;  11th,  no  flower  bolted 
orbisket  made,  for  exportation  but  in  the  city  ;  12th,  and  that  the 
city  had  a  common  seal.  They  therefore  petition  him  to  intercede  with 
his  Royal  Highness  to  have  these  privileges  confirmed  with  these  addi- 
tions :  To  be  divided  into  six  wards.  That  the  freemen  of  each 
ward  do  elect  their  own  aldermen,  common-council  men,  and  other 
officers.  That  a  recorder  be  added  to  the  corporation.  That  a 
mayor  be  appointed  every  year  by  the  governour  and  council,  and 
to  be  one  of  the  aldermen  so  chosen  as  aforesaid.  That  all  magis- 
trates be  sworne  before  the  governour  and  council.  That  the 
recorder  be  judge  of  the  city  and  corporation,  and  be  aiding  and 
assisUng  to  the  mayor  and  aldermen  and  council.    That  the  sheriff, 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXXXI 

coroner,  and  town  clerk  be  appointed  annually  by  the  governour 
and  council.     That  the  corporation  appoint  their  treasurer. 

"  Some  objections  made  by  the  governour  and  council,"  to  the 
petition,  with  desire  for  explanation. 

November  10th. — Present,  the  governour  and  Mr.  Frederick 
Phillipse  and  Mr.  Lucas  Lancton.  The  above  petition  being  read, 
"  It  is  thought  reasonable  that  the  town  of  Harlaem  have  jurisdic- 
tion in  matters  under  40s.  for  themselves." 

19th. — Explanations  are  made. 

24tli. — The  old  magistrates,  Mr.  Cornelius  Steinwick,  Mr.  N. 
Bayard,  Mr.  J.  Inians,  Mr.  Wm.  Pinhorne,  Mr.  GuUne  Verplank, 
Mr.  Robinson,  and  Mr.  Wm.  Cox,  being  sent  for,  all  waited  on 
the  governour  at  the  forte,  except  Mr.  Cox,  where  the  old  magis- 
trates were  discharged,  and  a  commission  given  to  Mr.  Cornelius 
Steinwick  to  be  mayor,  and  to  the  others  as  aldermen,  etc.,  until 
the  usual  time  of  new  elections. 

The  corporation  present  another  petition,  to  the  governour  in 
council,  viz.,  "  Captain  Anthony  Brockholts,  INIr.  Frederick  Phil- 
lipse, Mr.  Stephen  Courtlandt,  Mr.  Lucas  Lancton.  The  petition 
being  read,  the  "  governour  wondered  that  having  lately  granted 
almost  every  particular  of  a  large  and  considerable  petition,  that  he 
should  so  suddenly  receive  another."  He  says,  no  ferrys  shall 
be  allowed  but  those  already  granted.  That  the  licences  belong  to 
the  governour.  He  then  regulates  the  markets — twice  a  week — 
only  butcher's  meal  every  day — nothing  to  be  sold  on  board  any 
boats,  canoes,  etc.  That  bakers  be  obliged  to  keep  good  house- 
hold bread  for  those  who  desired  it,  and  that  it  be  made  of  flour, 
*'  as  the  meals  come  from  the  mill." 

December  8th. — The  city  is  divided  into  six  wards.  1st,  The 
South  ward — to  begin  at  the  house  of  James  Mathews,  by  the  water 
side,  and  so  northward  along  the  Heeregraft  to  the  house  of  Simon 
Johnson  Romain,  and  from  thence  westward  up  the  Beaver  Graft, 
to  the  corner  house  of  Baret  Courson,  and  from  thence  southward 
by  the  forte  to  the  water  side,  including  the  Pearle  street,  so  to  the 
house  of  Mathews  again.  2d,  The  Dock  ward — to  begin  at  the 
house  of  Mr.  Stephen  Van  Courdandt  by  the  water-side,  and  so 
northward  to  the  corner  house  of  Geesie  Denys,  from  thence  east- 
ward to  the  house  of  David  Provoust,  and  from  thence  to  the  house 
of  Tryntie  Clox,  and  so  westward  to  the  house  of  Thomas  Lewis, 
and  thence  northward  to  the  house  of  Lawrence  Huys.  3d,  The 
East  ward — to  begin  at  the  house  of  Thomas  Lewis,  and  from 
thence  northward  to  the  house  of  Thomas  Huys,  then  along  the 
wall  to  the  corner  house  of  Miriam  Levy,  and  so  to  Thomas  Lew- 
is's again,  with  all  the  houses  in  the  Smith-floye,  and  without  the 
gate  on  the  south  side  of  the  fresh  water.  4th,  North  ward — to 
beirin  at  the  house  of  Ariane  Jonson  Haarenver,  then  eastward 


CXXXII  APPENDIX. 

along  the  Beaver  Graft  and  Prince  street  to  the  house  of  Christian 
Lawrie,  and  so  northward  to  the  house  of  Garret  Hendrix,  and 
from  thence  westward  to  the  corner  of  the  New^  street,  and  thence 
southwards  to  Ariane  Jonson's  again.  5th,  The  West  ward — to 
begin  at  the  house  of  Thomas  Coker,  so  northwards  to  the  gate, 
and  thence  eastwards  along  the  wall  to  the  corner  of  New  street, 
thence  southwards  to  the  house  of  Peter  Brestede,  and  from  thence 
westwards  to  the  widdow^  of  Jonson  Brestede,  and  so  to  Thomas 
Coker's  again.  6th,  The  Out  ward— to  contain  the  town  of  Har- 
lem, with  all  the  fermes,  plantations,  and  settlements  on  this  Island 

INIanhattans,  from  the  north  side  of  the  Fresh  water. 
16S4  February  1st. — The  mayor  and  corporation  represent 

the  trade  to  New  Jersey  as  being  much  prejudicial  to  the 
trade  of  this  city  and  province.  The  power  of  the  corporation  to 
hold  a  court  of  sessions  is  disputed  by  Governour  Dongan ;  but 
allowed  until  his  Royal  Highness's  pleasure  is  knowm. 

March  7th. — Address  of  the  mayor  and  aldermen,  to  the  gover- 
nour, about  East  Jersey.  They  say  that  the  natural  situation  of 
the  island  being  convenient  for  trade,  the  predecessors  of  his  Royal 
Highness  bestowed  many  privileges,  confirmed  by  Colonel  Ni- 
colls  and  successive  governours,  which  would  have  been  of  great 
benefit,  if  the  unhappy  separation  of  East  Jersey  had  not  oc- 
curred, which  must  necessarily  divide  the  trade  of  this  province, 
as  the  experience  of  this  year's  doth  sufiiciently  demonstrate, 
goods  being  furnished  to  the  city  without  paying  the  duties  due  to 
his  Royal  Highness,  and  the  interference  with,  the  Indian  trade,  to 
the  great  loss  of  this  city.  They  therefore  pray  the  governour  to 
intercede  with  his  Royal  Highness  to  have  East  Jersey  annexed  to 
the  province  of  l^ew  York,  "  by  purchase  or  othencays,^^ — other- 
wise his  Royal  Highness  will  be  injured,  and  New  York  mined. 

15th. — In  common  council,  Mr.  Cornelius  Steinwick,  mayor, 
in  the  thirty-sixth  year  of  the  reign  of  his  majesty  Charles  II. 
Ordered — That  no  manner  of  servile  work  be  done  on  the  Lord's 
day — penalty,  10s.,  and  double  for  each  repetition.  That  no  chil- 
dren meet  together  in  the  streets  or  places  to  play  on  that  day ; 
penalty.  Is.,  and  double  for  each  repetition.  That  no  publick 
house  sell  any  liquor  on  that  day,  during  divine  service,  unless  to 
travellers.  That  no  negio  or  Indian  slaves,  above  the  number  of 
four,  do  assemble  or  meet  together  on  the  Lord's  day,  or  at  any 
other  time,  at  any  place  from  their  masters'  service,  w'ithin  the  lib- 
erties of  the  city,  and  that  "  no  such  slave  doe  goe  armed  att  any 
time  wuth  gunns,  swords,  clubs,  staves,  or  any  other  kind  of  w^ea- 
pons  whatsoever,  under  the  penalty  of  being  whipped  at  the  pub- 
11  que  whipping-poste  tenn  lashes,  unless  the  master  or  the  owner  of 
such  slave  will  pay  6s.  to  excuse  the  same."  That  a  constable 
with  his  staff  do  walk  the  citv  and  see  the  law  fulfilled.      That  the 


I 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXXXIII 

constable  of  each  ward  enquire  and  return  the  names  of  all  stran- 
gers that  come  to  reside  within  the  ward,  under  penalties  to  be  in- 
flicted on  the  ward  and  the  constable  ;  and  the  masters  of  publick 
houses  are  ordered  to  report  all  strangers  coming  to  lodge  or  live 
W'ith  them,  and  they  are  forbidden  to  receive  or  lodge  any  person, 
male  or  female,  suspected  or  of  evil  name,  under  penalty  of  10s. 
That  twenty  carmen  be  appointed,  and  no  more,  under  certain 
regulations — one  of  which  is,  that  they  doe  fill  up,  amend,  and 
repair  the  breaches  in  the  streets  and  highways  in  and  about  the 
city,  when  required  by  the  mayor,  gratis,  and  cart  the  dirt  every 
Saturday  in  the  afternoon  out  of  the  streets  and  lanes,  provided  the 
dirt  is  swept  together  by  the  inhabitants.  The  price  of  cartage  to 
any  place  within  the  gates  of  the  city  fixed  at  3d.,  except  for  wines  ; 
if  a  load  is  carried  out  of  the  city  to  any  place,  that  is  to  say,  to 
the  further  end  of  the  vSmith's  Fly,  or  any  part  thereof,  double  ;  no 
carman  allowed  to  ride  upon  their  carts  within  the  city  ;  they  are 
required  to  behave  themselves  civilly  to  all  persons.  That  no 
negro  or  other  slave  do  drive  any  carte  within  this  city,  under  the 
penalty  of  20s.  to  be  paid  by  the  owner  of  such  slave,  (except 
brewer's  drays  or  carria^jes  for  beer.)  None  but  such  as  are  free  of 
the  city  allowed  to  sell  any  wares,  etc.  by  retail.  No  garbage  to 
be  thrown  in  the  streets.  A  cord  of  wood  to  contain  eight  feetJn 
length,  four  in  height,  and  four  in  breadth  ;  places  are  appointed 
where  wood  is  to  be  brought  and  corded  ;  the  porters  of  the  city  to 
be  the  corders,  and  receive  4d.  the  cord  from  the  seller.  No  per- 
son to  countenance  or  entertain  any  negro  or  Indian  slave,  or  sell 
or  deliver  to  them  any  strong  liquor,  without  liberty  from  his  mas- 
ter, or  receive  from  them  any  money  or  goods  ;  but,  upon  any  offer 
made  by  a  slave,  to  reveal  the  same  to  the  owner,  or  to  the  mayor, 
under  penalty  of  <£5.  Tuesdays,  Thursdays,  and  Saturdays,  ap- 
pointed market  days  ;  but  fish,  butter,  cheese,  eggs,  poultry,  fruit, 
and  roots  may  be  sold  every  day.  Forestalling  forbidden.  The 
assize  of  bread  to  be  established  every  three  months. 

17th. — Regulations  respecting  boulting  flour,  etc.  The  mak- 
ing of  flour  prohibited  in  any  place  within  this  province  but 
in  this  city  only,  nor  noe  flower  or  bread  to  be  imported  into  this 
city  from  any  other  part  of  the  province,  under  penalty  of  forfeiture. 
They  pray  the  governour  to  confirm  these  laws  ;  and  they  were 
approved. 

29th. — Fifteen  carmen  refuse  to  obey  the  laws,  and  are  dis- 
charged from  being  any  longer  carmen ;  and  all  persons,  slaves 
excepted,  allowed  to  act  as  carmen. 

April  6th. — Three  of  the  rebellious  carmen  submit,  and  are  par- 
doned and  restored,  on  acknowledging  their  fault  and  paying  a  fine 
of  5s. 

The  corporation  enforce  their  request  for  the  monopoly  of  flour 


CXXXIV  APPENDIX. 

and  bread,  making  u3G  of  such  arguments  as,  that  the  prosperity  of 
the  city  depends  on  it,  and  it  will  take  nothing  from  other  places 

in  the  province. 
16S5  March  23d. — The   governour  prohibits  the  carrying  of 

concealed  weapons. 

April  30th. — A  white  loaf,  weighing  12oz.,  to  be  sold  for  six 
stivers  wampum.  James  II.  prohibits  all  his  subjects,  except  the 
East  India  Company,  trading  with  the  East  Indies.  Dated  the 
1st  day  of  April,  Ist  year  of  his  reign  :  and  a  like  prohibition  to 
trade  within  the  limits  assigned  to  the  Royal  African  Company. 

August  6th. — The  governour  proclaims,  that  all  informers  should 
repair  to  him,  and  to  no  other  person  with  information  respecting 
illegal  trade,  etc.     Given  under  his  hand  at  Fort  James. 

The  assembly  dissolved  by  proclamation  of  the  governour.  It 
had  met  the  17th  day  of  October  the  previous  year. 

September  12th. — At  a  common  council  "  the  petition  of  Saul 
Browne,  recommended  by  the  governour,  was  read,  and  council's 
opinion  endorsed  thereupon,  was,  that  noe  Jew  ought  to  sell  by 
retail  within  the  city  ;  but  may  by  wholesale,  if  the  governour  think 
fitt  to  permit  the  same." 

14th. — The  porters  appearing  and  refusing  to  comply  with  the 
orders  made  about  cording  wood,  were  dismissed  from  being  any 
longer  porters. 

The  valuation  brought  in  by  the  assessors  of  the  property  of  the 
city ;  it  amounted  to  ^75,694. 

The  petition  of  the  Jews  to  the  governour  for  liberty  to  exercise  their 
religion,  being  by  him  recommended  to  the  mayor  and  aldermen, 
was  read  in  common  council,  and  they  returned  their  opinion  there- 
upon, that  noe  publiqne  worship  is  tolerated  by  act  of  assembly, 
but  those  that  professe  faith  in  Christ,  and  therefore,  the  Jews  wor- 
ship not  to  be  allowed. 
1686  The  bakers  of  the  city  are  at  this  time  24  in  number,  and 

they  are    divided  into  six  classes,  and  one  class  appointed 
to  each  day  of  the  six  working  days  of  the  week. 

April  15th. — The  governour  by  proclamation,  renews  the  pro- 
hibition to  harbour  or  trade  with  Indians. 

24th. — The  common  council  agree  to  pay  the  governour  on  his 
signing  the  charter  ^200,  and  give  him  security  for  «£100  more 
in  six  months. 

May  11th. — The  mayor  reports,  that  he  has  paid  .£300  for  the 
patent,  and  £24  to  the  secretary  :  and  a  committee  is  appointed  to 
raise  the  sum. 

December  23d. — In  the  second  year  of  his  majesty's  reign,  Wil- 
liam Butler  is  appointed  chimney-sweeper  to  the  city,  and  ordered 
"  to  pass  through  all  the  streets,  lanes,  and  passages,  with  such 
noise  or  cry,  as  may  discover  you  to  the  inhabitants  thereof,  to  be 


li 


MISCELLA>'EOUS  MATTER.  CXXXV 

the  person  for  that  employment  appointed."     He  may  demand  for 
a  chimney  of  one  story  Is. ;  two  stories  or  more,  Is.  6d. 

In  December  this  year,  Andros  arrived  at  Boston  as  governour 
of  all  New  England. 
1687  October  13th. — The  constables  of  the  respective  wards, 
ordered  to  summon  the  inhabitants  to  appear  before  Alderman 
Romboult,  Alderman  Vanbleck,  and  Alderman  Cortlandt,  or  any 
two  of  them,  to  give  an  account  of  their  freedoms,  that  a  com- 
mittee may  judge  "who  shall  be  allowed  as  freemen  and  who  shall 
not." 

The  province  of  New  York  contained  not  less  than  20,000  inha- 
bitants. New  Jersey  10,000.  Connecticut  about  IS, 000.  The 
whole  English  colonies  200,000. 

Governour  Dongan  held  a  patent  for  a  large  landed  estate  on 
Staten  Island,  from  the  province  or  proprietor  (James  II.)  of  New 
York,  but  having  some  doubts  of  Staten  Island  belonging  to  New 
York,  to  be  doubly  sure,  he  procured  a  patent  for  the  same  land  from 
the  proprietors  of  East  Jersey.  The  last  of  his  descendants  had 
reduced  himself  by  vice,  to  be  sergeant  of  foot  or  marines  in  1798- 
99.  The  mansion-house  fell  into  the  McVickar  family  ;  this  last 
Dongan  and  John  McVickar  married  sisters  of  the  Moore  family 
of  Newton,  Long  Island. 

Governour  Dongan  embarked  for  England,  aud  left  Nicholson 
as  James's  lieutenant-governour  under  Andros  :  if  he  went  to  Eng- 
land, he  of  course,  found  William  III.  on  the  throne.  I  believe 
he  returned  to  his  estate  on  Staten  Island.  A  Colonel  Dongan, 
was  wounded  on  Staten  Island  in  August  1777,  and  died,  1st. 
September.  Was  he  a  grandson  of  the  Governour.^  But  Miller's 
extract  from  Ebeling  says,  he  went  to  his  native  country,  Ireland. 
Thomas  F.  Gordon  says,  p.  20,  section  12,  of  his  history  of  l^ew 
York,  that  Colonel  Dongan,  the  deputy-governour  of  New  York, 
was  afterward  Earl  of  Limerick.  Again  p.  25,  section  4,  he  says, 
that  James  II.  in  1688,  commanded  Dongan  to  surrender  New 
York  to  Andros,  then  governour  of  New  England,  by  which  New 
York  merged  in  New  England,  and  Andros  appointed  Nicholson 
his  lieutenant-governour,  and  Dongan  "retired  to  his  farm  on  Long 
Island;  where  he  remained  until  1691."  Chief  Justice  Smith 
says,  (Vol.  1,  p.  91)  that  Dongan  had  embarked  for  Europe,  and 
lay  in  the  bay  at  the  time  Leisler  seized  the  fort,  which  w^as  in  the 
summer  of  1689.  Smith  likewise  says,  Dongan  w^ent  to  Ireland, 
and  it  was  said  became  Earl  of  Limerick.  He  resio:ned  New  York  to 
Nicholson,  who  was  deputed  by  Andros,  then  commissioned  by 
James  as  governour  of  both  New  England  and  New  York. 
1688  August  11th. — In  the  fourth  year  of  James  II.,  Andros 

issues  his  j)roclamation,  saying,  whereas  he  has  annexed  his 
province  of  New  York  "to  his  territory  and  dominion  of  New  Eng- 


CXXXVI  APPENDIX. 

land,  and  to  constitute  him  (x\ndros)  captain-general  and  gover- 
nour-in-chief  of  the  same,"  therefore,  all  officers  are  continued, 
except  those  particularly  removedv,  and  all  rates,  dues,  taxes,  etc., 
for  his  majesty's  government  are  likewise  continued, 

August  *24th. — Proclamation  by  the  same  for  a  general  thanksgiving 
for  the  birth  of  a  prince,  to  be  observed  on  the  2d  of  September. 

November  2d. — The  assessors  bring  in  the  valuation  as  follows. 
The   West  ward,  ^9,600,   North   ward,    .£7,625,    South    ward, 
.£29,254,   East  ward,    .£9,648,  Dock  ward,   .£16,241,   Harlem, 
.£1,723,  Bowrye,  .£4,140.     Total,  .£78,231. 

1690  January  4th. — Ordered,  by  the  common  council  of 

New  York,  as  there  is   no   provision  for  the  assistance  of 

the  poor,  that  each  constable  in  his  ward  make  a  collection  "  of  a 

free   gift"    from  the   inhabitants   and   render   an   account  to  the 

mayor. 
1691  April  1st. — Resolved,  that  there  be  "  but  one  butcher's 

shamble  within  this  city,  and  that  it  be  still  dayly  kept  at 
the  green  before  the  fFort  untill  further  order,  and  all  butcher's 
meat  to  be  brought  to  the  said  shamble  for  sayle,  and  no  other 
place," 

Received  a  petition  of  Conradus  Vanderbeck  for  to  invite  to 
funeralls,  the  consideration  whereof  is  referred  till  next  court. 

A  fine  of  3s.  to  be  imposed  on  members  for  absence  without 
excuse,  1.  6d.  of  wdiich  for  the  benefit  of  the  common  council. 

18th. — Ordered,  "that  Conradus  Vanderbeck  be  appointed  and 
confirmed  in  the  place  of  inviter  to  the  bnyriall  of  deceased  per- 
sons." To  be  licensed  by  the  mayor,  and  pay  "  the  city  9s.  be- 
sides fees,  and  to  be  renewed  yearly." 

A  committee  that  had  been  appointed  to  regulate  markets  report 
**  that  there  be  two  markets  for  flesh  kept,  the  one  in  the  Broadway 
over  against  the  fFort,  the  other  under  the  trees  by  the  slip,  and 
that  the  butchers  shall  be  obliged  to  keep  flesh  in  both  places,* 
and  that  the  country  people  shall  bring  flesh  to  either  of  the  two 
places,  suiting  their  best  convenience,  and  that  no  butcher's  meat 
be  killed  within  the  city  gates."  Eggs,  butter  and  poultry  to  be 
brought  to  the  said  places.  *'  That  fish  be  brought  to  the  dock 
over  against  the  City-hall,  or  the  house  that  Lovg  Mai-y  formerly 
lived  in  ; — likewise  hearbes,  fruite,  roots,  etc."  Tuesdays,  Thurs- 
days and  Saturdays  the  market  days  ;  but  in  case  "  by  tydes, 
weather,  or  any  other  accident,"  all  tliese  articles  may  be  sold  on 
other  days  in  the  market  places.  No  hucksters  to  buy  any  thing 
to  sell  again  until  it  has  been  in  the  market  two  hours.     Any  per- 


*  We  know  by  this  that  there  was  but  one  slip,  and  that  of  course  was  the 
Coenties, 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXXXVII 

son  that  buyes  or  cheapens  any  flesh,  fish,  etc.,  etc.,  and  comhig  to 
the  market  to  forfeit  63.  None  of  these  articles  to  be  sold  else- 
where. The  clerk  of  the  market  to  receive  Is.  per  head  for  cattle 
killed  for  the  market,  and  3d.  for  hoggs,  and  2d.  for  calves  and 
sheep ;  but  the  country  people  to  pay  nothing  for  those  brought 
ready  killed. 

Orders  for  cording  wood,  and  regulating  carmen  and  captains 
appointed  for  the  carmen  :  6s.  for  a  carman's  license.  No  carman 
to  ride  on  his  cart.  The  carmen  obliged  to  carry  away  the  dirt ; 
if  they  load  it  to  have  3d.  a  load.  The  carmen  shall  be  obliged 
to  carry  loads  to  the  court  as  customary.  That  they  shall  be  obe- 
dient to  their  captains,  who  are  to  keep  the  number  of  twenty-four ; 
which  are  to  be  divided,  one  half  to  tend  the  water  side,  and  one 
half  to  tend  the  city.  No  boys  or  negroes  to  drive  carts.  Every 
carman  to  drive  his  own  cart.  All  carmen  shall  be  obliged  to 
leave  all  employs  to  attend  to  the  riding  up  of  wheate  or  fflower, 
or  any  other  merchandize  subject  to  damage,  upon  penalty  of  3s. 
for  each  default  for  the  use  of  the  city. 

22d. — Ordered  in  common  council,  that  each  alderman  in  his 
ward,  make  a  return  of  poor,  requiring  charity,  and  in  the  mean 
time  supply  them. 

That  "  no  person  within  this  city,  shall  entertain  any  strangers 
for  a  longer  time  than  seven  days,  without  giving  information  to 
the  mayor,  of  their  names,  and  whence  they  came,  upon  pain  of 
40s.  fine."  And  masters  of  vessels  and  boats,  are  ordered  within 
24  hours  after  arrival,  to  report  their  passengers. 

Richard  Chapman  is  appointed  to  act  with  C.  Vander  Beck  as 
inviter  to  funerals.  And  they  are  to  give  their  attendance  gratis 
on  the  poor. 

25th. — x\ll  persons  are  forbid  to  trust  "saylors,"  under  the 
penalty  of  forfeiting  the  same,  as  it  shall  not  be  recoverable  by 
law. 

No  sale  of  rum  to  be  made  to  an  Indian  under  15  gallons. 
Ordered,  that  no  person  harbour  any  negro  or  Indian  slave  in  their 
house  or  otherwise,  or  sell  any  strong  liquor  to  them,  without  per- 
mission from  their  master,  or  to  take  any  money  from  them  on 
any  Recount,  [a  repetition  of  former  laws.] 

July  7th. — Ordered,  that  the  poisonous  and  stinking  weeds  be- 
fore every  one's  house  be  plucked  up,  under  3s.  penalty. 

All  flour  not  bolted  within  the  city,  to  be  seized. 

Three  lawyers  to  be  retained  in  behalf  of  the  city. 

Ordered,  that  the  widdow  Langley  be  provided  for,  and  that 
2s.  6d.  per  week  be  allowed  for  her  maintenance. 

The  wharfe  is  mentioned  as  "lying  upon  the  water  side,  between 
the  Stadt-house  and  the  bridge." 


CXXXVIII  APPENDIX. 

A  half  penny  per  pound,  ordered  to  be  assessed  on  the  inhabi- 
tants, to  pay  the  city  debts. 

9th. — A  committee  appointed  by  the  common  council,  to  build 
a  market-house  "  at  the  end  of  the  Heergraft  street,"  [Broad 
street  ?]  "  for  all  but  butcher's  meat."  And  a  committee  to  lay 
out  said  street  to  the  water  side. 

September  17th. — Another  widow  is  provided  for  at  3s.  the 
week  :  and  ordered,  "that  Arthur  Strangwich  be  provided  for,  as 
an  object  of  chaiity,  and  that  3s.  per  week  be  paid  unto  his  wife 
for  his  maintenance." 

"  Ordered,  that  two  women  and  two  children,  without  the  gate 
of  the  house  of  John  de  La  Vail,  the  one  called  Top  Knott  Betty, 
the  other  one  Stillwoll's  wife,  with  the  children,  be  provided  for  :" 
4s.  a  week  are  allowed  them  for  one  month. 

A  piece  of  land  lying  beyond  the  Smith's  Fly,  at  the  foot  of  the 
hill,  [Golden  Hill]  is  leased  to  a  man  and  his  wife  for  their  natu- 
ral lives,  for  6s.  per  year  ;  he  leaving  a  convenient  road  between 
his  house  and  the  high  w^ater  mark;  and  to  construct  a  building  to 
be  the  city's  at  their  decease. 

"  Ordered,  that  the  lotts  belonging  to  the  city,  from  Burger's  path, 
to  the  foot  of  the  hill,  by  Mr.  Beekman's,  [from  Smith  street,  now 
William,  south  of  Wall,  to  the  foot  of  Golden  Hill]  be  exposed 
to  sayle." 

"  Ordered,  that  the  treasurer  lett  Searbanch  have  anew  suit,  and 
assist  him  in  what's  wanting." 

December  5th. — Ordered,  that  the  lotts  between  the  Burger's 
path  and  Block-house,  be  divided  into  thirteen,  and  "  exposed  to 
sayle,"  the  purchasers  being  obliged  to  fill  up  "  the  front  of  the  said 
land  with  one  entire  house,"  [i.  e.  each  lot  a  house,  of  the  breadth 
of  the  lot,]  "  which  shall  be  two  stories  high  above  the  ground,  and 
the  front  to  the  street,  to  be  either  brick  or  stone,  and  that  the  same 
form  of  buildings  shall  be  likewise  observed  in  the  street  next  the  sea- 
ward— and  if  any  other  sort  of  buildings  are  erected  fronting  to 
either  street,  they  shall  be  pulled  down." 

8th.  —  The  ministers,  elders,  deacons,  and  congregation  of 
the  Dutch  reformed  church,  petition  for  a  vacant  piece  of 
ground,  situated  to  the  northward  of  the  dwelling  house  of  Corne- 
lius Pluveer,  to  build  a  church.  Ordered,  that  a  grant  be  given 
accordingly. 

17th. — The  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose,  report — 
that  the  tract  of  land  lying  in  Garden  street,  contains  on  the 
north  side  175  feet,  English  measure :  on  the  south  180  feet, 
"  more  or  less,  which  land  is  ordered  for  the  Dutch  church ;  they 
paying  180  current  pieces  of  eight — 6s.  to  be  paid  upon  sealing  the 
patents,  the  citty  selling  their  right  and  projpertij.     On  behalf  of  thd 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXXXIX 

Dutch  church  this  was  agreed   to,  and  accepted  by   Alderman 

Johannes  Kipp  and  Brandt  Schuyler. 
1692  February  8th. — "  Colonel  Bayard  making  application  to 

Mr.  Mayor,  as  sent  from  the  governour  and  council,  as  he 
said,  about  repairing  the  fortifications  around  the  cittey,"  it  was 
proposed  to  the  board,  who  answered,  "that  it  in  no  ways  belonged 
to  the  citty,  and  that  they  were  incapable  of  defraying  the  charges 
thereof;  but  they  were  ready  to  give  their  labour,"  as  usual. 
It  was  proposed  that  the  citty  give  £20  or  ^30  for  the  above  pur- 
pose, but  rejected. 

19th. — A  deed  was  signed  by  "  the  mayor  to  Mr.  Samuel 
Bayard,  and  his  bond  taken  for  <£100,  that  the  said  Samuel 
Bayard,  and  his  heirs,  shall  only  employ  the  said  lott  or  toft  of 
ground,  towards  the  building  a  church,  or  houses  for  pious  and 
charitable  uses  aforesaid,  and  not  assign  the  same  to  any  other 
person  or  persons  whatever  ;  but  on  the  tenour  that  the  same  be 
employed  by  them  towards  the  building  of  a  church,  or  houses  for 
pious  or  charitable  uses."  The  church  was  built :  and  in  1791 
burnt. 

*'  Ordered,  that  there  be  a  pillory,  cage,  and  ducking  stool  forth- 
with built." 

A  committee  appointed  to  view  the  fortifications  with  Colonel 
Bayard  and  other  military  officers  by  him  chosen,  and  to  see  what 
the  charges  of  repairs  may  amount  to. 

29th. — By  recommendation  of  the  commander-in-chief,  a  com- 
mittee appointed  to  calculate  the  expense  of  materials  for  the 
same.  [The  Colonel  Bayard  above  named,  is  Nicholas — the  trus- 
tee or  purchaser  for  the  church,  is  Samuel.] 

March  14th. — The  report  of  cost  for  the  fortifications,  is  ^200, 
*'  besides  great  gunns,  powder,  and  ball." 

30th. — "  The  recorder  having  read  an  address  of  the  mayor, 
etc.,"  to  their  majesties  :  the  mayor  "  objected  against  the  same 
on  consideration  that  it  is  said  therein,  that  Leisler  hath  not 
paid  the  soldiers  he  had  take?i  wpon  him  to  raise.  The  recorder, 
and  the  rest  of  the  common  council,  were  willing  to  sign.  At  pre- 
sent it  is  layd  aside."  The  mayor,  was  Captain  Abraham  De 
Peyster  :  the  recorder,  Pinhorne,  one  of  Sloughter's  council. 

April  2d. — All  persons  not  "  listed  in  the  train  bands,"  ordered 
to  work  on  the  fortifications,  under  penalty  of  3s.  for  each  default. 
This  is  required,  as  the  fortifications  have  gone  to  ruin,  and  danger 
apprehended  from  the  enemy. 

May  6th. — '*  Ordered,  that  all  the  land  in  front  of  the  Fly, 
from  the  block-house,  unto  the  hill  next  Mr.  Beekman's,  be  ex- 
posed for  sayle."  That  is  as  I  suppose  from  the  block-house,  near 
the  foot  of  the  wall,  now  Wall  street,  to  Golden  Hill,  which  was 
all  a  swamp,  until  Maiden  Lane  was  brought  down  through  it,  to 


CXL  APPENDIX. 

the  Countess's  Slip  in  Bellamont's  time,  when  the  Fly  Market  af- 
terwards was  built.  Part  of  this  land  is  valued  at  25s.,  and  part  at 
18s.  and  15s.  per  foot.  The  mhafeitants  refuse  to  buy  this  land  as 
valued,  because  the  lotts  are  "  unequally  laid  out  in  uncertain 
breadths."  A  committee  is  appointed  to  sell  by  outcry  or  other- 
wise :  and  "  the  former  streets  of  King  street,  Greene  Lane,  and 
Mr.  Van  ClifFt's,  be  left  open  to  the  low  water." 

A  letter  is  ordered  to  be  written  to  Colonel  Dongan,  notifying 
him,  that  the  city  claim  a  lott  of  land  by  the  bridge,  to  which  he 
makes  pretensions;  but  as  he  is  absent,  they  respite  the  sayle  to  give 
him  time  to  make  his  claim  appear. 

August  11th. — The  common  council  resolve  to  sell  the  lott  for- 
merly claimed  by  Dongan,  behind  the  Weigh-house,  next  the  dock. 
This  is  exchanged  for  another  lott  and  becomes  Mr.  Spratt's. 

Laws  are  renewed  to  monopolize  to  the  citty  the  bolting  of  flower 
and  making  bread  for  sale,  etc. :  as  being  the  source  of  the  city's 
prosperity. 

Colonel  Bayard  being  questioned,  says,  that  Dongan  applied  to 
him,  when  he.  Bayard,  was  mayor,  for  a  grant  of  the  lott  above 
named,  and  he  refused  the  same — and  the  governour  said,  if  Bay- 
ard would  not  sign  the  patent,  he  would  sign  it  himself:  and  that 
Dongan  applied  to  the  person  of  whom  the  citty  bought  said  lott,  to 
draw  him  a  patent  for  it.  The  man  said,  he  had  already  sold  it, 
and  could  not  have  any  title  to  it.  Dongan  replied,  "  What's  that 
to  you? — Draw  you  the  patent?"  upon  which  he  answered,  *' he 
would  draw  him  100  if  he  would,  but  they  would  do  him  no  good," 
and  accordingly,  engrossed  one  for  him. 

30th. — "  Agreed,  that  there  be  a  treat  made  to  welcome  his 
Excellency  Benjamin  Fletcher,  now  arrived,  by  the  citty,  to  the 
value  of  £20,  or  thereabouts." 

Graham,  who  drew  the  patent  of  the  lot  for  Dongan,  says,  that 
about  a  twelve  month  ensuing  the  grant  of  the  charter,  he  was  very 
much  importuned  by  Colonel  Dongan  to  draw  him  a  patent  for  the 
above  lott. 

September  1st. — James  Graham  is  restored  to  the  office  of  re- 
corder, nem.  con.  "pursuant  to  the  recommendation  of  the  lords  of 
the  board  of  trade  and  plantations,"  his  discontinuance  in  Colonel 
Sloughter's  time  in  any  ways  notwithstanding.     For  this  purpose 

Benjamin  Fletcher  gives  his  warrant,  September  3d. 
1693  February  4th. — An  address  to  Governour  Fletcher, 
praying  that  he  apply  to  their  majesties  for  a  confirmation 
of  the  charter,  and  that  the  mayor  be  Clerk  of  the  market.  Water 
Bayley,  and  Coroner,  and  that  the  boulting  of  flower  and  baking  of 
bread  for  transportation  be  confined  to  the  citty  only,  as  formerly. 

9th. — The  mayor,  etc.  wait  upon  the  governour  with  an  address 
saying,  that  "  greater  blessing  could  not  come  to  this  late  languish- 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXLI 

ing  province  than  that  most  gracious  favour  of  his  majesty's,  in 
constituting  your  excellency  their  lieutenant  here.  The  inhabit- 
ants of  this,  their  majesties'  citty,  were  induced,  with  incessant 
labour,  great  charge  and  expence,  to  enrich  this  barren  soil.  But 
this  citty  no  sooner  befjan  to  make  a  figure  in  trade,  etc.  but  it  be- 
came the  envy  of  our  adjacent  neighbours,  who  did  not  cease  by  all 
their  little  artifices,  to  interrupt  our  trade,  but  also  did  reproach  us 
with  many  false  suggestions,  etc.  which  did  procure  considerable 
branches  of  the  government  to  be  lopped  off,  and  still  not  contented 
with  the  devastation  were  restless  until  we  were  swallowed  up  by 
that  unhappy  annexation  to  New  England,  whereby  our  traffique 
not  only  drooped,  but  all  that  was  dear  and  valuable  amongst  us 
wholly  destroyed."  This  extravagance  is  all  in  complaint  of  flour 
being  sold  without  the  city — the  staple  on  which  the  province  de- 
pended— and  the  address  ends  thus  :  "  We,  with  all  humility,  pre- 
sume to  prostrate  ourselves  and  supplicate  your  excellency  that  as 
you  are  their  majesties'  vice-gerant  here,  and  thereby  the  fountain 
of  justice,  goodness,  and  equity,  that  your  excellency  would  be 
pleased  to  take  the  decaying  state  of  this  afflicted  citty  into  your 
favourable  consideration,  and  become  their  effectual  patron  and 
protector,  under  whose  influence  it  can  only  flourish."  And  all 
this  servility  for  the  monopoly  of  the  bolting  of  flour  and  baking 
of  biscuit  for  transportation! 

Ordered,  that  the  recorder  draw  up  an  address  to  their  majesties, 
representing  the  steps  his  excellency  has  made  for  the  quiet  of  the 
government,  since  his  arrival. 

The  humble  address  of  the  mayor,  etc.  to  the  king,  is  in  the 
same  slavish  and  fulsome  style  as  that  to  the  governour. — In  the 
deepest  sense  of  the  manifold  blessings  and  mercies  upon  our  nation 
by  the  Almighty  God,  who  hath  only  raised  your  most  sacred  ma- 
jesty to  be  his  glorious  instrument  for  the  redemption  of  your  peo- 
ple, who  were  lately  groaning  under  the  yoke  of  popery  and  the 
growth  of  French  tyranny.  His  majesty's  gracious  care  and 
princely  notice,  in  constituting  Fletcher,  a  gentleman  of  pious 
life,  to  be  your  majesty's  governour  over  us,  etc.  He  found  great 
division  amongst  us,  occasioned  by  frivolous  heats ;  he  speedily 
allayed  them;  he  preferred  persons  of  moderate  spirits  to  the  chief- 
est  stations,  which  produced  an  increase  of  unity,  etc.  When  on 
a  sudden,  a  spark  of  fire  broke  out  likely  to  reduce  your  majesty's 
government  to  confusion  again.  Many  of  the  late  disturbers  be- 
ginning to  fall  back  and  cool  in  their  affections  to  your  majesty's 
interest,  his  excellency's  vigilance  did  soon  discover  the  cause,  and 
found  the  coals  of  dissention  were  blown  up  by  Sir  William  Phipps, 
a  person  who  ought  to  have  had  more  regard  to  the  dignity  of  the 
character  he  bears  by  your  majesty's  favour ;  but  laying  that 
duty  aside,  degenerates  from  his  allegiance,  and  setts  his  emissa- 


CXLIl  APPENDIX. 


ries  at  work  to  alienate  the  affections  of  your  majesty's  subjects 
from  their  duty  to  your  majesty,  reflecting  upon  your  majesty's 
government  estabhshed  here  by  your  majesty's  authority,  and  in- 
sinuating by  the  fibels  sent  amongst  the  ignorant  people,  that  the 
legal  proceedings  made  by  your  majesty's  authority  in  this  province, 
were  of  no  force,  and  that  other  tumultuous  acts  would  be  jus- 
tified by  your  majesty,  borrowing  your  majesty's  sacred  name  to 
cover  his  turbulent  designs,  that  he  might  with  the  greater  ease 
blow  the  coals  of  rebellion  amongst  your  majesty's  dominions  upon 
this  main  of  America.  They  therefore  supplicate  his  majesty's 
captain-general  to  lay  their  humble  address  at  his  majesty's  feet, 
etc.  etc.,  assuring  that  their  lives  and  fortunes  shall  be,  etc.  etc., 
for  his  majesty. 

July  14th. — The  recorder  is  ordered  to  draw  an  address  of  con- 
gratulation to  the  governour  on  his  safe  return  from  Albany,  and  a 
"  cup  of  gold,  value  .£100,  to  be  presented  to  his  excellency  as 
a  testimony  of  the  citty's  gratitude  for  his  care  of  its  security." 

20th. — Reported,  that  20oz.  of  gold  hath  been  bought  of  Peter 
Marcus,  for  a  cup  to  be  presented,  etc.  They  order  .£106  to  be 
paid,  and  the  revenue  of  the  Ferry  to  be  appropriated  therefore. 

20th. — The  humble  address  of  the  mayor  to  his  excellency, 
Benjamin  Fletcher,  governour  and  commander-in-chief  of  his 
majesty's  province  of  New  York,  province  of  Pennsylvania,  coun- 
try of  New  Castle,  territory  and  tracts  of  land  depending  thereon, 
etc.  This  is  to  praise  and  thank  him  for  the  dangers  he  has  in- 
curred in  his  late  voyage  to  Albany,  and  for  reducing  the  Indians  to 
an  union  with  his  majesty's  interest,  etc.  whereby  the  frontiers  are  se- 
cured, etc.  All  this  is  owing  to  the  inestimable  virtue,  prudence,  and 
pious  conduct  of  his  excellency.  They  pray  his  excellency,  say- 
ing, they  wish  him  to  look  into  our  citty,  "  and  you  will  find  that  our 
inhabitants  are  dayly  erecting  monuments  to  perpetuate  the  memory 
of  your  excellency's  virtue,"  etc.  and  with  many  other  prayers  for 
the  king,  queen,  and  his  excellency,  they  present  this  famous  cup 
of  gold. 

August  11th. — Assessors  appointed  to  raise  £725,  being  one 
moiety  to  be  paid  by  the  citty,  according  to  act  of  assembly,  for 
raising  £6,000  for  the  payment  of  300  volunteers  to  be  employed 
in  reinforcement  of  the  frontiers  of  this  province  att  Alhamj,  from 
the  1st  of  May  next,  1694. 

21st. — All  Indians,  negroes,  and  others  not  "  listed  in  the  mili- 
tia," are  ordered  to  work  on  the  fortifications  for  repairing  the 
same,  to  be  under  the  command  of  the  captains  of  the  wards  they 
inhabit.     And  £100  to  be  raised  for  the  fortifications. 

October  10th. — The  governour  and  council,  in  consequence  of 
actual  war  between  the  king  and  queen  on  one  part,  and  the  French, 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXLIII 

and  the  knowledge  that  a  squadron  of  ships  are  ordered  to  invade 
this  citty,  order  that  a  platform  be  made  upon  the  outmost  point  of 
the  rocks  under  the  fort,  whereon,  as  the  governour  says,  "I  in- 
tend to  build  a  battery  to  command  both  rivers  ;"  therefore  he 
requires  the  corporation  to  order  the  inhabitants  of  the  Out  ward  of 
the  citty  and  Manning  and  Barne's  Islands  to  cut  down  eighty-six 
cords  of  stockades  of  twelve  feet  in  length,  and  to  have  them  in  rea- 
diness at  the  water  side  to  be  conveyed  to  New  York,  at  the  charge 
of  the  citty  and  county. 

1694  January  15th. — The  common  council  again  address  the 
governour  with  compliments,  as  before.     They  thank  him 

for  ordering  the  platform  and  battery  on  the  point  of  the  rocks  un- 
der the  fort — "  a  work  absolutely  needful,  and  of  so  great  contri- 
vance that  no  doubt  (by  the  assistance  of  God,  your  excellency's 
indefatigable  dilligence,)  etc.,  the  province  for  the  future  will  be  in 
perfect  security,  and  the  rumour  thereof  make  the  enemy  change 
his  measure  and  not  attack  the  citty." 

19th. — The  common  council  receive  the  answer  to  their  request 
made  to  the  governour,  for  his  opinion  respecting  their  power  to 
tax  the  inhabitants.  He  in  council  answers  in  the  affirmative.  "  It 
is  a  power  natural  to  every  body  politique  by  the  very  act  of  incor- 
poration to  do  all  those  reasonable  acts  that  are  necessary  to  the 
continuance  of  that  being." 

1695  January  16th. — Ordered,  that  no  merchant  or  handicraft 
tradesman  shall  take  any  apprentice,  without  being  bound 

by  indenture  before  the  mayor,  recorder,  or  one  of  the  aldermen. 
Such  apprentice  to  be  bound  for  not  less  than  four  years  ;  and  at 
the  expiration,  if  he  has  truly  served,  to  be  made  free  of  the  city — 
registering  the  same,  and  the  master  paying  3s. 

July  8th. — Order  is  received  from  the  governour  to  summons 
all  the  freemen  of  this  city,  who  by  themselves  or  servants  are  to  be 
immediately  employed  in  the  repair  of  the  fortifications,  bulwarks, 
flankers,  and  batteries  thereof,  and  to  see  that  all  the  guns  are 
mounted  and  ready  for  use  :  powder,  balls,  and  gunners  proper 
and  fit  to  defend  the  citty. 

November  19th. — ^864  15s.  to  be  raised  for  "  paying  and  main- 
taining a  company  of  fusileers,  employed  on  the  frontier  att  pre- 
sent under  the  command  of  Major  Schuyler." 
1696         In  this  year  the  general  assembly  pass  an  act  making  it 
lawful  for  every  place  in  the  province  to  bolt  flour  for  ex- 
portation ;  by  which  the  monopoly  of  the  city  is  broken  up. 

The  city  by  this  time  had  increased  to  594  houses,  and  had 
(says  the  common  council,)  60  ships,  40  boats,  and  62  sloops — 
killed  4,000  *'  beefes,"  and  lands  had  advanced  to  ten  times  their 
former  value.     All  which  prosperity  is  attributed  to  the  city's  pos- 


CXLIV  APPENDIX. 

sessingthe  exclusive  privilege  of  bolting  flour  and  baking  biscuit  for 
transportation  ;  and  all  is  lost  by  the  Bolting  Act,  as  the  com- 
mon council  say. 

During  this  year  Trinity  Church  was  begun  :  it  was  opened  for 
worship  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Vesey,  in  the  year  1697.  This  building 
was  enlarged  in  1735-6,  and  burnt  down  in  1776,  and  another 
building  erected  in  1788.  It  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Prevost, 
in  1791.  The  last  has  in  its  turn  (1839,)  been  demolished,  with 
the  intention  of  erecting  a  third  Trinity.  The  cemetery  of  this 
church  was  granted  by  the  common  council  gratuitously  to  the 
vestry,  in  1703,  on  condition  that  it  be  neatly  fenced,  and  that  the 
fees  for  burial  be  limited  to  3s.  6d.  for  grown  persons,  and  Is.  6d. 
for  those  under  twelve  years  of  age.  By  the  records,  it  appears 
that  this  cemetery  had  received  more  than  160,000  bodies  before 
the  conflagration  of  1776. 

May  12th. — "  Upon  consideration  of  building  a  new  Citty 
Hall,  it  is  ordered  that  Alderman  Cordandt,  Alderman  Daw- 
kins  and  Alderman  Boelen,  Mr.  De  Peyster,  Mr.  Rip  Van  Dam, 
and  Mr.  Erwalye,  together  with  Captain  Clarke,  Mr.  Lurting 
and  Captain  Kip,  be  a  committee  to  make  a  draft  of  the  City 
Hall,  and  the  conveniences  that  thereunto  may  be  needfull,  and 
compute  and  estimate  what  the  building  thereof  may  cost ;  and 
likewise  how  much  the  Citty  Hall  and  ground  and  the  land  under 
the  trees  by  Burger's  Path  will  sell  for,  and  make  report  thereof 
in  fourteen  days  to  the  Clerk's  office." 

June  23d. — A  warrant  is  ordered  "  for  payment  of  ^41  current 
money  of  New  York,  to  Captain  Brandt  Schuyler,  for  his  service 
as  a  representative  of  this  citty  to  the  breaking  up  of  the  last  ses- 
sions of  assembly." 

26th. — "By  a  majority  of  votes,  itt  is  agreed  that  a  Citty  Hall 
be  built."  A  warrant  ordered  for  paying  to  Mr.  Lawrence  Reade 
,£41,  "for  his  salary  as  one  of  the  representatives  of  the  citty  in 
general  assembly." 

The  "  easiest  and  best  way  for  building  a  Citty  Hall,  powder- 
house,  etc.  etc.,  is  to  mortgage  the  rent  of  the  Ferry  for  fifteen 
years ;  to  sell  the  present  Town  Hall  and  ground  thereunto  be- 
longing, and  the  ground  concluded  to  be  sold  in  the  rear  of  the 
Dock  street,  at  9d.  per  foot.  The  new  Citty  Hall  to  be  built  and 
covered  by  the  1st  of  November  next  come  twelve  months."  i.  e. 
November  1697. 

October  17th. — Captain  Teunis  Dekay  petitions  "  that  a  cart- 
way may  be  made  leading  out  of  the  Broad  street  to  the  street  that 
runs  by  the  pye-woman's,  leading  to  the  commons  of  the  citty." 
The  petitioner  undertakes  to  do  the  same,  provided  he  may  have 
the  soyle. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXLV 

The  inhabitants  complain  that  there  is  no  bread  to  be  bought. 
The  bakers  being  summoned,  "  complain  that  they  have  no  corne, 
neither  can  get  any  to  purchase  at  a  reasonable  rate  whereby  to 
occupy  their  trades,  in  order  to  supply  the  inhabitants  with  bread." 
Aldermen  are  ordered  to  inquire  in  their  wards  what  flour,  wheat, 
and  bread  are  therein,  and  report. 

23d. — A  committee  appointed  to  devise  means  to  cause  corne 
to  be  brought  to  the  citty  for  the  relief  of  the  inhabitants. 

November  11th. — ^10  ordered  to  be  paid  James  Graham^  [Re- 
corder] being  in  full  for  his  salary  as  speaker  of  the  house  ofreine- 
sentatlves,  and  a  member  for  this  city,  ending  the  thiixi  day  of  this 
present  November. 

.£21  4s.  is  one  year's  salaiy  of  the  clerk  of  the  mayor's  court. 

17th. — Upon  inquiry,  it  is  found  that  there  is  not  more  than 
seven  hundred  bushels  of  corn  within  the  city,  and  the  number  of 
inhabitants  being  computed  six  thousand  or  more,  therefore  found 
that  the  stock  of  corn  would  not  be  sufficient  for  a  week's  mainte- 
nance. The  cause  assigned  by  the  common  council  for  this  scar- 
city, is  *'  the  liberty  and  latitude  that  every  planter  had  lately  taken, 
of  making  his  house  or  farme  a  market  for  his  wheat,  or  converting 
the  same  into  flour  by  bolting  of  itt,  and  that  under  pretence 
of  a  privilege  they  conceive  they  have  obtained,  by  virtue  of 
a  law  of  the  general  assembly,  enthled  an  act  against  unlaw^- 
ful  by-laws,"  which  had  deprived  the  citty  of  the  monopoly  for- 
merly enjoyed.  The  mayor  craves  advice  to  remove  this  intolera- 
ble grievance,  that  the  citty  may  be  restored  to  its  rights  and  privi- 
leges ;  they  recommend  an  address  to  his  majesty  for  the  repeal  of 
said  law,  and  a  committee  is  accordingly  appointed.  An  assize  of 
rye  bread  agreed  on — "  a  loaf  weighing  five  pounds  for  4Jd. — 

Rye  being  at  3s.  3d.  the  bushel." 
1697  October  2d. — The   mayor,  William  Merritt,   informed 

the  board  "  that  on  Tuesday  next  the  supreme  court  of 
the  province  would  sitt,  at  which  several  criminals  would  be  tried, 
to  which  it  is  supposed  great  numbers  of  people  would  resort,  in- 
somuch that  it  is  feared  the  City  Hall  will  not  be  of  sufficient 
strength  to  contain  them  :"  w^hereupon  certain  carpenters  and  brick- 
layers are  ordered  to  view  and  report  thereon,  and  what  will  be 
wanting  to  secure  the  same.  They  reported  that  "  six  studs  and 
a  plank  will  secure  the  same  from  any  danger  of  falling."  The 
same  are  ordered  accordingly. 

4th. — The  mayor  produced  a  letter  from  the  judges  of  the  su- 
preme court,  stating  that  jurors  and  others  summoned  to  appear, 
declare  that  in  consequence  of  danger  from  the  condition  of  the 
City  Hall,  they  cannot  attend  on  the  court ;  therefore  the  magis- 
trates are  required  in  his  majesty's  name  "  to  appoint  and  prepare 
some  other  place."     Signed,  William  Smith,  WilHam  Pinhorne. 

s 


CXLVI  APPENDIX. 

Ordered,  that  this  letter  be  answered,  informing  the  judges  that 
measures  had  been  taken  "  for  making  the  Citty  Hall  secure  from 
falling,  and  the  workmen  doe  believe  the  house  to  be  of  sufficient 
strength  to  contain  any  number  of  people  that  may  be  therein." 

November  13th. — In  common  council:  present,  Merritt,  mayor, 
and  others.  Resolved,  in  consequence  of  the  ruinous  situation  of 
the  City  Hall,  that  the  common  council  sit  at  the  house  of  George 
Reparreck,  adjoining  to  the  City  Hall,  until  the  I3th  of  October 
next,  and  that  he  be  paid  for  the  same  ^12. 

20th. — An  order  from  the  governour  read,  absolving  the  militia 
from  the  duty  of  night  guard  by  a  military  watch,  until  the  25ih 
of  March  next,  provided  "  the  magistrates  of  said  citty  doe  ap- 
point a  bellman  or  some  other  civil  watch  to  go  round  the  citty  in 
the  night  time  to  prevent  irregularities  that  may  happen,  or  fire," 
etc.  Whereupon  the  board  resolve,  that  four  sober,  honest,  men 
be  appointed  to  keep  a  watch  in  this  citty  every  night  until  the  25th 
of  iNIarch  next,  and  that  they  hourly  go  through  the  several  wards 
of  the  city  during  the  said  time  to  prevent  irregularities.* 

23d. — Unanimously  agreed,  that  a  new  City  Hall  is  necessary. 
"  In  consideration  of  the  great  inconveniency  that  attends  this  citty, 
being  a  trading  place,  for  want  of  having  lights  in  the  dark  time  of 
the  moon  in  the  winter  season,  ordered,  that  all  and  every  body  of 
the  house  keepers  within  this  citty  shall  put  out  lights  in  their  win- 
dows fronting  the  respective  streets,"  according  as  the  mayor  and 
two  aldermen  and  two  assistants  shall  direct. 

December  2d. — Resolved,  that  the  mode  of  lighting  the  city  be 
that  "  during  the  dark  time  of  the  moon  until  the  25th  of  March 
next,  every  seventh  householder  cause  a  lanthorn  and  candle  to  be 
hung  out  on  a  pole  every  night."  The  expense  to  be  divided 
equally  between  the  seven.  The  aldermen  are  charged  to  see  this 
done. 

28th. — Four  barrels  of  powder  ordered   for   saluting  the  Earl 
of  Bellamont  on  his  arrival. 
1698         April  2d. — Bellamont's  commission  read,  as  governour, 
and  Nanfan's,  as  lieutenant-governour. 

4th. — The  address  to  the  governour  read  and  approved.  It  is 
full  of  humility,  professions  of  obedience,  lamentations  of  dissen- 
tions  among  themselves,  and  prayer  for  his  influence  to  heal  the 
same. 

11th. — Resolved,  that  a  dinner  be  proposed  at  the  charge  of  the 
corporation  for  the  entertainment  of  his  excellency,  Richard,  Earl 
of  Bellamont,  captain-general,  etc.  etc.,  and  a  committee  appointed 


*  In  the  year  1837,  the  number  of  watchmen  is  1,064.    The  cost  $245,490  50 
per  annum. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXLVII 

to  make  a  bill  of  fare,  (two  aldermen  and  two  assistants,)  "and  that 
for  the  effectual  doing  thereof,  they  call  to  their  assistance  such 
cooks  as  they  shall  think  necessary  to  advise." 

May  23d. — No  person  absent  twelve  months  considered  a  free- 
man unless  he  keep  fire  and  candle. 

June  14th. — Alderman  Provoost  and  Mr.  Duykink  appointed 
to  take  care  that  the  pubUck  house  of  office  on  the  dock  be  cleaned 
and  put  in  repair,  and  a  person  appointed  daily  to  keep  the  same 
clean.  A  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  laws.  Thus  the  pas- 
sion for  codification  appears  to  be  of  early  date. 

28th. — All  the  inhabitants  of  the  city,  *'  their  apprentices  and 
children  that  were  here  at  the  time  the  charter  was  granted,"  be 
deemed  freemen  ;  they  registering  their  names,  (but  none  under 
21  years,)  and  the  oath  administered  to  all  who  come  to  be  regis- 
tered. 

An  address  ordered  to  "  my  lord,"  praying  that  the  sole  bolting 
of  flour  and  baking  of  biscuit  for  transportation  be  restored  to  this 
city. 

29th. — The  address  read.  It  complains  of  "  that  grievous  law" 
which  took  away  this  monopoly  from  them  and  "  placed  at  every 
planter's  door  the  privilege — that  the  assembly  hath  deprived  the 
citty  of  its  rights,  etc.  and  they  pray,"  etc.  etc. 

"  It  is  considered  that  the  sum  of  £50  sterling  be  raised 
upon  the  word  of  the  city,  to  be  employed  by  an  agent  at 
home  in  England  for  the  representing  the  state  of  this  city  unto  his 
majesty  and  the  lords  commissioners  of  trade  and  plantations,  in 
order  to  the  repealing  the  said  act,"  i.  e.  the  Act  abolishing  the 
city's  monopoly. 

July  7th. — Several  papers  relating  to  the  wished  for  repealing 
of  the  bolting  act.  The  privilege  of  bolting,  they  say,  was  con- 
firmed by  Dongan,  and  enjoyed  till  1694 ;  when,  by  act  of  assem- 
bly, every  planter's  house  was  made  a  market.  The  calamity  hath 
produced  anarchy  in  the  province,  and  destroys  the  reputation  of 
New  York  flour.  When  the  hohing  began  in  1678,  there  were  only 
343  houses ;  in  1696,  594.  The  revenue  in  1678-9  and  80,  not 
exceeding  .£2,000  in  the  year  ;  1687,  .£5,000.  The  bolting  being 
removed,  the  revenue  decreased.  In  the  year  1678,  there  were 
3  ships,  7  boats,  and  8  sloops ;  in  the  year  1694,  there  were  60 
ships,  40  boats,  62  sloops.  Since  which,  a  decrease.  In  the  year 
1678,  New  York  killed  400  beeves  ;  in  1694,  near  4,000.  Lands 
had  advanced  ten  times  in  their  value.  If  this  act  continues,  they 
say,  many  families  in  New  York  must  perish,  and  besides  they  enu- 
merate many  other  evils. 

The  recorder,  in  a  letter  to  the  committee  appointed  to  address 
the  king,  states  :  He  is  grieved  "  for  the  great  heats"  he  saw 
among  them  at  the  last  meeting.    When  the  great  concern  in  hand 


CXLVIIl  APPENDIX* 

is  considered,  "  no  less  than  the  livelihood  of  all  the  inhabitants  of 
New  York.'^  He  reminds  them  of  the  scarcity  of  corn,  when  only- 
seven  hundred  schcpds  were  found  in  the  city — not  sufficient  for 
bread  for  a  week ;  that  this  was  the  consequence  of  the  Bolting 
Act ;  that  the  inhabitants  cannot  be  supplied  with  bread  unless  the 
monopoly  is  restored  ;  that  the  inhabitants  must  either  perish  or 
transport  themselves  elsewhere.  Accordingly,  he  had  so  repre- 
sented the  matter  to  his  majesty.  "  Now,  gentlemen,"  he  contin- 
ues, "  this  being  the  truth,  where  is  the  defect  ?  What  is  the  cause 
of  such  heats  ?  Yea,  there  is  cause  ;  your  stile  is  defective  ;  it  is 
not  Billingsgate  language  that  is  used  :  therefore  allay  yaur  heats, 
and  I  will  both  vindicate  the  language  and  save  the  government 
from  arraignment,  as  falsely  suggested."  He  states  the  objected 
words  to  be  "  and  in  that  growing  and  flourishing  state  it  had 
continued,  if  your  majesty's  said  benign  favours  and  protec- 
tion to  your  majesty's  said  city  had  not  been  interrupted  by  an 
unaccountable  and  rash  humour  that  seized  upon  the  assembly." 
*'  Shall  we  ask  the  king  to  repeal  a  law  made  with  due  delibera- 
tion ?"  He  states  that  by  this  act,  8,000  souls  in  New  York  are 
doomed  to  perish  for  want  of  bread,  to  give  plenty  to  1,500  in  the 

country. This  is  a  letter  of  many  pages,  and  is  followed  by 

seven  or  eight  pages  of  reasons  in  defence  of  the  rights  and  privi- 
leges, and  then  the  articles  of  surrender  to  Colonel  Nicolls  are 
given  in  full. 

November  llth.- — The  mayor  presents  a  letter  from  Lord  Bella- 
mont,  requiring  him  to  give  the  citizens  an  opportunity,  and  call 
upon  them,  to  take  the  oath  to  his  majesty  and  the  test  *'  that  a  dis- 
crimination may  be  made  between  good  and  loyal  subjects  and  the 

enemies  of  his  majesty." 
1699  February  2d. — The  Ferry  is  let  for  seven  years,  on  condi- 

tion of  security  for  payment  given.  The  farmer  to  provide 
two  great  boats  or  scows  for  cattle,  etc.  and  two  small  boats  for  pas- 
sengers, one  of  each  to  be  kept  on  each  side.  That  the  city  build  a 
Ferry-house  within  the  first  year  of  the  lease.  The  fare  for  a  sin- 
gle person  is  fixed  at  eight  stivers  in  wampum,  or  a  silver  twojjence. 
If  a  company  cross  together,  each  to  pay  four  stivers  in  wampum, 
or  a  silver  penny ;  but  after  sun-set,  double  ferriage.  A  single 
horse.  Is.  ;  several  in  company  9d. ;  a  colt,  3d.  ;  A  hog,  the  same 
as  a  sill  gle  person  ;  a  sheep,  half;  a  barrel  of  liquid,  3d. ;  an  empty 
barrel,  four  stivers  in  wampum,  or  a  silver  penny  ;  a  beast's  hide, 
do.  ;  a  firkin  or  tub  of  butter,  two  stivers  in  wampum  ;  a  bushel  of 
corn,  half;  a  hogshead  of  tobacco,  9d.  The  rent  per  year, 
^165. 

May  25th. — Unanimously  resolved  "  to  build  a  new  City  Hall 
at  the  upper  end  of  Broad  street,  and  the  materials  of  the  old  Citty 
Hall  be  exposed  to  sayle,  and  the  ground  belonging  to  the  same  to 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXLIX 

be  lett  to  farme  for  the  term  of  Rinety-nine  years  ;"  and  a  committee 
appointed  to  manage  the  same.  The  same  advertised  by  putting 
up  placards. 

August  9th. — Ordered,  the  old  Citty  Hall  and  all  belonging  to 
it,  the  bell,  king's  arms,  and  iron  works  belonging  to  the  prison 
excepted,  be  sold  at  publick  outcry ;  the  'purchaser  to  pay  at 
three  payments.  That  the  cage,  pillory,  and  stocks  standing  be- 
fore the  same  be  rem.oved  within  the  space  of  twelve  months  ;  the 
slip  fronting  the  said  Citty  Hall  shall  remain,  continue,  and  abide 
for  ever  a  publick  slip  for  the  publick  use  and  benefit  of  the  citty. 
That  the  citty  have  the  liberty  and  benefit  of  the  jail  within  the 
said  Hall  for  the  space  of  one  month  next  ensuing. 

"John  Rodman,  of  the  City  of  New  York,  merchant,  hath  by 
publick  outcry  and  vendue  purchased  the  said  Citty  Hall  with  the 
ground  and  appurtenances,  for  the  sum  of  .£920  current  money  of 
New  York." 

About  this  time  Davcnant,  writing  of  the  American  colo- 
nies, says  : — "  The  stronger  and  greater  they  grow,  the  more 
this  crown  and  kingdom  will  get  by  them,  and  nothing  but  such 
an  arbitrary  power  as  shall  make  them  desperate,  can  bring 
them  to  rebel."  This  man,  in  the  seventeenth  century,  saw 
clearly  the  true  policy  of  Great  Britain,  and  her  statesmen,  in  the 
eighteenth,  were  altogether  blind  to  it.  Liberal  as  Davenant  was, 
he  warned  England  of  the  danger  that  would  threaten  her  com- 
merce, if  America  should  be  allowed  "  to  set  up  manufactures,  and 
clothe  as  well  as  feed  their  neighbours  ;"  but  he  thought  this  would 
not  be  attempted  under  three  or  four  hundred  years.  He  insinu- 
ates that  the  English  government  does  not  think  the  colonists  have 
the  same  rights  as  their  fellow-subjects  in  England,  but  advises  a 
confirmation  of  their  liberties,  keeping  their  charters  free  from  vio- 
lation ;  and  declaring  "  that  Englishmen  have  right  to  all  the  laws 
of  England,  while  they  remain  in  countries  subject  to  the  dominion 
of  this  kingdom."  But  Lord  Chatham,  the  friend  of  America,  in 
vulgar  estimation,  thought  otherwise  ;  and  declared  that  England 
had  a  right  to  tax  the  colonists  without  their  consent,  and  that  she 
was  *'  sovereign  over  the  colonies  in  all  cases  whatsoever." 

Nicholson,  who  as  lieutenant-governour  of  New  York,  fled  from 
Leisler,  was  now  governour  of  Virginia,  and  proposed  to  the  as- 
sembly of  Virginia  to  assist  in  the  defence  of  New  York,  for  the 
security  of  Virginia,  by  building  a  fort  on  the  New  York  frontiers, 
but  they  refused.     William  HL  seconded  Nicholson's  views  ;  but 

the  Virginians  still  refused. 
1700         April  9th. — The  ill  disposed  of  the  city  are  charged  with 
"a  common  practice  of  emptying  tubbs  oi  odour  and  nasti- 
ness"  in  the  streets,  and  therefore  ordered,  that  a  fine  not  exceeding 
40s.  be  inflicted  for  the  oflence. 


CL  APPENDIX. 

In  the  year  1698,  Nicholson,  the  former  lleutenant-governour  of 
New  York,  under  James  II.  and  governour  of  Virginia  under  Wil- 
liam III.,  says  in  a  letter  to  the  board  of  trade  in  England,  that  many 
people  in  all  the  colonies  think  no  law  of  England  ought  to  be 
binding  on  them  without  their  consent,  because  they  are  not  repre- 
sented in  Parliament.  In  1701,  the  board  of  trade  directed  Lord 
Bellamont  to  curb  this  humour,  and  added  "  the  independancy  they 
thirst  after  is  so  notorious"  that  with  other  objections  to  these  colo- 
nies, it  should  be  laid  before  parliament. 

1701  March  29th.— Salary  of  William  Sharpe,  clerk  of  the 
common  council,  is  paid  for  half  a  year,  and  for  drawling,  en- 
grossing, and  recording  a  deed  to  John  Rodman,  for  the  old  City 
Hall,  and  a  lease  of  the  Ferry,  £15  2s.  Johannes  Depeyster,  and 
David  Provoost,  receive  each  <£14  10s.,  for  their  service  in  general 
assembly,  from  1st  October,  to  2d  November  following. 

In  this  year  New  York,  and  Massachusetts,  passed  laws  pro- 
scribing Roman  Catholick  priests.  It  is  acknowledged  by  Walsh, 
(a  Roman  Catholick)  that  these  laws  were  political  and  not  religi- 
ous:  that  the  law  makers  ^^  believed,  that  those  priests  laboured 
uniformly  to  excite  the  Indians  to  hostilities  against  the  Anglo- 
Americans  :"  Mr.  Walsh  might  have  said,  that  they  hiew  it.  The 
Jesuit  Charlevoix,  gives  us  ample  testimony  on  that  head. 

The  Earl  of  Bellamont,  as  we  have  seen,*  died  on  the  5th  of 
March  in  this  year.  (The  Irish  peerage,  says  he  died  in  1700.) 
Nanfan,  the  lieutenant-governour,  was  at  the  time  absent  at  Bar- 
badoes.  This  Richard  Earl  of  Bellamont,  was  of  the  family  of 
Coote,  and  the  second  Lord  Coloony.  He  was  created  an  Earl, 
in  1696  :  his  father  had  been  created  an  Earl,  in  the  first  of  Wil- 
liam and  Mary.  The  Earl  of  Bellamont  who  was  governour  of 
New  York,  married  Catharine,  daughter  and  heir  to  Bridges  Nan- 
fan,  Esq.,  and  she  died  in  1737.  By  her,  Bellamont  had  two 
sons  :  the  first  was  born  before  his  mother  was  twelve  years  of 
age,  and  he  succeeded  his  father  as  Earl  of  Bellamont.  John 
Nanfan,  the  lieutenant-governour,  was  related  to  the  Earl  as  a  con- 
nexion of  the  countess. 

1702  May  12th. — In  the  congratulatory  address   of  the  com- 
mon council  to  Edward  Lord  Cornbury,  they  say:  he  is  to 

heal  their  divisions — secure  them  against  the  enemy — be  an  ex- 
ample of  piety,  etc. 

All  the  soldiers  of  his  majesty's  garrison  of  Fort  William,  are  to 
be  made  freemen  if  natural  born  subjects,  gratis.  This  made 
them  electors  or  voters. 

26th. — Samson  Shelton  Broughton  produces  liis  majesty's  corn- 


See  Vol.  1.,  p.  243. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLI 

mission  as  recorder.  His  excellency  and  council,  order  the  num- 
bering of  the  men,  women,  children,  and  slaves,  that  are  within 
the  city  and  county,  and  the  number  of  men  from  sixteen  to  sixty. 
The  dock  and  slips  of  the  city  are  farmed  to  James  Spencer,  car- 
penter, for  <£25 — he  to  clean  the  dock  and  slips,  and  keep  them 
clean  and  build  a  wharf  enclosing  the  dock,  and  give  security  for 
performance.  Resolved,  that  when  the  court  of  common  council 
shall  be  equally  divided,  that  part  shall  be  considered  prevalent,  on 
which  the  mayor  gives  his  vote.  The  salary  of  the  clerk  of  the 
common  council,  is  ^20  per  year.  Resolved,  to  compliment 
Lord  Cornbury  with  the  freedom  of  the  city,  "  covered  with  a  gold 
box."  And  all  the  governour's  suite  (Bridges,  Millwood,  Con- 
greve.  Rich,  Rookeby,  Lovel,  Freeman,  etc.,  etc.,  and  such 
other  of  the  household,  as  came  into  the  province  with  his  excel- 
lency,) are  made  freemen  of  the  city,  gratis.  All  his  majesty's  na- 
tural born  subjects  residing  in  the  city,  and  too  poor  to  purchase 
their  freedom,  shall  be  made  freemen  gratis. 

Whereas,  there  is  an  act  of  general  assembly,  for  encouragement 
of  a  free  grammer  school  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  the  court 
being  of  the  opinion,  that  there  is  not  any  person  within  the  citty, 
(with  whose  convenience  it  would  be  agreeable,)  proper  and  duly 
qualified  for  the  office  of  school-master,  think  it  necessary  that  this 
want  be  represented  to  the  Bishop  of  London,  and  he  be  requested 
to  send  over  a  person  of  good  learning  and  pious  life  and  conver- 
sation, of  English  extract,  and  good  and  mild  temper  for  this  office  : 
and  that  the  court  petition  Lord  Cornbury,  to  recommend  this  to 
the  bishop  ;  and  recommend  said  school  to  the  society  for  propa- 
gating the  gospel  in  foreign  parts :  and  likewise,  to  her  sacred  ma- 
jesty, to  appropriate  part  of  the  farm,  commonly  called  the  king's 
farm,  for  encouraging  this  school :  and  the  recorder  to  draw  up  the 
petition. 

December  23d — At  a  common  council  held  at  the  City  Hall,  pre- 
sent, Philip  French,  mayor  :  Samson  Shelton  Broughton,  recorder  ;■ 
Jacobus  Van  Cordandt,  John  Corbett,  William  Smith,  aldermen. 
Ordered,  that  the  arms  of  the  late  governour,  the  Earl  of  Bellamont, 
and  Captain  Nanfan,  which  are  fastened  in  the  wall  of  the  City  Hall,, 
be  by  the  marshal  of  this  city,  forthwith  pulled  down,  and  broken  ;; 
that  the  w^all  be  filled  up,  and  that  die  mayor  issue  his  warrant  to 
the  treasurer,  for  the  payment  of  the  charge  thereof.  On  his  arri- 
val a  salute  was  ordered  by  the  corporation  :  and  four  barrels  of 
powder  appropriated.  His  commission  w^as  published  2d  of  Aprils 
1698,  and  the  commission  of  John  Nanfan,  heutenant-governour. 
It  was  on  the  29th  of  March,  1701,  that  the  "  court  agreed  with 
William  Mumford,  stone-cutter,  to  find  stones,  and  to  carve  there- 
upon, the  king's  arms,  the  Earl  of  Bellamont's  arms,  and  the  lieu- 
tenant-governour's  arms,  according  to  the  dimensions  of  the  seve- 


CLII  APPENDIX. 

ral  squares  left  in  the  front  of  the  tCity  Hall."  This  is  ordered  to 
be  done  within  the  space  of  six  months.  The  cost  was  to  be 
<£41  4s.,  current  money  of  New  York.  Therefore,  it  is  probable 
that  the  Earl's  arms,  and  those  of  Nanfan's,  were  put  up  in  Septem- 
ber, 1701,  and  taken  down  and  broken,  in  December,  1702.  This 
was  occasioned  by  the  part  Bellamont  and  Nanfan  took  against 
the  aristocratick  party,  of  which  Nicholas  Bayard  was  one  of  the 
leaders,  and  when  Cornbury  arrived,  the  party  of  the  Dutch,  or  the 
people,  w^as  put  down,  and  the  arms  of  their  leaders  disgraced  by 
being  taken  from  the  front  of  the  New  City  Hall,  in  Wall  street, 
finished  during  Bellamont's  administration,  and  broken.  The 
king's  arms  remained  until  1776,  when  on  the  reading  of  the  De- 
claration of  Independence,  some  of  the  citizens  threw  them  down, 
and  broke  the  tablet  to  pieces. 

1703  January  15th. — The  common  council  humbly  beg  Lord 
Cornbury,  to  help  on  the  w^ork  of  procuring  a  school-mas- 
ter for  the  free  school. 

Philip  French,  the  mayor,  paid  .£19  lOs.,  for  thirty  day's  ser- 
vice in  the  general  assembly,  as  representative  of  the  city. 

February  15th. — The  treasurer  ordered  to  repay  the  mayor 
£9  16s.  3d.,  paid  by  him  for  a  bonfire,  beer,  and  wine,  on  her  ma- 
jesty's birth  day,  6th  February, 

A  petition  from  the  rector,  w^ardens,  and  vestry,  of  Trinity  Church, 
praying  the  grant  of  "  the  burial  place  of  this  city"  for  ever,  to  be 
so  appropriated ;  the  rector,  etc.,  keeping  the  fence  in  repair,  and 
only  taking  for  each  person  from  12  years  of  age  and  upwards,  3s. 
for  breaking  the  ground,  and  for  a  child  Is.  6d. — Granted  accor- 
dingly. 

24th. — Ordered,  "  that  a  publick  bonfire  be  made  this  night," 
at  the  usual  place  in  this  city,  and  ten  gallons  of  wine,  and  a  bar- 
rel of  beer,  be  provided,  at  the  expence  of  the  city,  on  account  of 
the  success  of  his  majesty's  arms  at  Vego  and  in  Flanders ;  and 
the  house-keepers  ordered  to  illuminate. 

November  1st. — Resolved,  that  a  cage,  whipping-post,  pillory, 
and  stocks,  be  forthwith  erected  before  the  City  Hall  of  this  city, 
(in  Wall  street.)  And  Mr.  Vesey  is  paid  £5,  as  usual,  for  the 
corporation  sermon. 

1704  January   5th. — Captains   Claver   and    Dewitt    "  sayled 
a  privateering" 

February  6th. — Her  majesty's  birth-day  celebrated,  with  healths 
drank  of  the  Princess  Sophia,  Prince  George,  Duke  of  Marlbo- 
rough, etc.  and  illuminations. 

17th. — Ordered,  that  the  sheriff  have  the  gaol  of  this  city  made 
sufficient  "  for  the  holding  of  felons,"  and  likewise  a  convenient  and 
sufficient  prison  for  debtors  on  the  ?/pj?e?'  story  of  the  City  Hall,  at 
the  east  end  thereof. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLIII 

28th. — Colonel  William  Smith  died  at  Brookhaven.  He  was 
"  the  first  of  her  majesty's  council." 

Mr.  William  Vesey  being  a  missionary,  a  catechizing  school  for 
Blacks  was  opened  in  New  York.  From  him  we  have  the  name  of 
Vesey  street. 

Christopher  Billop,  lived  on  Staten  Island  opposite  Perth  Am- 
boy,  and  from  him  Christopher  Farmer  took  the  name  and  estate,      / 
and  he  was  the  noted  Colonel  Billop,  of  the  revolutionary  war. 

A numberofpalatines  (emigrants)  arrived  and  settled  atNewburgh. 
The  first  newspaper  printed  in  America,  the  Newsletter,  was  publish- 
ed at  Boston  by  the  printer  Bartholomew  Green,  whose  father  Samuel 
a  printer,  arrived  with  Winthrop  in  1630,  and  settled  at  Cambridge. 
The  first  number  was  published  the  17th  of  April,  of  this  year,  on 
a  half  sheet  of  "  pot  paper."  This  paper  was  continued  to  1776. 
It  was  owned  by  John  Campbell,  a  Scotchman.  Thomas's  his- 
tory of  printing  says,  the  24th  of  April  was  the  first ;  but  I  find  a 
paper  dated  April  17th,  1704,  printed  by  B.  Green,  as  above,  on 
one  half  sheet,  two  pages  ;  it  is  in  the  New  York  City  Library. 

It  is  said  that  the  first  white  man  born  in  New  England  was 
White  by  name,  and  died  this  year,  aged  84,  which  brings  his  birth 
to  1620.  This  individual  was  Mr.  Peregrine  White,  who  must, 
according  to  this,  have  been  born  the  same  year  that  the  Puritan 
pilgrims  landed  at  Plymouth. 

The  French  Protestant  church  "  du  St.  Esprit,"  was  built  in 
what  was  afterwards  called  Pine  street,  in  the  year  1704,  by  the 
refugees  from  the  tyranny  of  papists,  let  loose  upon  them  by  the 
revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nants.  Worship  was  performed  in  the 
French  language.  Those  Huguenots  who  settled  at  West  Ches- 
ter and  other  places  around  New  York,  for  a  time  resorted  to  this 
place  for  their  devotional  exercises. 

October  14th. — The  mayor,  William  Peartree,  and  aldermen, 
sworn  in  with  the  usual  ceremony ;  Mr.  Vesey  preaching  at 
Trinity  Church  on  this  day,  yearly,  and  receiving  «£5  each  day  he 
preaches. 

22d. — ^10  18s.  6d.   paid  for  the  entertainment  given   by  the 
corporation  to  Lord   Cornbury  "  on  his  arrival  here,  from  his  go- 
vernment of  New  Jersey." 
1705  April  20th. — A  bonfire  ordered  for  the  23d,  being  the 

anniversary  of  her  majesty's  coronation,  and  also  three  gal- 
lons of  wine  to  drink  her  health.  Our  present  common  council 
do  not  manage  these  matters  in  such  a  sneaking  way  as  this. 

The  original  of  the  oath  taken  by  Robert  Lurting,  John  Tuder, 
D.  Provoost,  Richard  Willet,  E.  Blagge,  C.  De  Peyster,  etc., 
justices  and  common  council,  with  their  autographs,  is  in  the 
clerk's  office  of  the  common  council.  They  swear,  that  they 
do  not   believe   in    trans ubstantiation,   that   the  bread  and  wine 

T 


CLIV  APPENDIX. 

in  the  Lord's  supper  is  not  conVerted  into  the  body  and  blood 
of  Christ,  "  at  or  after  the  consecration  thereof,"  and  that  they 
make  this  declaration  "  in  the  plain  and  ordinary  sense  of  the 
words,  as  they  are  commonly  understood  by  English  protest- 
ants."  They  abjure  the  invocation  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  or  any 
other  saint,  and  the  sacrifice  of  the  Mass — or  the  virtue  of  any 
dispensation  as  granted  by  the  pope,  or  any  other  person. 

Governour  Cornbury  prohibits  the  importation  of  "  dipt  money, 
of  bits  or  double  bits." 

Mr.  Byerly  was  receiver-general  of  the  province,  and  was  super- 
ceded by  P.  Fauconnier. 

A  thief  is  punished  by  burning  (or  branding)  "  in  the  left  cheek 
near  the  nose,  with  the  letter  T."  There  is  an  account  of  an  im- 
postor, who  pretended  to  be  a  Quaker,  and  that  he  falling  in  with 
a  pirate,  was  wounded  in  the  cheek  ;  it  afterwards  proved  that 
he  was  a  thief,  and  his  scars  were  those  inflicted  by  this  law.  His 
name  was  Burch. 

May  14th. — "  The  Pennsylvania  post  not  yet  come  in,  and  sup- 
pose the  three  days  of  rainy  weather  last  week  has  hindered  him." 

July  23d. — "  There  is  a  prodigious  tooth  brought  here,  sup- 
posed to  be  the  tooth  of  a  man"  from  the  shape  ;  "it  weighs  4  3-4 
lbs."  It  was  dug  up  on  the  side  of  a  hill,  thirty  or  forty  feet  under 
ground  "  near  a  place  called  Clavarack,  about  thirty  miles  this  side 
of  Albany  :  it  is  looked  upon  here  as  a  mighty  wonder  whether  the 
tooth  be  of  man  or  beast."  Other  bones  were  dug  up  which  crum- 
bled away  on  exposure  to  the  air  ;  "  they  say  one  of  them,  which  is 
thought  to  be  a  thigh  bone,  was  17  feet  long."  Here  we  have,  I 
believe  the  first  discovery  of  the  mammoth  in  our  country.  Eighty 
years  after  this  the  bones  of  the  great  beast  were  found  in  Ulster 
county,  and  Charles  William  Peale  formed  his  skeleton,  for  his 
Museum. 

This  year  an  act  was  passed  by  the  British  parliament  to  j^ermit 
the  exportation  of  Irish  linen  cloth  to  the  plantations.  This  was  in 
the  fourth  year  of  the  reign  of  Queen  Anne. 

August  13th. — Three  privateers  bring  into  port  a  rich  Spanish 
prize ;  she  had  a  number  of  passengers,  among  them,  three  friars. 
She  was  a  ship  of  twenty  guns,  but  was  boarded  and  carried  by 
Captain  Claver,  with  the  loss  of  three  men. 

September  19th. — A  riot  took  place  in  consequence  of  some 
offence  given  by  the  sheriff  to  the  privateersmen,  which  I  do  not  find 
stated.  They  assaulted  the  sheriff  at  the  door  of  his  own  house,  and 
beat  those  who  came  to  his  assistance.  Their  numbers  increasing,  the 
troops  from  the  fort  and  sailors  from  the  Queen's  ships  were  marched 
against  them.  This  w^as  in  the  evening,  and  before  the  armed  men 
encountered  them,  the  rioters  fell  in  with  two  army  officers,  whom 
they  assaulted,  killed  one,  and  wounded  and  beat  the  other.     The 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLV 

soldiers  and  sailors  charged  on  the  privateersmen  and  dispersed 
them  :  one  was  killed,  and  several  taken  prisoners,  among  whom 
was  Erasmus  Wilkins,  who  was  tried  and  convicted  of  the  murder 
of  Lieutenant  Featherstonehough.  He  confessed  that  with  the 
sword  taken  from  the  other  officer  he  run  the  lieutenant  through  the 
body.  The  blow  pierced  the  heart.  This  man  was  executed  for 
the  murder,  on  the  26th. 

December  25th  is  recorded  as  the  coldest  day  ever  known.    For 
several  days  the  Hudson  was  frozen  over. 

1706  January  21st  is  recorded  as  remarkably  warm  :  and  so 
for  some  days. 

May  8th. — The  common  council  petition  Lord  Cornbury  to 
repair  the  fortifications,  to  repel  any  attacks  of  the  French,  and 
to  mount  the  artillery,  and  to  arm  the  inhabitants.  Presented, 
and  kindly  received. 

13th. — Lord  Cornbury,  the  governour  of  the  two  provinces 
of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  orders  the  inhabitants  of  New  York 
city,  "all  persons,"  to  appear  in  arms  on  the  first  alarm.  A  visit 
from  a  French  fleet  was  feared.  The  inhabitants  were  employed 
in  fortifying  the  town.  From  two  to  four  hundred  men  were  daily 
at  work. 

19th — Another  petition  to  Lord  Cornbury,  for  arming  the  mili- 
tia throughout  the  province,  and  begging  him  to  adjourn  his  visit 
to  New  Jersey. 

July   1st. — By  computation,    between   four   and  five  thousand 

might  be  assembled  in  arms  in  twenty-four  hours,  being  the  militia 

of  New  York,   New  Jersey,  and  the  surrounding  country.     The 

militia  of  the  city  and  the  neighbouring  counties,  of  the  province' 

is  estimated  at  three  thousand. 

December  21st. — Rebecca  Van  Schaick,  widow,  appointed 
poimd  kecjje?', 

1707  September  29th. — The  rates  of  ferriage  to  Long  Island  : 
A  single  person,  eight  stivers  in  wampum,  or  a  silver  two- 
pence ;  a  hog,  the  same  as  a  man  :  a  sheep,  half. 

There  are  frequent  notices  of  Indian  slaves  both  in  New  York 
and  Massachusetts.  I  presume  the  same  in  the  other  colonies.  It 
seems  that  the  good  people  of  the  good  old  times  considered  a  dark 
skin  proof  of  the  bearer's  being  made  for  a  white-skin's  beast  of 
burthen,  if  she  or  he  could  be  seized  upon.  I  find,  for  example  : 
*'  Ranaway  from  her  master,  Nathan  Baker,  of  Boston,  on  the  22d 
of  August  last,  a  tall,  lusty,  Carolina  Indian  woman,  having  long, 
strait,  black  hair,"  etc.  Again  :  in  an  encounter  with  a  French 
vessel  off  the  harbour  of  New  York,  "they  fired  at  the  pilot-boat, 
and  they  took  an  Indian  slave  that  belonged  to  the  pilot." — 
Again :  Mr.  William  Hallet,  jun.,  of  Nev/town,  Long  Island,  his 
wife,  who  was  big  with  child,  and  five  children,  were  all  inhumanly 


CLVI  APPENDIX. 

murdered  by  an  Indian  man  and  a  negro  woman,  their  own  slaves, 
who  are  apprehended,  and  have  confessed  the  fact :  they  said  they 
committed  the  murder  because  they  were  restrained  from  going 
abroad  on  the  Sabbath. 

February  10th. — "  The  Indian  man  and  negro  woman  men- 
tioned in  my  last,  who  committed  the  horrible  murder  at  New- 
ton, on  Long  Island,  w^ere,  on  Monday  the  2d  inst.,  executed 
at  Jamaica  for  the  same,  and  put  to  all  the  torment  possible,  for  a 
terrour  to  others."  On  the  Saturday  following,  two  negro  men 
"  were  executed  at  Jamaica  as  accessories,  and  several  others  are 
in  custody." 

Here  was  a  little   negro-plot,   preparatory  to  the  great  plot  of 
1741.    *'  The  chief-justice,  judges,  attorney-general,  are  indefatiga- 
ble in  the  discovery  of  this  negro-plot  and  bloody  murder." 
1708  The  14th  of  December  called  the  coldest  day  ever  known 

in  New  England. 

The  house  of  assembly  declared  that  it  was  the  unquestionable 
right  of  every  freeman  in  the  colony  to  have  a  perfect  and  entire 
property  in  his  goods  and  estate  ;  and  that  the  imposing  and  levy- 
ing of  any  moneys  on  the  subjects  of  the  colony,  under  any  pre- 
tence or  colour  whatsoever,  without  their  consent  in  general  assem- 
bly, was  a  grievance,  and  a  violation  of  right. 
1710  April  13th. — A  petition  is   presented  by  the  common 

council  of  New  York  to  the  honourable  Gerard  us  Beek- 
man,  president  of  her  majesty's  council,  and  the  rest  of  the  coun- 
cil, showing,  that  nothing  contributes  more  to  the  happiness  of  a 
people  than  plenty  ;  so  nothing  is  more  deplorable  than  the  want 
of  bread.  The  colony  is  threatened  with  want,  in  consequence  of 
illegal  practices  of  several  inhabitants,  as  well  as  the  agents  of  neigh- 
bouring colonies,  by  their  engrossing  and  monopolizing  wheat  and 
selling  it  at  unreasonable  prices :  and  the  arrival  of  3,400  pala- 
tines from  Great  Britain  being  daily  expected,  who  must  be  sup- 
ported, will  render  the  danger  greater:  they  pray  the  council  to 
take  measures  to  prevent  these  evils. 

June  13th. — Another  petition  to  the  council  mentions  the  arri- 
val of  palatines,  and  more  expected,  who  from  the  long  voyage  are 
grown  very  sickly,  and  have  many  contagious  disorders,  as  there 
is  just  cause  to  believe.  The  common  council  are  apprehensive, 
should  they  be  permitted  to  land  within  this  corporation  "  at  this 
hot  season  of  the  year,  it  would  endanger  the  inhabitants  and  ob- 
struct trade  ;  therefore  they  pray  they  may  not  be  permitted  to 
come  within  this  city  until  they  shall  be  in  a  full  state  of  health." 

November  2d. — The  usual  bonfire  ordered  for  the  5th.  "  Or- 
dered, that  the  cage,  pillory,  stocks,  and  whipping-post  be  removed 
to   the  upper  end  of  the   Broad   street,  a  little   below  the   Ciiy 


MISCELLAXEOUS  MATTER.  CLVIl 

Hall,  and  be   put   up  there.     Mr.   Recorder   dissents    from    this 
order." 

1711  February  -3d. — "  Whereas,  evil  disposed  persons  make  it 
a  common  practice  to  go  about  the  streets  at  the  dead  time 

of  the  night,  breaking  and  destroying  the  glass  windows,"  a  re- 
ward is  offered  for  their  discovery  and  conviction.  This  is  an 
instance  of  the  low  state  of  civilization  at  that  period.  The  rowdies 
of  the  present  day  would  not  be  satisfied  widi  merely  breaking 
windows. 

March  3d. — Resolved,  that  the  common  council  do  meet  at  the 
City  Hall  at  9  in  the  forenoon  of  the  first  Friday  of  every  month. 

April  6th. — Ordered,  that  the  treasurer  forthwith  purchase  18 
rush-bottom  chairs,  and  an  oval  table,  for  the  use  of  this  corpo- 
ration. 

June  1st. — The  widow  of  Andreas  Donn,  deceased,  is  continued 
scavenger  of  the  Broad  street  for  one  year,  at  .£11  the  year. 

November  30th. — A  law  appointing  a  place  for  the  more  conve- 
nient hiring;  of  slaves.  "  All  neojro  and  Indian  slaves  that  are  let 
out  to  hire  within  this  city  do  take  up  their  standing  in  order  to  be 
hired  at  the  market-house  at  the  Wall  street  slip,  until  such  time  as 
they  are  hired."  This  was  the  custom  at  Norfolk,  Virginia,  in 
1820,  and  is  so  probably  still,  as  in  all  towns  where  slavery  is 
practised. 

1712  November  22d. — Huybert  Vandenberg,  carman,  in  con- 
sideration of  bodily  infirmities,  is  permitted  to  ride  on  his 

cart  in  the  street,  provided  he  at  no  time  ride  faster  than  a  foot 
pace. 

1713  February  3d. — Ordered,   that  Francis   Harrison,  Esq. 
sheriff,  be  paid  £36  lOd.  disburst  by  him  "  for  iron  work 

gibbets,  cartage,  and  labours,  firewood,  and  other  materials  and 
expenses  for  the  execution  of  several  negro  slaves  for  murders  by 
them  committed  in  April  last."  This  relates  to  what  is  called  a 
negro-plot,  at  that  time. 

October  24th. — Richard  Cooper  is  appointed  publick  whipper 
of  the  city,  with  a  salary  of  £6. 

November  3d. — Preparations  for  celebrating  the  anniversary  of 
the  gunpowder-plot  by  a  bonfire  and  seven  gallons  of  wine  at  the 
expense  of  the  common  council ;  and  for  the  Queen's  birth-day 
another  bonfire,  and  five  gallons. 

1714  October   6th. — The   governour   notifies   the    death   of 
Queen  Anne,  and  that  he  shall  proclaim  Prince  George 

King  of  Great  Britain.  The  common  council  ordered  seven  or 
eight  cords  of  wood  for  a  bonfire,  and  twenty  gallons  of  wine.  The 
inhabitants  are  ordered  to  illuminate  their  houses,  and  a  glazier  is 
employed  to  mend  the  windows  of  the  City  Hall. 


CLVIII  APPENDIX. 

1715  April  7th. — x\  bonfire  aind  seven  gallons  of  wine  ordered 
by  the  common  council  of  New  York,  it  being  the  day  ap- 
pointed by  the  governour  for  thanksgiving  on  his  majesty's  happy 
accession. 

October  7th. — No  freeman  to  be  obhged  to  serve  twice  as  con- 
stable. Resolved,  that  this  corporation  will  pay  £'3  to  the  minister 
that  shall  preach  to  this  corporation  on  the  14th  inst.,  being  the  an- 
niversary of  swearing  in  the  corporation.  They  used  to  give  Mr. 
Vesey  <£5.     The  mayor  is  to  speak  to  a  minister  accordingly. 

December  20th. — An  association  read  and  snbscribed  by  the 
common  council,  declaring  the  right  of  George  I.  alone  to  the 
throne,  and  promising  to  defend  his  right,  against  the  pretender. 
Mr.  Stephen  Delancey,  having  been  paid  the  sum  of  ^'50,  as  a  re- 
presentative ot  the  city  in  the  general  assembly,  presents  the  same 
to  the  corporation. 

1716  February  23d. — Mr.  Delancey  having  advised  that  said 
.£50  be  laid  out  for  a  clock  for  the  city ;  therefore,  it  was 

ordered  accordingly. 

June  2d. — Inquiry  to  be  made,  w^hether  INIr.  Coddrington 
did  offer  to  serve  as  assemblyman  gratis. 

July  27th.  A  law  for  regulating  mid-wives  wdthin  the  city  of 
New  York.  No  woman  is  to  exercise  this  ofnce,  before  taking  an 
oath  before  the  mayor  and  common  council,  to  be  diligent  for  poor 
and  rich,  and  not  leave  the  poor  woman  to  go  to  the  rich.  Neither 
to  cause  nor  suffer  any  woman  to  name  or  put  any  other  father  to 
the  child,  but  only  him  which  is  the  very  true  father  of  it  indeed, 
according  to  the  utmost  of  her  power.  Not  to  suffer  any  woman 
to  pretend,  feign,  or  surmize  herself  to  be  delivered  of  a  child,  who 
is  not  indeed  ;  neither  to  claim  any  other  woman's  child  for  her 
own.  Not  to  suffer  any  w^oman's  child  to  be  mutilated,  maimed, 
or  otherwise  hurt,  "  as  much  as"  she  "  may."  And  in  case  of 
danger  to  woman  or  child,  to  send  for  other  mid-wives,  and  advise, 
counsel  and  assist  therein.  Not  to  administer  any  herb,  medicine,  or 
potion,  to  produce  miscarriage.  Not  to  "  enforce  any  woman, 
being  with  child,  by  any  pain,  or  by  any  ungodly  ways,"  to  pay 
more  for  her  service  than  she  otherwise  would.  Not  to  agree,  or 
assist  in  bringing  a  child  secretly  into  the  world  "but  in  the  pre- 
sence of  two  or  three  witnesses."  Not  to  speak  of  the  secrets  of 
her  office  before  any  man,  unless  upon  urgent  occasion.  Not  to 
conceal  any  breach  of  these  articles,  but  to  inform  the  mayor,  etc. 
To  conduct  honestly  and  with  propriety  in  her  office,  and  not  per- 
form it  by  deputy.  Not  to  hinder  any  woman  in  labour  from  other 
advice  of  mid-wives.  Not  to  conceal  the  birth  of  any  bastard  child, 
but  to  reveal  the  same  to  the  common  council. 

August  4th. — "  Ordered,  that  Susannah  Wood  have  a  license 
to  retail  liquors,  gratis,  being  an  object  of  charity." 


MISCJ2LLANE0US  MATTER.  CLIX 

1717  October  14th.     Ordered,  that  there  be  a  bonfire  and  wine 
"  on  Sunday  next  at  night,"  being  the  anniversary  of  the 

coronation. 

December  21st. — The  common  council  pay  .£5  17s.  3d.  "  for 
expenses  of  this  corporation"  at  Parmelie's  house,  on  the  anniver- 
sary of  the  coronation. 

1718  April  16th. — Gilbert   Livingston,    Thomas    Grant,  Pa- 
trick Macknight,  and  John  Nicolls,  in  behalf  of  themselves 

and  the  congregation  of  dissenting  protestants,  called  Presbyteriam, 
represent,  that  they  have  bought  a  piece  of  ground,  contiguous  to  the 
City  Hall,  or  near  thereunto,  with  intent,  speedily,  to  erect  a  meet- 
ing-house for  publick  worship,  and  they  pray  for  the  use  of  the  City 
Hall  for  the  same  purpose,  until  their  meeting-house  is  finished. 
Granted  :  but  not  to  interfere  with  courts. 

1719  April  2d. — Alderman  Blagge  appointed  pound  keeper 
in  New  York,  as  Alderman  D'Reimer  had  been. 

October  14.     Moses  Levy,  merchant,  refusing  as  constable  of  the 
South  ward,  paid  his  fine   of  =£15.     Joseph  Latham,  likewise  re- 
fused for  the  Eastward,  and  is  fined  £15.     The  common  coun- 
cil's   expenses  on  the   anniversary  of  the  king's  coronation,  were 
£5  lis.  lOJd. 

1722  February  2d. — Mr.  Nicholas  Eyre  on  proving  that  he  is 
an  anabaptist  preacher,  is  excused  from  serving  as  con- 
stable. 

20th. — A  law  passed  by  the  common  council  of  New  York, 
"  restraining  slaves,  negroes,  and  Indians  from  gaming  with  mo- 
neys." If  found  gaming  with  any  sort  of  money,  "  copper  pennies, 
copper  halfpence,  or  copper  farthings,"  they  shall  be  publickly 
whipped  at  the  publick  whipping-post  of  this  city,  at  the  discretion 
of  the  mayor,  recorder,  and  aldermen,  or  any  one  of  them,  unless 
the  owner  pay  to  the  church-wardens  for  the  poor,  3s. 

1723  July  25th — The  common  council,  in  consideration  of  the 
services  done  by  Captain  Peter  Solgard,  of  his  majesty's  ship 

Greyhound,  in  seeking  and  engaging  two  pyrate  sloops,  commanded 
by  one  Low,  "  a  notorious  and  inhumane  pyrate,"  one'of  which  sloops 
he  took,  after  a  desperate  resistance,  and  very  much  shattered  the 
other,  who,  by  the  favour  of  the  night,  escaped — twenty-six  of  which 
py rates  were  lately  executed  at  Rhode  Island — therefore,  ordered 
that  the  freedom  of  the  city,  in  a  gold  box,  be  presented  to  him — 
the  arms  of  this  corporation  to  be  engraved  on  one  side  thereof,  and  a 
representation  of  the  engagement  on  the  other,  with  this  motto : 
"  Quaesitos  Humani  Generis  Hostes  debellare  superbum,  10th 
Junii,  1723."  Charles  Le  Roux,  goldsmith,  is  paid  the  6th  of  Au- 
gust, £23  19s.,  for  the  above  box  and  engraving  the  same.  [This 
Charles  Le  Roux,  appears  at  this  time,  as  an  artist  in  New  York.] 
The  corporation   waited   upon  Captain  Peter  Solgard,  and  pre- 


CLX  APPENDIX. 

sented  said  box,  which   he   "  accepted  with  great  satisfaction,  and 
invited  the  corporation  to  a  collation  to-morrow  night." 

1725  William  Bradford,   published  a  paper  weekly  in  New 
York  :  it  was  called  the  New  York  Gazette,  and  advertised 

to  be  sold  by  Richard  Nicolls,   post-master.     This  was  the  first 
newspaper   published  in    this    city.*     It  is  to  be  observed,   that 
before  New  York  had  one  newspaper,  Boston  had  three.  ' 

1726  September  27th. — Governour  Burnett  met  the  assembly. 
Their  number  twenty-five.    Four  from  the  city  and  county 

of  New  York.     Adolph  Phillipse,  speaker. 

The  papers  are  replete  with  advertisements  of  runaway 
slaves  and  servants.  The  latter  appellation  was  applied  to  whites, 
either  sold  as  convicts,  (these  principally  were  sent  to  Mary- 
land,) or  sold  by  agreement  with  the  captains  or  owners  of  vessels, 
for  a  limited  time,  as  a  remuneration  for  their  passage.  One  Hays, 
of  Perth  Amboy,  advertises  a  runaway  servant  man,  white,  "  a  bar- 
ber by  trade." 

The  coast  of  North  America  and  the  West  India  Islands,  were 
vexed  by  piracies  at  this  time,  June  26th.  A  sloop  of  New  Lon- 
don was  taken,  plundered,  and  released,  by  a  "  pyrat  Snow,"  Wil- 
liam Fly  commander,  carrying  six  guns  and  twenty-three  men. 
Pirates  of  the  names  of  Low  and  Sprigs,  were  on  the  coast.  The 
vessel  of  Sprigs  was  soon  after  taken  by  the  Diamond  ship  of  war, 
but  he  escaped  by  jumping  overboard  and  swimming  ashore.  The 
Diamond  hkewise  captured  the  vessel  of  Coupar,  a  pirate,  but 
the  captain  and  crew  escaped  to  the  shore.  Another  pirate  of  the 
name  of  Shipton,  fell  in  with  the  Diamond,  and  was  taken  with  a 
crew  of  eighty  men,  and  carried  into  an  island  of  the  West  Indies. 

At  Boston,  about  this  time,  arrived  a  Snow,  commanded  by 
William  Atkinson,  who,  having  been  a  passenger  in  a  sloop  from 
North  Carolina,  was  captured  during  her  voyage  to  Boston  by  Fly 
the  pirate,  who  detained  him,  and  forced  him  (as  he  understood 
navigation,  which  Fly  did  not,)  to  navigate  his  Snow  :  but  Atkin- 
son found  an  opportunity,  with  the  assistance  of  three  others,  con- 
strained men,  to  rise  on  the  pirates,  secure  them,  and  bring  them 
into  Boston  harbour.  This  pirate  had  been  boatswain  on  board 
the  Elizabeth,  of  Bristol,  Green  commander,  and  had,  with  four 
others,  mutinied,  murdered  the  captain  and  mate,  and  proceeded  on 
a  cruize,  as  a  pirate.  Fly,  and  his  four  guilty  mates,  were  tried 
and  sentenced  to  death,  the  ])rincipal  to  be  hung  in  chains,  July 
10th.  In  October,  five  more  pirates  were  executed  in  Boston 
harbour. 

1727  At  this  time,  large  quantities   of  counterfeit  bills  were 


*  Thomas's  history  of  printing. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXI 

manufactured  in  Dublin,  in  imitation  of  the  New  York  and  New 
Jersey  money,  and  they  were  brought  over  sea  by  emissaries 
employed  for  the  purpose.  Some  of  these  were  apprehended 
while  passing  these  bills,  and  the  plot  confessed  by  them. 

In  this  year  C.  Golden  wrote  the  first  part  of  his  history  of  the 
Five  Nations,  "  on  occasion  of  a  dispute  between  the  government 
of  New  York  and  some  merchants."  This  was  Governour  Bur- 
net's project  of  bringing  the  fur  trade  to  Oswego,  which  opposed 
the  views  of  English  merchants,  and  their  correspondents  in  Al- 
bany, who  supplied  the  French  with  goods  for  the  Indian  trade 
from  Montreal.  Burnet's  views  were  correct:  he  interdicted  this 
trade  with  the  French,  and  partly  succeeded  in  drawing  the  Indians 
to  Oswes^o  from  the  West.  Burnet  communicated  to  Golden  the 
"  Register  of  Indian  affairs,"  and  Golden,  then  one  of  the  king's 
council,  wrote  and  sent  this  first  part  to  England,  where  it  was 

published. 
1728  May  7th — "  The  ship  Happy  Return  is  lately  arrived  at  the 

city  of  New  York  from  Dublin,  with  men  and  women  ser- 
vants ;  many  of  the  men  are  tradesmen,  as  blacksmiths,  carpenters, 
weavers,  taylors,cordwainers,  and  other  trades,  which  servants  are  to 
be  seen  on  board  said  vessel,  lying  over  against  Mr.  Read's  wharf, 
"observe,  not  at  the  wharf;  and  to  be  disposed  of  by  John  and 
Joseph  Read,  on  reasonable  terms."* 

Another  cargo  of  the  same,  in  the  ship  George  and  John,  is 
likewise  advertised  to  be  sold,  and  wheat  or  flour  taken  in  pay- 
ment, by  "  Mr.  John  Dunks,  at  the  sign  of  the  Jamaica  Pilot  on 
the  Dock." 

August  9th. — The  general  assembly  of  New  York,  among  other 
grants  to  the  king's  government,  give  "  For  every  negro,  and  other 
slave  of  four  years  old  and  upwards,  imported  direcdy  from  Africa, 
the  sum  of  forty  shillings  current  money  of  this  colony.  The  salary 
of  the  governour  to  be  ^1,560  a  year.  For  the  governour's  voy- 
age to  Albany,  .£150  a  year.  Salary  of  the  chief-justice,  £250  a 
year.  The  secretary,  <£30.  Glerk  of  council,  £30.  To  a 
searcher  of  the  colony  duties,  £40.  Land  tyde  waiter,  £30.  A 
guager,  £30.  Door-keeper  of  the  council,  £20.  Glerk  of  the 
general  assembly,  12s.  a  day.     Door-keeper,  5s. 

14th. — Josiah  Millikin,  of  Musketo  Gove,  perriwig  maker,  de- 
nies the  report  that  he  was  the  informer  who  caused  the  seizure  of 
certain  wines  and  brandies  in  the  cellar  of  Gaptain  Walton,  and 
swears  to  it. 

October  16th. — The  common  council  compliment  Gaptain  Govel 
Mayno,  of  his  majesty's  ship  Biddeford,   with  the  freedom  of  the 


Bradford's  N.  Y.  Gazette. 
U 


CLXII  APPENDIX. 

city  in  a  silver  box,  for  his  servitee   in  chasing   from  the  coast  a 
Spanish  privateer  that  had   landed  men  on  Gardner's  Island,  and 
committed  great  depredations  on  the  inhabitants.     Cost  to  Mr.  Le- 
roux  for  the  box,  £1  2s.  9d. 

1729  June  27th. — The  mayor  notifies  the  common  council 
that  the  speaker  of  the  house  of  assembly,  at  the  request  of 

the  governour,  informed  the  house  that  Mr.  David  Humphreys*, 
secretary  to  the  society  for  the  propagation  of  the  gospel  in  foreign 
parts,  by  letter  dated  in  London  the  23d  of  September  last,  informed 
the  governour  that  a  large  and  valuable  library  of  books,  consisting  of 
about  one  thousand  volumes,  had  been  bequeathed  to  them  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Milligen ;  and  it  was  desired  to  deposit  them  in  New 
York,  with  liberty  for  the  gentlemen  of  Pennsylvania  and  Connec- 
ticut to  borrow  them.  Ordered,  to  consider  of  a  proper  place  for 
such  a  library.  Resolved,  to  provide  a  large  room  for  the  recep- 
tion of  these  books. 

1730  March  3d. — Hooks  and  ladders  ordered,  for  the  preven- 
tion of  fires. 

23d. — The  corporation  resolved  to  make  application  to  his  ma- 
jesty for  confirmation  of  their  charter. 

In  the  petition  for  renewal  of  the  charter,  the  council  likewise  ask 
the  bounds  of  the  city  to  be  extended  to  four  hundred  feet  below 
low  water  mark  on  Hudson's  River;  the  sole  right  of  appointing 
ferrys  round  the  island  ;  the  grant  of  all  docks  and  slips.  That 
the  mayor  and  council  appoint  all  the  officers  of  the  city,  as  ser- 
geants-at-mace,  marshals,  gaolers,  surveyors,  measurers,  porters, 
etc.  ;  the  power  to  hold  a  court  of  common  pleas  every  Tuesday; 
to  have  power  to  build  a  house  of  correction  and  other  publick 
buildings  ;  to  have  a  patent  (in  confirmation)  of  the  ferry  and 
grounds  on  Nassau  Island. 

April  6th. — The  governour  says  he  will  refer  the  petition  to  the 
council. 

22d. — The  library  from  the  society  for  propagating  the  gospel, 
etc.  arrives,  being  1,642  volumes,  to  be  placed  in  the  City  Hall 
until  a  place  be  made  to  receive  them. 

June  2d. — The  books  are  put  in  the  "  assembly  room,  of  which 
Alderman  Phillipse  has  the  key." 

About  this  period,  the  anniversary  sermon  on  swearing  in  the 
new  mayor  and  council,  for  which  Mr.  Vesey  used  to  receive  £5^ 
appears  to  be  discontinued. 

An  act  passed  the  assembly  "  to  prevent  poor  and  impotent  per- 
sons being  imported  into  this  province." 

Bradford's  paper  was  one  half  sheet  (or  two  pages,)  and  printed 
once  a  week.  Afterwards  during  this  year,  Bradford  increased  his 
paper  to  four  pages.  The  news  is  all  European,  except  custom- 
house entries. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXIII 

In  October,  the  assembly  of  New  York  passes  an  act  "  for  the 
more  effectual  preventing  and  punishing  the  conspiracy  and  insur- 
rection of  negro  and  other  slaves." 

December  6th. — Notice  is  given  that  the  Boston  and  Philadel- 
phia posts  will  set  out  to-morrow  to  perform  the  stages  once  a 
fortnight  during  the  three  winter  months. 

"  Whoever  inclines  to  perform  the  foot-post  to  Albany  this  win- 
ter, may  apply  to  Richard  Nichols,  post-master  in  New  York,  and 

agree  for  the  same." 
1731  April  22d. — A  law  for  regulating  negroes  and  slaves  in 

the  night  time.  No  negro,  mulatto,  or  Indian  slave,  above 
the  age  of  fourteen,  shall  presume  to  appear  in  any  of  the  streets, 
or  in  any  other  place  of  this  city  on  the  south  side  of  the  Fresh 
Water,  in  the  night  time,  above  an  hour  after  sun-set,  without  a 
lanthorn  and  candle  in  it  (unless  in  company  with  his  owner  or 
some  white  belonging  to  the  family.)  Penalty,  the  watch-house 
that  night ;  next  day  prison,  until  the  owner  pay  4s.,  and  before 
discharge,  the  slave  to  be  whipped  not  exceeding  forty  lashes. 

A  law  to  prevent  strangers  becoming  a  charge.  Constables  to 
inquire  after  inmates  of  all  houses ;  and  fined  for  not  doing  so ; 
and  housekeepers  fined  for  not  reporting  strangers. 

May  6th. — Two  compleat  fire-engines  ordered.  These  are  the 
first  noticed,  and  I  presume  the  first  ordered  for  New  York.  Some 
merchant  to  be  employed  to  send  to  London  for  them. 

June  12th. — Stephen  Delancey  and  John  Moore,  merchants, 
undertake  to  purchase  the  fire-engines,  and  deliver  them  to  the 
council,  at  the  rate  of  120  per  cent,  advance  on  the  foot  of  the  in- 
voice (exclusive  of  commissions  and  insurance,)  the  money  to  be 
paid  within  nine  months  from  delivery. 

A  report  prevailing  in  the  country  that  the  small-pox  prevails  in 
New  York,  the  common  council  say  there  are  but  two  persons  in 
the  city  having  the  disease. 

November  18th. — If  more  than  three  negro,  mulatto,  or  Indian 
slaves  assemble  on  Sunday  and  play  or  make  noise,  (or  at  any  other 
time  at  any  place  from  their  master's  service,)  they  are  to  be  pub- 
lickly  whipped  fifteen  lashes  at  the  publick  whipping-post. 

November  29th. — "Buried  in  this  city  last  week,  viz  :  Church  of 
England,  2  ;  Dutch  church,  1  ;  French  church,  1 ;  and  blacks,  1. 
In  all  this  week,  5." 

In  the  month  of  August,  the  small-pox  began  to  spread,  and 
from  the  23d  of  August  to  the  15th  of  November,  478  whites  and 
71  blacks  died.  On  the  15th  of  November,  the  burials  were  10. 
Thus,  in  two  months  and  three  weeks  the  burials  were  549,  viz : 
Church  of  England,  229;  Dutch  church,  212;  French  church, 
16;  Lutheran  church,  1;  Presbyterian,  16;  Quakers,  2;  Bap- 
tists, 1 ;  Jews,  2.     This  may  show  the  relative  number  of  each 


CLXIV  APPENDIX. 

sect  in  some  measure.  During  this  prevalence  of  small-pox,  there 
died  in  one  week  of  October,  70  ^Vhites,  60  of  them  of  small-pox, 
and  9  blacks,  eight  of  them  of  small-pox. 

December  1st. — A  room  ordered  to  be  fitted  up  in  the  City  Hall 
to  secure  the  fire-engines. 

Mr.  Silas  Wood  states  the  population  of  the  province  in  this 
year  to  be  50,291,  and  that  of  Long  Island  alone  as  17,820,  being 
oue  third.  The  city  of  New  York  contained  8,628.  Of  the  above 
population,  7,231  were  slaves. 

An  alderman  and  assistant  were  appointed  to  have  the  fire- 
engines  cleaned  "  and  the  leathers  oyled"  and  put  into  boxes  to 
be  ready  for  immediate  use. 

1734  Zenger's   Weekly  Journal  was  published   for  3s.  per 
quarter  (37  J  cents) — Advertisements  3s.  the  first  week,  and 

Is.  every  week  after. 

The  advertisement  of  Gerardus  Duykinck  runs  thus  :  "Lookin- 
glasses  new  silvered,  and  the  frames  plaine  japaned  ;  also,  all  sorts 
of  picktures  made  and  sold,  and  all  manner  of  painting  work  done. 
Also,  lookin-glasses,  and  all  sorts  of  painters'  coulers  and  oyl,  sold 
at  reasonable  rates,  by  Gerardus  Duykinck,  at  the  sign  of  the  two 
Cupids,  near  the  Old  SHp  Market;  where  you  may  have  ready 
mony  for  old  lookin-glasses." 

The  fortifications  that  the  French  were  erecting  at  Louisburg, 

excited  the  attention  and  jealousy  of  the  people  of  New  York,  and 

two  French  vessels  coming  to  New  York  for  provision,  alarmed 

ihem  by  sounding  the  channel  as  they  approached  the  city. 

1735  July  16th. — "  The  first  stone  of  the  platform  of  the  new 
battery  on  White-hall  Rocks,  was  laid  by  his  excellency 

our  governour,  and  it  was  called  George  Agustns's  Royal  Bat- 
tery.^^  As  they  fired  a  salute  on  the  occasion,  a  gun  (an  old  can- 
non) burst,  and  the  pieces  killed  John  Syms,  high  sheriff.  Miss 
Courdandt,  daughter  of  Colonel  Courtlandt  member  of  the  king's 
council,  and  a  son-in  law  of  Alderman  Reimer. 

As  this  battery  was  on  the  White-hall  Rocks,  of  course  on  the 
east  side  of  the  extreme  point,  I  presume  the  Copsey  Battery  on 
the  Copsey  Rock,  was  on  the  point  and  a  litde  west.  Copsey 
is  the  corruption  of  the  Indian  name,  for  the  point  of  the  Island  of 
Manhadoes  or  Manhattan.  They  called  it  Caj)se,  which  pro- 
nounced  by  the  Dutch,  would  in   sound,  to   an   English  ear,  be 

Copsey. 
1786         March. — The  committee  of  the  corporation  on  the  house  of 

correction  and  poor  house,  report,  they  have  chosen  a  keeper 
— and  as  provision  is  made  for  the  poor,  they  recommend  that  all 
beggars  in  the  streets,  be  put  to  hard  labour.  That  parish  children 
be  religiously  educated  and  taught  to  read,  write,  and  cast  accounts, 
and  employed  in  spinning,  knitting,  and  sewing,  to  qualify  them  for 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXV 

being  put  out  apprentices.  That  fetters,  gyves,  shackles,  and  a  con- 
venient place,  or  whipping-post,  be  provided  for  the  incorrigible. 
That  a  o;arden  be  fenced  in  around  the  house  for  the  raisinof  ofrools 
and  herbs  for  the  poor  in  the  house.  That  the  inhabitants  of  the 
city  have  free  licence  to  send  to  the  said  house  all  servants  and  slaves, 
there  to  be  kept  to  hard  labour,  and  punished  according  to  the  di- 
rections of  any  one  justice,  with  the  consent  of  the  master  or  nnis- 
tress.  That  the  master  or  mistress  pay  Is.  entrance,  and  Is.  6d. 
for  whipping,  and  for  discharge  Is.,  and  7d.  per  day,  during  con- 
finement.    Agreed  to. 

The  multiplicity  of  gaming  houses  is  complained  of. 

A  certificate  is  granted,  that  James  Alexander,  has  for  about 
twenty  years  practiced  as  attorney  and  counsel  in  New  York  and 
New  Jersey ;  and  has  been  for  fourteen  or  fifteen  years,  one  of  his 
majesty's  council,  with  good  reputation.  That  he  was  appointed 
attorney-general  and  advocate-general.  And  that  he  was  appoint- 
ed naval-officer  by  Governour  Burnet.  That  he  is  of  good  life, 
and  fair  character,  etc.  And  that  he  is  a  true  friend  to  his  ma- 
jesty's succession,  (the  protestant  succession.)  This  gentleman 
had  sought  refuge  in  the  country,  having  been  connected  with  the 
Scotch  rebellion,  and  when  his  relative,  the  Earl  of  Sterling,  died 
without  male  issue,  was  supposed  to  be  heir  to  llie  title  and  estate, 
but  did  not  apply  in  consequence  of  said  connexion — Now,  did  he 
not  seek  and  obtain  this  certificate  when  intending  so  to  apply  ?  His 
son  apphed  and  assumed  the  title,  and  was  General  Lord  Sterling, 
in  1775. 

July  22d. — Captain  Garratt  Fanhorn  is  thanked  by  the  common 
council  for  serving  as  a  representative  in  the  assembly,  without  re- 
ward or  wages. 

1738  June  28th. — The  mayor  acquaints  the  lieutenant-gover- 
nour   that  the  small-pox  is  feared,  as  it  is  rife  in  South 

Carolina,  and  that  a  purple  or  spotted  fever  began  to  spread  there. 
Ordered,  that  one  of  the  pilots  be  constantly  in  waiting  at  or  near 
Sandy  Hook,  and  board  all  vessels,  and  acquaint  the  masters,  (if 
coming  from  Barbadoes,  Antigua,  or  South  Carolina,)  "  that  it  is 
the  order  of  this  board,  before  they  come  into  harbour,  that  they 
anchor  as  near  as  may  be  to  Bedlow's  Island  ;  and  there  wait  until 
they  are  visited  by  some  of  the  physicians  of  the  city — and  not 
land  goods  or  persons,  or  suffer  persons  to  come  on  board,  until 
report  be  made." 

1739  The  American  colonies  raised  and  sent  3,000  men  to 
assist  the  English  at  Carthagena;  of  these,  many  High- 
landers made  part. 

George  Whitfield  produced  at  this  time  a  salutary  effect  upon 
the  manners  of  the  colonists  by  his  preaching.  The  house  still 
remains  [1837]  in  William  street,  New  York,  in  which  he  instruct- 


CLXVI  APPENDIX. 

ed  his  hearers.  Its  peaked  front  and  roof  marks  its  antiquity, 
although  it  has  been  modernized.  The  street  was  then  called 
"  Horse  and  Cart  street,"  from  a  sign  of  a  horse  and  cart  at  a 
tavern  door,  opposite  the  house  in  which  Whitfield  discoursed, 
he  occupying  the  upper  story,  which  was  then  a  sail  loft. 

1740  The  winter  of  1740—1  was  emphatically   called  "  the 
hard  winter,"    and  perhaps  was  entitled  to  that  distinction 

until  that  of  1779— SO.  The  severity  of  '40—1  continued  '-from 
the  middle  of  November  to  the  latter  end  of  March."  Snow,  six 
feet  on  a  level.     The  Hudson  frozen  at  the  city  of  New  York. 

August  26th. — A  law  to  prohibit  negroes  and  other  slaves  vend- 
ing Indian  corn,  peaches,  or  any  other  fruit  within  this  city. 
"  Whereas,  of  late  years,  great  numbers  of  negroes,  Indians,  and 
mulatto  slaves  have  made  it  a  common  practice  of  buying,  selling, 
and  exposing  to  sale,  not  only  in  houses  and  yards  but  likewise 
in  the  publick  streets,  great  quantities  of  boiled  Indian  corn,  pears, 
peaches,  apples,  and  other  kinds  of  fruit,  which  pernicious  practice 
is  not  only  detrimental  to  the  masters,  mistresses,  and  owners,  as 
the  slaves  absent  themselves  from  service,  but  productive  of  fevers 
and  other  disorders  among  the  inhabhants  ;  therefore  ordained,  that 
any  negro,"  etc.,  (those  coming  to  market  from  the  country  or  the 
Out  ward  of  the  city  only  excepted)  after  the  23d  of  August  that 
shall  be  convicted  before  the  mayor  or  aldermen  of  the  above  prac- 
tice, shall  be  pubhckly  whipped  at  the  whipping-post,  at  the  dis- 
cretion of  said  mayor,  aldermen,  etc.,  unless  the  master  pay  six 
shillings." 

In  this  year  Golden  says,  J.  A.,  which  I  presume  to  be  James 
Alexander,  wrote  to  a  M.  P.,  in  London,  from  New  York,  that 
Governour  Burnet's  measures  respecting  the  Indian  (or  fur)  trade 
were  successful.  That  he  "chiefly  with  his  money,  credit,  and 
risque,  erected  a  trading  house  and  fortification  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Onondagues  river,  called  Oswego,  where  the  province  of  New  York 
supports  a  garrison  of  soldiers,  consisting  of  a  lieutenant  and  twenty 
men,  yearly  relieved."  He  says,  the  Indian  trade  is  now  divided 
into  one  hundred  hands,  whereas  before  Burnet's  scheme  it  was 
monopolized  by  a  very  few  merchants  trading  to  Montreal  from 
New  York  and  Albany,  rich,  and  at  their  ease ;  the  others,  young 
men  who  carried  the  goods  to  Oswego,  or  further ;  and  our  settle- 
ments are  extending  even  to  the  branches  of  the  Susquehannah — 
from  whence  to  the  Alleghany,  a  branch  of  the  Mississippi. 

1741  Even  as  early  as  this  year,  as  if  conscious  that  their 
mode  of  ruling  the  colonies  was  unjust  and  onerous,   the 

governours  of  Great  Britain  intimated,  through  Clarke,  their 
jealousies  of  an  intention  to  become  independent.  Clarke,  in  a 
message  to  the  assembly,  says  that  "  a  jealousy  for  some  years  has 
obtained  in  England,  that  the  plantations  are  not  without  thoughts 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXVII 

of  throwing  oiF  their  dependance  on  the  crown  of  England."  The 
assembly  assured  the  governour  that  they  could  v^ouch  that  no  such 
wish  was  entertained  ;  but  this  jealousy  no  doubt  caused  the  wish 
to  spring  up,  and  like  many  prophetick  sayings,  tended  to  bring 
about  the  accomplishment  of  the  predicting  fear.  England  was 
ever  jealous  of  the  settlers  of  the  iVmerican  continent.  They  were 
called  his  majesty's  plantations  for  along  time — then  our  colonies  ; 
ever  considered  as  a  kind  of  property  belonging  to  England;  but 
being  live  stock,  it  was  property  that  might  escape. 

October  7th. — Common  council  at  the  house  of  Charles  Leis- 
hare.  The  general  assembly  request  the  common  council  to  con- 
sider of  a  bill  for  the  due  regulation  and  government  of  negroes, 
and  the  orderly  keeping  of  a  sufficient  night-watch.  They  resolve, 
to  raise  .£500  on  the  inhabitants,  to  pay  for  twelve  able  watchmen  : 
to  oblige  masters  of  vessels  to  give  security  for  strangers  and  ser- 
vants brought  by  them,  that  they  shall  not  become  chargeable  :  for 
the  punishment  of  mothers  and  reputed  fathers  of  bastard  children, 

by  fine  of  .£10  or  corporal  punishment. 
1742  March  6th. — Ordered,  that  the  indentures  of  Mary  Bur- 
ton be  delivered  up  to  her,  and  that  she  be  discharged  from 
the  remainder  of  her  sevitude,  and  £3  paid  her,  to  provide  ne- 
cessary clothing.  The  common  council  had  purchased  her 
indentures  from  her  master,  and  had  kept  her  and  them,  until  this 
uine.* 

22d. — A  law  to  restrain  negroes  from  going  to  fetch  water  on 
a  Sunday,  other  than  to  the  next  well  or  pump  to  the  place  of  their 
abode,  and  from  riding  horses  through  the  streets  or  out  of  town 
on  a  Sunday.  The  offender  to  be  whipt  at  the  publick  whipping- 
post, at  the  discretion  of  one  justice  of  the  peace,  unless  the  owner 
pay  3s. 

April  Sth. — The  mayor  acquainted  the  common  council,  that 
Mary  Burton  applied  to  him  in  the  presence  of  two  witnesses  for 
the  payment  of  £100  ;  as  being  the  person  that  made  the  first  dis- 
covery of  the  persons  formerly  concerned  in  setting  fire  to  some 
houses  :  to  which  sum,  she  pretended  to  be  entitled,  by  virtue  of 
the  request  of  this  board,  to  the  lieutenant-governour,  and  his  pro- 
clamation of  the  17th  of  April,  1741.  Whereupon,  ordered,  that 
if  any  person  will  appear  before  this  board,  and  make  it  appear  to 
the  satisfaction  thereof,  that  such  person  is  entitled  to  either  of  the 
rewards  mentioned  in  the  request  and  proclamation,  that  they  will 

pay- 
August  26th. — Ordered,  that  every  Sunday  morning,  from  day- 
light to  the  setting  of  the  military  guard,  and  from  five  o'clock  in 


See  Vol.  l.Ch.  21. 


CLXVIII  APPENDIX. 

the  afternoon,  or  at  the  discharge  of  the  miHtary  guard  to  the  evening 
of  the  same  day,  the  following  nbethod  be  pursued,  to  prevent 
the  scandalous  and  unchristian  irregularities,  lately  so  much  prac- 
tised by  negroes,  children,  and  others,  on  the  sabbath-day,  viz.  : 
that  one  alderman,  one  petty  constable,  and  four  fire-men,  do  walk 
the  streets,  lanes,  wharves,  and  alleys,  during  the  time  aforesaid. 
The  officers  taking  turns,  beginning  w'ith  the  senior  alderman. 

September  2d.  George  Joseph  Moore,  deputy  secretary  of 
the  province,  shows  the  board,  that  he  is  appointed  by  the  court  of 
chancery,  guardian  to  Mary  Burton.  Whereupon  are  paid  for  her 
use  <£S1,  making  with  ,£19  paid  for  her  freedom  and  necessaries, 
the  whole  <£100,  the  reward  offered  to  any  white  person,  that  should 
discover  any  person  or  persons,  concerned  in  setting  fire,  etc. 

October  14th. — A  committee  is  appointed  to  wait  on  the  chief 
justice,  and  desire  his  opinion,  whether  any  law  exempts  the  peo- 
ple called  Quakers,  from  serving  as  constables  in  this  city. 

22d. — The  common  council  petition  the  general  assembly,  pray- 
ing, that  the  negroes  executed  for  the  late  conspiracy,  be  paid  for 

out  of  the  revenue. 
1743  February  25th. — Robert  Browne  having  been  elected 
as  constable  for  Montgomerie  ward,  objected  to  his  Qua- 
kerism :  whereupon,  agreed,  that  he  desire  the  opinion  of  the 
chief  justice,  whether  or  not,  he  was,  or  is  compellable.  The  com- 
mittee, who  had  been  appointed  on  this  question,  report,  that  the 
chief  justice  declared  his  opinion,  that  no  Quaker  is  compellable, 
it  being  an  office  of  trust. 

July  25th. — "  Saturday  last,  the  men  belonging  to  the  Castor  and 
Pollux  privateer,  having  found  that  a  person  who  had  entered  on 
board  their  vessel  two  or  three  days  before,  in  order  to  go  the 
cruise,  was  a  woman  ;  they  seized  upon  the  unhappy  wretch,  and 
ducked  her  three  times  from  the  yard  arm  ;  afterwards,  they  made 
their  negroes  tar  her  all  over  from  head  to  foot,  by  which  cruel 
treatment,  and  the  rope  that  let  her  into  the  water  having  been  indis- 
creetly fastened,  the  poor  woman  was  very  much  hurt,  and  con- 
tinues now  ill."  I  read  of  no  punishment  inflicted  on  these  naval 
heroes. 

September. — An  address  to  Governour  George  Clinton,  and  the 
freedom  of  the  city  in  a  gold  box.  The  box  to  cost  £20  and  Le 
Roux  to  make  it. 

This  Admiral  George  Clinton  is  described  by  the  historian 
Smith,  as  easy  in  his  temper,  but  incapable  of  business.  He  im- 
mured himself  in  the  fort  when  in  town,  and  when  at  his  house  in 
Flushing,  amused  himself  wdth  his  bottle  and  a  circle  of  dependants, 
who  flattered  him  and  played  billiards  with  his  lady,  who  governed 
him  and  prompted  the  schemes  for  making  money  out  of  the  people. 
If  he  was  not  one  of  those  described  in  after  times  by  Col.  Barre, 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXIX 

when  he  said  publickly  in  parhamentary  debate,  '  that  to  his  cer- 
tain knowledge  some  were  promoted  to  the  highest  seats  of  honour 
in  America,  who  were  glad  to  fly  to  a  foreign  country  to  escape  be- 
ing brought  to  the  bar  of  justice  in  their  own,'  he  was  at  least  one 
who,  among  many  others,  embittered  the  minds  of  Americans  to- 
wards their  fellow-subjects  in  Great  Britain,  and  prepared  them,  as 
good  sometimes  springs  from  evil,  to  first  appreciate  duly,  and  then 
resolve  to  attain,  the  blessings  of  self-government.  He  ruled  ten 
years,  and  departed  amidst  the  hootings  of  the  people. 

In  this  year,  Cadwallader  Golden  sent  to  Linnaeus  a  catalogue 
of  the  plants  growing  in  Ulster  county.  New  York. 
1744  January  2d. — It  is  announced  that  there  is  just  published 
"  The  American  Magazine  and  Historical  Chronicle,  for 
October,  1743  : — to  be  continued  ;  price,  3s.  6d.  per  quarter. — 
N.  B.  Those  gentlemen  who  have  subscribed  for  this  Magazine, 
are  desired  to  send  for  it."  It  was  published  by  James  Parker, 
who  printed  and  issued  the  Postboy ;  the  first  year  of  which  jour- 
nal was  completed  January  16th. 

The  mode  of  cleaning  the  streets  of  New  York  at  this  time,  as 
ordered  by  law,  was,  that  all  householders,  etc.  residing  "  within 
the  six  w^ards,  south  of  the  Fresh  water,  should  every  Friday  rake 
and  sweep  together  all  the  dirt,  filth,  and  soil,  lying  in  the  streets 
before  their  respective  dwelling-houses,  upon  heaps,  and  before 
Saturday  evening  cause  the  same  to  be  carried  away,  and  thrown 
into  the  river,  or  some  convenient  place,"  under  penalty  of  6s.  for 
each  off'ence  or  neglect. 

April  16th. — Appears  an  advertisement,  saying  "  A  Journal  of 
the  proceedings  against  the  conspirators  at  New  York"  would  be 
published  shortly.  This  was  the  book  of  the  Negro  Plot  of  1741 
and  '2,  by  Horsemanden. 

Advertisements  of  this  date  are  mostly  of  privateers  fitted  out 
and  preparing  for  a  cruize,  and  the  news  is  of  captures  and  arrivals. 
Murders  and  accidents  form  materials  for  the  editorsjof  news- 
papers then,  as  now,  and  bear  a  just  proportion  to  the  population. 
We  are  told  that  a  man  is  found  murdered  at  his  own  door ;  but 
on  examination  there  is  sufficient  reason  to  believe  that  he  made 
himself  drunk  and  fell  out  of  the  window.  This  is,  as  it  might  be, 
now ;  but  when  we  are  told  that  "  a  lame  woman  having  some  words 
with  a  soldier,  he  drew  his  sword  and  cut  her  miserably  down 
the  back,"    we  are    reconciled    to   our   fortune    in   not  living  in 

the  "good  old  times." 
1745  Guftee,   a  negro,  belonging   to  James  Alexander,  sen- 

tenced to  death  for  breaking  open  his  mistress's  shop,  was 
to  be  executed  on  a  certain  day,  but  the  hangman  dying  the  eve- 
ning before,  he  is  respited   until  the  next   Friday.     Thus  death 

V 


CLXX  APPENDIX. 

saved  CufFee  from  dying,  and  he  w^as  finally  reprieved  and  ordered 
for  transportation  or  exportation ;  i.  e.  to  be  a  slave  elsewhere  and 
rob  another  master. 

The  steeple  of  the  new  Dutch  Church  was  set  on  fire  by  light- 
ning, but  extinguished  by  persons  breaking  through  the  cupola. 

^5,000  were  given  by  New  York  to  the  Cape  Breton  expedi- 
tion, and  .£2,000  by  New  Jersey. 

1746  March  3d. — The  governour  and   council  went  to  the 
assembly-chamber,  at  Greenwich,  and  met  the  members  of 

that  body;  when,  among  several  other  acts  passed,  was  one  for 
raising  money  to  fortify  "  Schenegtada,"  and  one  offering  rewards 
for  such  scalps  and  prisoners  of  the  enemy  as  shall  be  taken  by  the 
inhabitants  of  (or  Indians  in  alliance  with)  this  colony.  The 
small-pox  prevailing  at  Greenwich,  the  assembly  adjourned  to  West 
Chester,  and  then  to  Brooklyn. 

June  9th. — The  governour  embargoes  the  port  of  New  York 
for  one  month.  The  troops  raised  in  New  Jersey  pass  New  York 
in  batteaux  for  Albany. 

October  13th. — Parker,  the  printer  of  the  Postboy,  is  appointed 
keeper  of  the  library  in  the  City  Hall,  with  liberty  "  to  let  or  hire" 
any  of  the  books.  He  announces  that  he  has  a  printed  catalogue, 
and  that  his  terms  are  fourpence-halfpenny  per  week,  for  every 
book  that  shall  be  taken  out,  and  security  for  its  return.  Attend- 
ance every  Tuesday,  at  four  o'clock  P.  M. 

At  this  time,  the  Indians  committed  depredations  around  Al- 
bany, and  as  far  south  as  Kinderhook. 

23d — A  bill  was  ordered  to  be  brought  in  to  raise  <£2,250  by  lot- 
tery, towards  erecting  a  college.  The  assembly  and  the  gover- 
nour disagreed,  and  they  adjourned  "  without  leave."  On  the 
6th  of  November,  the  house,  by  Colonel  Phillips,  Colonel  Morris, 
Colonel  Schuyler,  Mr.  David  Clarkson,  and  Mr.  Henry  Cruger, 
sent  to  the  governour  a  most  undutiful  representation,  in  which  they 
blamed  all  his  measures  in  fact,  and  particularly  his  patronage  of 
one  Roberts,  (whom  he  commissioned  as  colonel,  from  being  an 
ofHcer  of  one  of  the  independent  companies,  but  who  was  connected 
by  marriage  with  Lord  Hallifax)  and  who  had  acted  illegally  with 
respect  to  publick  stores  at  Albany.  Clinton,  in  his  reply,  added 
fuel  to  the  flame,  and  justified  himself  and  his  creatures.  The  house 
resolved  that  his  answer  was  unsatisfactory,  and  said  they  would 
grant  no  more  supplies,  without  assurances  of  redress.  The  gover- 
nour was  alarmed,  and  promised  redress.  He  then  made  requisi- 
tions for  various  purposes ;  and  among  them,  for  "  paying  for 
female  scalps." 

1747  June  3d. — The  common  council  ordered  a  petition  to 
be  prepared  to  the  governour,  to  ease  the  city  from  the 

burthen  of  keeping  a  military  watch,  which  is  read  next  day  ;  by 
which  it  appears  that  the  inhabitants  kept  night  and  day  watches  in 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXXI 

Fort  George.  They  wish  Clinton  to  order  down  one  of  the  inde- 
pendent companies  from  Albany,  or  one  from  the  new  levies  at 
that  place. 

In  June,  the  governour  by  proclamation  prohibits  inoculation 
for  small-pox  in  the  city  of  New  York  and  county,  fearing  that  in 
the  event  of  an  invasion,  the  country  people  would  not  come  to 
the  assistance  of  the  citizens,  from  the  dread  of  taking  the  disease. 

October  2d. — The  common-council  order  an  Essay  on  the  duty 
of  Vestrymen  to  be  printed  at  their  expense  to  encourage  works  of 

this  kind.     Cost,  £4:  for  fifty  copies. 
1748         August  11th. — Compliment  of  the  freedom  of  the  city  of 
New  York  given  to  William  Shirley,  governour  of  Massa- 
chusetts,  for  his  conduct  in  taking  Louisbourg,  and  for  meeting 
Governour  CHnton  at  a  council  of  the  Six  Nations  at  Albany. 

To  show  the  increase  of  the  colonies  from  1720  to  1748,  I  copy 
this  statement  of  the  value  of  imports  from  Great  Britain  to  the 
northern  colonies  in  ten  years,  from  1720  to  '30 ;  and  in  ten  years, 
from  '38  to  '48. 

In  the  first  mentioned  ten:  To  Carohna,  £     394,314 

New  England,  1,747,057 

New  York,  657,998 

Pennsylvania,  321,958 

Virginia  &  Maryland,  1,591,665 


Total,         .£4,712,992 


And  1738  to  '48,  To  Carolina,  .£1,245,091 

New  England,  1,812,894 

New  York,  1,211,243 

Pennsylvania,  704,780 

Virginia  &  Maryland,     2,507,626 

Total,         .£7,481,635 


Here  we  see  that  the  increase  of  New  England  is  only  .£75,837 
While  that  of  New  York,  is  553,245 

The  treaty  of  Aix-la-Chapelle,  in  this  year,  although  it  deprived 
America  of  the  advantage  she  had  obtained  by  conquering  Louis- 
bourg, did  not  secure  her  from  the  inroads  and  encroachments'of 
those  enemies  which  that  conquest  would  have  aided  to  protect  her 
from.  The  French  of  Canada  seized  upon  the  disputed  parts  of 
Nova  Scotia  (left  open  to  them  by  this  surrender,)  they  erected 
forts  on  the  western  lakes  and  on  the  Ohio,  and  committed  hostili- 


CLXXIl  APPENDIX. 

ties  by  European  and  Indian  forced  on  the  frontiers  of  the  colonies'. 
The  colonists,  withheld  by  their  English  governours  (who  looked 
to  St.  James's  for  orders,)  did  not  attack  the  French  in  return  for 
some  time,  and  as  observed  by  historians,  "this  forbearance  laid 
them  under  inexpressible  disadvantages."* 

Another  consequence  of  the  spirit  and  power  which  New  Eng- 
land had  evinced  in  the  conquest  of  Cape  Breton,  was,  that  the. 
ministry  of  Great  Britain  looked  upon  the  colonies  generally  as 
having  attained  that  state  which  rendered  them  fit  subjects  for  taxa- 
tion for  the  benefit  of  the  mother  country,  who  had  sufi:ered  them 
to  grow  to  such  maturity  by  their  own  resources.  Long  before 
this  one  of  the  English  governours  bestowed  on  America,  (Sir 
William  Keith,  in  1739,)  suggested  to  his  employers  "  that  the  du- 
ties of  stamps  upon  parchment  and  paper  in  England  be  extended 
by  act  of  parliament  to  all  the  American  plantations."  This  was 
thought  an  excellent  device  for  evading  the  necessity  of  additional 
taxes  in  England  ;  but  the  minister  of  the  time  rejected  the  scheme. 
The  ministry  of  1748  revived  the  scheme,  and  consulted  their 
tools  in  America  :  but  it  was  thought  impracticable,  and  relin- 
quished for  the  present. 

When  the  Governour  "  embarks"  for  Albany,  a  sloop  is  fitted 
up  for  his  accommodation  during  the  long  and  perilous  voyage, 
and  his  safe  arrival  announced  as  a  cause  of  national  rejoicing. 

Kalm,  at  this  time,  was  in  x\merica.  He  describes  the  houses 
of  New  York  as  handsome  !  To  be  sure,  beauty  is  a  matter  of 
taste.  The  inhabitants  of  Albany  were  not  in  favour  with  Kalm, 
(see  his  travels.)  He  complains  of  the  Dutch  stoops  or  stoujps. 
*'  Outside  of  the  doors  of  the  houses  here  are  seats  which  in  the 
evening  are  covered  w-ith  people  of  both  sexes  ;  but  this  is  rather 
troublesome,  as  those  who  pass  by  are  obliged  to  greet  every  body, 
unless  they  will  shock  the  politeness  of  this  town."  These  seats, 
and  the  custom  of  sitting  on  them,  particularly  of  a  summer's  eve- 
ning, w'ere  frequent  throughout  New  York  city,  in  my  youth.  I 
remember  the  custom  associated  with  pleasant  images,  and  have  no 

recollection  of  its  troubling  any  body. 
1749  The   British  cabinet   at  this   period  had  a  project  for 

introducing  an  ecclesiastical  establishment  on  the  model  of 
that  of  England,  with  the  order  of  Bishops,  into  the  colonies. 
This  was  to  control  non-jurors  and  dissenters,  and  to  strengthen 
the  royal  prerogative.  This  scheme  was  suggested  by  Buller, 
Bishop  of  Durham,  and  seconded  by  Seeker,  Archbishop  of  Can- 
terbury.    The  society  for  the  propagation  of  the  gospel  was  insti- 


*  See  Modern  History,  vol.  40.,  p.  196,  and  Walsh,  p.  117,  etc. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXXIlI 

tuted  as  a  part  of  this  political  scheme.  As  soon  as  this  project 
was  announced,  its  consequences  to  civil  and  religious  liberty  were 
perceived  in  America  ;  and  their  guardians,  particularly  in  New 
England,  denounced  the  nefarious  plan,  and  warned  the  people  of 
the  danger.  After  much  debate,  the  champions  of  Episcopacy  gave 
up  their  schemes  for  the  present. 

Although  this  engine  for  strengthening  royal  prerogative  was 
postponed,  the  views  respecting  colonial  dependency  and  subservi- 
ence to  the  profit,  ease,  and  convenience  of  England,  were  matured. 
It  was  openly  avowed  that  the  colonists  were  to  be  used  for  the 
benefit  of  the  people  of  Great  Britain,  and  restricted  from  all  pur- 
suits and  every  branch  of  industry  which  might  interfere  w^ith  Bri- 
tish merchants  and  manufacturers.  Already  the  maxim,  avowed 
subsequendy  by  Lord  Chatham,  that  the  colonists  should  not  be 
permitted  to  manufacture  a  hob-nail,  was  adopted  as  the  policy  of 
England.  But  as  iron  abounded,  and  could  be  procured  cheaper 
than  from  Sweden,  and  for  British  manufactures  instead  of  money, 
that  article  was  allowed  to  be  imported  in  pigs  and  bars  into  the 
port  of  London  alone.  But  all  mills  or  other  engines  for  slitting 
or  rolling  iron  were  prohibited  under  heavy  penalties.  The  Ame- 
ricans had  already  proved  that  they  could  make  nails  and  spikes 
cheaper  than  they  could  import  them  from  England. 

Another  means  of  keeping  the  colonies  in  a  state  of  subserviency 
was  the  introduction  of  negro  slaves.  Already,  in  1745,  a  treatise 
appeared  in  London  entitled  "  The  African  Slave  Trade — the 
great  pillar  and  support  of  the  British  plantation  trade  in  America.'^ 

In  this  year,  Benning  Wentworth,  the  king  of  Great  Britain's 
governour  of  New  Hampshire,  made  a  grant  of  a  township  six 
miles  square,  within  the  territory  of  New  York  :  it  was  20  miles 
east  of  Hudson's  River,  and  six  miles  north  of  the  Massachusetts 
boundary  line.  This  w^as  the  beginning  of  a  controversy  that 
caused  some  bloodshed  and  much  ill  will  between  the  inhabitants 
of  New  York  and  New  England.  This  town  the  governour  called 
after  himself,  Bennington. 

Samuel  Williams,  in  the  preface  to  his  History  of  Vermont  says 
very  justly,  "  To  have  expected  New  York  would  voluntarily  give 
up  part  of  her  territory  and  dominion  to  her  neighbours,  when  the 
decisions  of  the  king  and  the  law  were  in  her  favour,  was  to  expect 
that  which  is  never  done  by  any  sovereign  or  nation  while  they 
have  the  power  to  prevent  it."  But  Wentworth  had  sold  lands  to 
the  people  of  New  Hampshire  and  others,  w^ho  thought  that  a 
governour  must  have  a  right  to  do  whatever  he  did  ;  and  they  re- 
moved upon  and  cleared  and  buih  houses  on  what  they  considered 
their  rightful  property.  Therefore,  when  New  York  claimed  these 
lands,  made  valuable  by  the  labour  of  the  settlers,  it  was  not  to  be 


CLXXIV  APPENDIX. 

^expected  that  these  settlers  "would^submit,  if  they  could  avoid  it," 
as  Williams  justly  observes. 

In  November,  and  throughout  the  winter,  the  Post  came  in  from 
Boston  once  a  week. 

In  January  of  this  year,  the  death  of  Colonel  Thomas  Hicks 
was  announced,  aged  "  above  ninety."  He  died  in  Queens 
county  :  his  descendants  then  amounted  to  three  hundred.  The' 
death  of  Jacob  Blackwell  is  recorded,  who  was  six  feet  two  inches 
in  height,  and  weighed  four  hundred  and  twenty-nine  pounds. 
But  he  only  lived  to  the  age  of  42.  In  West  Chester,  John  Had- 
den  and  Abigail,  his  wife,  died  within  a  iew  hours  of  each  other, 
having  lived  lovingly  together  seventy  years.     He  died  at  the  age 

of  96,  and  she  at  90. 
1751  Crime  was,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  inhabitants, 

wonderfully  prevalent.  A  rogue  and  his  wife,  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  enticed  a  person  into  a  situation  which  seemed  to 
give  the  husband  a  right  to  demand  satisfaction,  and  by  way  of 
compromise  he  took  a  note  of  hand  for  .£50.  But  the  dupe,  more 
tender  of  his  money  than  his  reputation,  divulged  the  affair  to  a 
magistrate,  and  when  the  rogue  demanded  his  money,  he  was  se- 
cured for  examination,  exposure,  and  punishment. 

A  fact  is  mentioned  of  a  man  who  had  been  confined  in  jail,  who 
on  his  discharge,  not  being  able  to  pay  the  jail-fees,  was  "sold 
out,"  to  pay  the  dues.  This  is  so  mentioned  as  to  appear  a  thing 
of  usage.  The  selling  of  convicts  for  the  benefit  of  Great  Britain, 
and  emigrants  (to  pay  their  passage)  and  slaves  from  Africa,  and 
Indians  who  had  been  robbed  or  cheated  of  their  hunting-grounds, 
seems  to  have  had  the  effect  of  all  evil  habits  upon  our  colonial 
ancestors.  Even  now,  the  atrocity  of  seizing  upon  a  man,  because 
black,  and  putting  him  in  jail  on  suspicion  of  the  crime  of  endea- 
vouring to  regain  his  liberty,  is  followed  by  the  further  atrocity  of 
selling  him  (when  he  has  proved  that  he  never  was  a  slave,  or  has 
been  legally  manumitted)  to  satisfy  the  fees  or  charges  made  against 
him,  by  those  who  had  incarcerated  him.  Such  things  have  been 
done  in  that  portion  of  republican,  free  America,  which  is  stained 
by  the  appellation  of  the  slave  states. 

The  City  Hall  in  Wall  street  was  then,  as  heretofore,  the  jail, 
and  the  prisoners  procure  to  be  published  a  call  upon  the  charita- 
ble, saying,  that  they  are  without  fireing,  "not  having  a  stick  of 
wood  to  burn,  nor  have  had  for  several  days,"  and  being  "  most  of 
them  strangers  in  the  country,  are  destitute  of  the  necessaries  of 
life."  This  is  dated  from  the  City  Hall.  On  the  16th  of  March 
they  return  thanks  for  relief. 

In  May,  of  this  year,  it  is  noticed  that  "as  some  workmen  were 
digging  down  the  bank  of  the  North  River,  just  back  of  the  English 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER. 


CLXXV 


Church,  In  order  to  build  a  still-house,  a  stone  wall  was  discovered, 
between  four  and  five  feet  thick,  near  eight  feet  under  ground,  and  it 
is  supposed  to  have  been  a  breast-work  of  a  battery,  though  we  can't 
learn  that  the  oldest  men  living  among  us,  know  any  thing  of  such 
a  battery  being  there."  So  soon  does  the  memory  of  events  pass 
away.  We  have  seen  that  the  Dutch  erected  a  battery  to  protect 
their  New  Amsterdam  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  (i.  e.  on  the  ground 
behind  the  present  Trinity  Church,  the  river  occupying  Lumber 
street,)  and  in  the  space  between  1G15  and  1751  the  remains 
had  been  buried,  and  the  remembrance  of  such  a  place  of  defence 
passed  away ! 

Houses  in  the  city  of  New  York  not  being  numbered,  the  adver- 
tisements describe  them  by  situation,  or  vicinity  to  some  well 
known  person,  or  the  last  occupant. 

There  appears  at  this  time  an  attack  upon  Benjamin  Woolsey, 
(the  son  of  a  clergyman  of  that  name,  who  lived  and  died  at  Oyster 
Bay)  charging  him  with  injustice  to  the  writer,  Joel  Burroughs,  in 
his  conduct  as  the  guardian  of  said  Burroughs's  sister.  The  cha- 
racter of  Mr.  Woolsey  was  above  all  impeachment. 

June  2d. — Mourning  is  ordered  for  the  death  of  Frederick, 
Prince  of  Wales,  (son  of  George  II.  and  father  of  George  III.) 
by  authority.     Some  of  the  churches  were  hung  with  black. 

There  was  an  assembly  at  Albany,  in  1751,  of  commissioners 
from  several  provinces  to  meet  the  chiefs  of  the  Iroquois.  Clin- 
ton, governour  of  New  York,  attended.  The  commissioner  of 
South  Carolina  brought  with  him  several  sachems  of  the  Catawbas, 
between  whom  and  the  Iroquois,  deadly  feuds  had  long  existed. 
The  commissioners  prevailed  on  the  hostile  tribes  to  conclude  a 

treaty  of  peace. 
1752  St.  George's  Chapel,  in  New  York,  built;  that  is,  finished, 

it  being  mentioned  in  1750.     It  was  consecrated  on  Wed- 
nesday, July  1st  :  Mr  Barclay  the  preacher  on  the  occasion.* 

Localities — The  Long  Bridge  was  in  Broad  street,  a  planked 
walk  leading  from  the  Exchange  toward  Wall  street,  and  covering 
a  sewer,  the  remains  of  the  creek,  which  formerly  extended  to  Gar- 
den street,  at  the  foot  of  Flattenbarick  Hill.  The  Coffee-house 
Bridge,  was  in  Wall  street,  a  similar  planked  walk  covering  a 
sewer,  between  Queen  street  and  Water  street ;  this  was  a  place 
for  publick  vendues  or  auctions  of  negroes,  horses,  or  any  other 
articles  of  sale  :  but  whether  this  bridge  existed  in  1752,  is  doubt- 
ful. Cart  and  Horse  street  is  described,  as  "  leading  to  Rutgers's 
brewhouse,"  that  is,  from  Maiden  Lane  to  the  present  John  street, 


•  This  was  Henry  Barclay,  rector  of  Trinity  Church.     This  building  was  burnt 
on  the  night  of  the  5th  of  January,  1814,  and  rebuilt,  so  as  to  be  consecrated  in  1815. 


CLXXVI  APPENDIX. 

and  is  now  part  of  Gold  street,  l^he  brewbouse  was  burnt  on  the 
memorable  25th  of  November,  17S3,  in  the  evening  of  the  day  the 
English  troops  embarked  and  left  the  city  to  Americans.  Rotten 
Row,  was  a  slip,  or  inlet,  or  creek ;  for  in  January,  1752,  the  river 
beinoj  full  of  ice,  the  shipping  was  "  squeezed  into  Rotten  Row  for 
shelter,"  and  the  publick  is  congratulated,  that  tlicit  place  had  not 
been  filled  in. 

January  10th. — The  bay  was  so  frozen,  that  a  "  merchant's 
double  sled"  passed  to  and  fro  on  the  ice  to  Long  Island  and  back 
again. 

The  word  now  pronounced  and  printed  "  Bos,"  was  at  this  time 
printed  truly  "  Baas."  It  is  the  Dutch  for  master.  But  an  ap- 
prentice now  disdains  to  call  any  one  master,  and  is  unconscious 
that  he  only  uses  another  word  for  the  same  thing. 

February  3d. — It  is  announced,  that  "  several  of  the  glass  lamps 
put  up  about  this  city,  were  taken  down  by  persons  unknown,  and 
left  whole  in  the  meat  market ;  thought  to  be  done  by  some  daring 
rakes." 

The  severity  of  the  winter  continued,  and  at  this  date,  vessels 
were  frozen  up  in  tlie  cove,  at  Sandy  Hook. 

In  May,  William  Bradford,  printer,  died,  aged  ninety-four.  Was 
he  the  man  who  established  the  first  printing-press  in  New  York  in 
1693  ?  He  came  to  Philadelphia,  or  rather  to  the  place  where 
Philadelphia  was  laid  out,  about  the  year  1682,  from  England, 
where  he  was  born.  He  was  printer  to  the  government  of  New 
York  more  than  fifty  years.  He  was  conspicuous  for  temperance. 
James  Parker,  who  as  printer  of  the  Gazette  and  Postboy,  gives 
this  account  of  Bradford,  says,  he  served  eight  years  with  him  as 
an  apprentice.     His  funeral  took  place  May  25th,  1752. 

July  6th. — A  house  was  broken  open  near  the  Merchants'  Cof- 
fee-house, and  the  burglar,  E.  Lee,  apprehended  ;  but  on  the  19th 
showed  that  he  could  break  jail  as  well  as  house.  He  escaped  by 
sawing  off  his  irons,  and  making  his  way  to  a  dungeon  below  the 
place  of  his  confinement,  and  from  thence  he  found  little  difficulty 
in  getting  clear  of  the  City  Hall  and  prison,  which  was  one  build- 
ing, and  in  Wall  street. 

The  street  now  called  Cortlandt  street,  (and  long  so  called)  ap- 
pears to  have  had  no  name  in  1752,  as  it  is  described  thus :  "  the 
street  leading  from  the  Oswego  market  to  the  river  side."    In  1729, 

the  Oswego  market  did  not  exist. 
1753  Doctor  Johnson,  Episcopal  minister  at  Stratford,  in 
Connecticut,  was  invited  to  take  the  president's  chair  of 
the  new  College  instituted  at  New  York,  and  Mr.  Whittlesey,  a 
Presbyterian  minister,  of  New  Haven,  as  second  master  in  the 
new  institution.  The  great  seal  was  put  to  the  charter  of  the  Col- 
lege, by  which  none  but  Episcopalians  were  eligible  as  presidents. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXXVH 

The  justice  or  propriety  of  this  measure  is  questioned  in  the  paper 
of  this  time,  called  "  The  Independent  Reflector,  or  Weekly  Es- 
says," etc.  printed  in  1753,  "  until  tyrannically  suppressed,"  says 
the  title-page.  After  the  province  had  by  lotteries  raised  the  sum 
of  ^£3,443  for  the  use  of  a  college,  an  Act  was  passed  the  25th  of 
November,  1751,  to  vest  thit  sum  in  the  eldest  counsellor,  the 
speaker  of  the  general  assembly,  judges  of  the  supreme  court, 
mayor,  etc.  and  virtually  a  college  was  established,  and  placed 
in  the  hands  of  o^entlemen  of  the  Church  wf  EniJ^land.  This,  the 
Reflector  combats,  taking  the  ground  that  no  sect  founded  and 
supported  by  priests,  should  have  a  preference  over  Christians 
professing  to  be  guided  by  revelation  alone.  The  author  claims 
the  right  to  expose  the  views  of  men  who  w^ould  exalt  one  sect 
upon  the  ruins  of  all  others. 

It  appears  that  at  this  time,  the  enemies  of  liberty,  (that  is  the 
king's  governour  and  council)  having  engrossed  the  "  New  York 
Mercury,"  another  paper  is  set  up,  entided  "The  Occasional  Re- 
verberator," at  the  new  printing-office,  Beaver  street. 

The  improvements  in  travelling  were  at  this  time  so  great,  that 
a  man  might  (wind  and  weather  and  other  circumstances  favouring) 
arrive  at  Philadelphia  from  New  York,  or  vice-versa,  in  three 
days,  as  the  following  notification  specifies.  "  A  commodious 
stage-boat  will  attend  at  the  City  Hall  Slip,  near  the  Half-moon 
Battery  to  receive  goods  and  passengers,  on  Saturdays  and  Wednes- 
days ;  and  on  Mondays  and  Thursdays  will  set  out  for  Perth  Am- 
boy  Ferry ;  there  a  stage-wagon  will  receive  them,  and  set  out  on 
Tuesdays  and  Fridays  in  the  morning,  and  carry  them  to  Cran- 
berry ;  and  then  the  same  day,  with  fresh  horses,  to  Burlington, 
wdiere  a  stage-boat  receives  them,  and  immediately  sets  out  for 
Philadelphia."  That  the  reader  may  judge  of  the  comfort  and 
speed  of  this  travelling,  I  will  state,  that  the  packet-boats  were 
small  sloops,  navigated  by  a  man  and  boy,  or  at  most  by  two  men, 
(a  captain  and  mate  ;)  and  that,  by  the  "  outside  passage,"  that  is, 
through  the  Narrows,  leaving  Sandy  Hook  south,  and  proceeding 
by  the  great  Amboy  Bay,  the  vessel  might  be  driven  (and  I  have 
known  instances)  to  sea  ;  and  when  the  weather  discouraged  the 
crew  or  captain  from  attempting  the  "  outside  passage,"  they  went 
by  the  "Kills,"  or  Arthur  Kull  sound,  between  Staten  Island  and 
the  main  land;  which  passage  I  have  known  to  occupy  three  days, 
though  ordinarily  performed  in  one. 

The  improvements  in  travelling  may  as  well  be  summed  up  here, 
as  they  continued  much  the  same  until  after  the  revolution. 

A  second  way  to  Philadelphia  was  by  crossing  the  bay  to  Staten 
Island,  in  a  perrlaugur  or  pettyauga,  a  boat  without  keel,  with  two 
masts  and  two  large  sails,  the  lack  of  keel  supplied  by  lee-boards — 

w 


CLXXVni  APPENDIX. 

all  these  managed  by  one  man,  vvlio  was  likewise  helmsman,  and 
very  frequently  drunk.  In  a  gale  of  wmd  you  confided  to  this 
man  (and  perhaps  an  assistant  boy)  all  your  worldly  hopes — in- 
cluding that  of  reaching  Staten  Island,  which,  if  you  arrived  at, 
you  crossed  to  the  Ferry  at  Arthur  Kull  sound,  and  a  scow  carried 
you  to  the  "  Blazing  Star,"  (the  sign  of  the  Ferry-house  being  a 
comet)  at  Woodbridge ;  from  thence  you  proceeded,  crossing  tha 
Raritan  in  a  scow  at  Brunswick,  and  the  Delaware  in  another,  at 
Trenton  ;  another  river  was  crossed  on  a  floating  bridge  of  planks, 
and  on  the  third  or  fourth  day,  you  might  arrive  at  Penn's  city. 
The  third  and  most  common  route  was  to  cross  the  North  River 
to  Paulus  Hook  in  a  boat  similar  to  that  above  called  a  perryau- 
gur,  with  the  same  protection  and  guidance,  but  a  shorter  distance 
and  less  time  for  suffering;  you  then  were  dragged  through  marshes 
to  Hackinsack  river,  and  were  ferried  over  in  a  scow  ;  then  to  Pa- 
saick  river,  and  as  before,  with  no  haste,  ferried  over  ;  and  then  as 
above  said,  over  three  more  rivers,  and  in  about  three  days  you 
might  be  set  down  at  the  "  Indian  Queen,"  in  Philadelphia. 

In  June,  this  year,  by  his  advertisement,  we  learn  that  Hugh 
Gaine  had  his  printing-office,  and  issued  the  Weekly  Mercury, 
opposite  the  Old  Slip  market. 

July  23d. — Gaine's  Mercury  says  :  "  Last  Monday,  twenty-two 
ladies  of  pleasure,  who  were  taken  out  of  several  houses  of  ill  re- 
pute in  this  city,  were  committed  to  the  work-house  ;  and  next  day 
five  of  them  were  condemned  to  receive  fifteen  lashes  each,  at  the 
whipping-post,  which  was  performed  accordingly,  before  a  vast 
number  of  spectators,  with  orders  to  depart  the  town." 

October  9th. — In  common  council,  a  committee  was  appointed 
to  invite  his  majesty's  council,  such  members  of  the  assembly  as 
shall  be  in  town,  the  captain  of  the  man-of-war,  with  such  gentle- 
men as  came  over  with  the  governour,  the  treasurer  of  the  colony, 
the  king's  attorney,  Mr.  Rutledge,  Mr.  Gordon,  Mr.  Penn,  and 
Mr.  Oliver  Delancey,  to  dine  with  his  Excellency  Sir  Danvers  Os- 
borne, Bart.,  at  the  house  of  George  Burns  ;  and  to  order  a  dinner 
to  be  prepared,  and  a  bonfire  on  the  commons,  near  the  work- 
house, and  to  procure  three  dozen  of  wine  to  be  sent  to  the  said 
fire  ;  and  that  the  City  Hall,  the  Alms-house,  and  the  Ferry-house 
be  illuminated  ;  that  a  half  barrel  of  cannon-powder  be  provided 
to   discharge    some    cannon   that  lie   on   the  common,   near   the 

bonfire. 
1754         April  8th. — "  A  subscription  is  now  on  foot"  to  raise 
money  for  erecting  and  maintaining  a  publick  library  in  this 
city.     Seventy  gentlemen  had  subscribed  £5  principal  and  10s. 
per  annum. 

May  2d. — Trustees  elected  for  the  City  Library  for  one  year  : 
James  Da  Lancey,  the  heutenant-governour,  James  Alexander, 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXXIX 

Joseph  iNIurray,  John  Chambers,  John  Watts,  William  Walton, 
Rev^.  Henry  Barclay,  Benjamin  Nicolls,  Robert  R.  Livingston, Wil- 
liam Livingston,  William  P.  Smith,  W^illiam  Alexander. 

July. — At  this  time  W^hitfield  preaches  in  New  York. 

October  14th. — The  first  books  sent  for,  for  the  New  York  City 
Library,  arrived  with  Captain  Miller. 

Of  crimes  and  punishments,  we  notice  that  a  lad  convicted  of 
manslaughter,  is  "  burnt  in  the  hand  accordingly."  And  a  woman 
for  stealing  is  whipt  "at  the  whipping-{)Ost  in  this  city."  She  is 
said  by  the  reporter,  to  have  afforded  diversion  to  the  mob  by 
resistance  and  otherwise. 

In  this  year  the  government  of  the  province  of  New  York  is  thus 
stated  in  a  publick  document.  It  is  wmediatelij  under  the  govern- 
ment of  the  crown.  The  governour  is  the  representative  of  the 
king;  a  council  and  court  of  judicature  resembling  in  some  mea- 
sure the  house  of  lords  ;  and  a  house  of  representatives  resembling 
imperfectly  the  house  of  commons.  The  governour  is  appointed 
by  the  king ;  has  the  powder  of  calling,  proroguing,  and  dissolving 
the  assembly,  and  has  a  negative  on  all  laws  presented  to  him.  The 
council  are  appointed  by  the  king,  and  are  assistant  judges  with  the 
governour,  as  chancellor,  and  in  the  court  of  appeal.  The  general 
assembly,  elected  by  the  people,  choose  their  own  speaker  and 
officers,  pass  bills  to  send  up  to  the  council,  and  claim  a  right  that 
all  money  bills  should  originate  \\\i\\  them.  From  1738  to  the 
present  time,  the  assembly  have  passed  a  bill  yearly,  in  September, 
to  provide  for  the  salaries  of  the  governour,  judges,  and  other  offi- 
cers for  the  ensuing  year,  and  to  discharge  other  demands. 
1755  In  this  year,  the  government  of  New  York  passed  a  law 

by  which  if  one  or  more  slave  or  slaves  above  the  age  of 
fourteen  shall  in  time  of  alarm,  or  invasion,  be  found  a  mile  or  more 
from  his  or  their  owner  or  ow^ners,  without  a  certificate  from  the 
ow^ner  showing  that  he  or  they  were  authorized  to  be  in  such  place, 
it  should  be  judged  felony  without  benefit  of  clergy,  and  making  it 
lawful  for  any  person  to  shoot  or  otherwise  destroy  them. 

The  mail  carried  once  a  week  instead  of  once  a  fortnight,  be- 
tween New  York  and  Philadelphia. 

In  February,  James  Gain,  pursuant  to  his  sentence,  stood  in  the 
pillory,  near  the  City  Hall,  in  this  city,  (New  York,)  and  was  most 
severely  pelted  by  great  numbers  of  the  spectators,  there  being 
some  thousands  present. 

March  24th. — The  post  goes  twice  a  week  between  Philadelphia 
and  New  York,  to  set  out  at  ten  A.  M.  and  arrive  at  noon,  the  third 
day.  The  order  is  signed  William  Franklin,  by  order  of  the  post- 
master-general, i.  e.  his  father  Benjamin. 

June  14tli. — The  papers  are  filled  with  preparations  for  war,  the 
arrival  of  troops,  recruiting,  etc.     Near  Kinderhook,  four  white 


CLXXX  APPENDIX. 

men,  two  boys,  and  a  negro,  having  their  fire-arnns  near  them,  were 
hoeing  corn,  when  six  Indians  and  a  Frenchman  fired  on  them, 
One  white  man  and  a  boy  were  wounded.  The  negro  and  three 
other  men  and  the  boy  ran  off;  but  John  Gardner  ran  to  the  load- 
ed guns,  and  at  two  discharges  killed  two  Indians  ;  before  he  could 
fire  the  third  gun,  an  Indian  closed  with  him ;  the  Frenchman  ran 
up  at  the  same  time  and  knocked  Gardner  down  ;  and  while  hd 
lay  insensible  his  enemies  scalped  him  ;  probably  the  Indian  being 
most  skilful,  performed  the  operation.  As  the  coujp  de  grace  was 
not  given,  Gardner  recovered  from  the  blow,  and  crawled  to  his 
friends,  unconscious  of  having  lost  his  scalp. 

August  25th. — A  publick  fast,  by  order  of  Lieutenant-governour 
Delancey,  on  account  of  the  war. 

September  8th. — Sir  Charles  Hardy  having  arrived  on  the  2d, 
is  installed  on  the  3d,  as  governour  of  the  province.  The  militia 
are  paraded,  guns  fired,  and  his  commission  read  at  the  City  Hall, 
in  Wall  street.     He  then  returns  to  the  fort. 

Hardy  was  a  sailor,  and  Lieutenant-governour  Delancey  governs 
him,  and  acts  as  chief-justice  at  the  same  time.  Smith  gives  a  dia- 
logue between  him  and  some  lawyers,  in  which  the  governour  says : 
*'  I  desired  the  chief-justice  (Delancey)  to  be  here  :  I  can't  take 
upon  myself  to  say,  I  understand  the  law.  I  have  been  a  justice 
of  the  peace  in  England  ;  but  I  know  nothing  of  the  law.  My 
knowledge,  gentlemen,  relates  to  the  sea;  that  is  my  sphere.  If 
you  want  to  know  when  the  wind  and  the  tide  suit  for  going  down 
to  Sandy  Hook,  I  can  tell  you  that."  Such  was  the  governour 
sent  by  England  to  rule  the  province  of  New  York  ! 

It  is  said  that  the  first  "  original  article"  that  ever  appeared  in  an 
English  newspaper,  was  from  the  pen  of  Dr.  Johnson,  and  came 
out  in  175S,  in  "  The  Universal  Chronicle  and  Weekly  Gazette," 
published  by  Newbury,  St.  Paul's  Church-yard;  and  that  the  news- 
papers were  a  single  leaf,  quarto  size,  two  pages,  each  divided  into 
two  columns.  Hugh  Gaine's  paper,  published  in  New  York, 
1755,  was  folio,  and  had  occasional  original  essays.  A  newspaper 
was  published  in  New  York,  called  the  Plebeian,  (which  I  have 
not  seen,)  in  1754.  Gaine's  Mercury,  1753,  folio.  The  New  York 
Gazette  and  Postboy  was  in  folio,  and  published  by  James  Par- 
ker, from  1743  to  1752  ;  and  William  Bradford  began  to  publish 
the  first  newspaper  that  was  printed  in  New  York  as  early  as  1725, 
and  that  w^as  folio  size  ;  therefore  the  above  assertions  respecting 

London  newspapers  is  scarcely  to  be  believed. 
1756  In  the  Postboy  of  April  19th,  1756,  is  an  account  of 
Owen  Syllavan,  a  counterfeiter,  many  of  whose  adventures 
are  romantick.  He  broke  from  guard  on  one  occasion,  seized  a  cut- 
lass, and  made  his  escape,  through  a  crowd,  who  fled  out  of  his  way. 
He  carried  on  his  vocation  in  a  cavern,  the  entrance  to  which  was 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXXXI 

in  a  swamp,  and  concealed  by  the  roots  of  a  tree,  which  with  brush- 
wood artfully  placed  for  the  same  purpose,  he  could  remove. 
He  was  once  discovered  in  a  hole,  under  the  hearth  of  a  country 
or  farm  house,  the  entrance  concealed  by  a  bed  on  which  a  woman 
was  asleep.  He  had  a  chimney  in  his  subterranean  abode  which 
communicated  with  the  one  above  him.  He  was  condemned  in 
April,  and  in  May  respited,  for  want  of  a  hangman. 

Syllavan,  "  before  he  was  Tz^rweJ  o^,"  said  that  he  some  time 
back  struck  off  .£12,000  of  Rhode  Island  money,  and  passed 
above  <£1,600  in  one  day.  He  printed  large  sums  of  New  York 
money,  signed  Oliver  De  Lancey,  John  Livingston,  and  Isaac  De 
Peyster.  He  would  not  betray  his  confederates,  took  "  a  large  cud 
of  tobacco,  and  turning  to  the  people,  said,  '  I  cannot  help  smiling, 
as  'tis  the  nature  of  the  beast.'  "  He  was  asked  what  denomina- 
tion the  bills  were,  which  he  printed,  of  the  New  York  currency  : 
"  You  must  find  that  out  by  your  learning,"  was  his  answer. 

In  this  year,  the  population  of  the  ciiy  of  NewYork  was  10,881, 
and  of  the  province,  94,616. 

At  the  great  carrying  place,  (now  Rome,)  on  the  route  to 
Oswego  from  Albany,  the  French  and  Indians  stormed  a  feeble 
garrison  and  cut  them  to  pieces.  The  commander's  head  was 
found  placed  upon  a  post,  and  his  heart  thrust  in  the  mouth.  This 
is  a  specimen  of  border  wardire. 

Robert  Hunter  Morris,  Governour  of  Pennsylvania,  offers  to 
pay  for  every  Indian  male  enemy,  above  twelve  years  of  age, 
S150  :  ior  the  scalp  of  such,  $130.  For  every  female  Indian  pri- 
soner, or  boy  under  twelve,  $130.  For  the  scalp  of  an  Indian 
woman,  $50. 

June  24th. — John  Conolly  was  apprehended  by  a  warrant  from 
Judge  Neville,  of  Perth  Amboy,  for  the  murder  of  an  Indian  woman 
called  Kate,  the  wife  of  an  Indian  named  George,  belonging  to  the 
friendly  Indians,  and  residing  for  many  years  in  Somerset :  he  had 
registered  himself  and  family,  according  to  the  governour's  procla- 
mation. It  appeared  by  several  depositions  and  by  the  confession 
of  the  prisoner,  that  he  and  three  others  had  combined  to  murder 
George  and  his  family,  and  carry  their  scalps  to  Philadelphia,  to 
be  deUvered  on  oath  as  the  scalps  of  Indian  enemies  killed  in 
Pennsylvania,  and  thus  obtain  the  reward  offered  by  that  govern- 
ment for  Indian  scalps.  For  this  purpose  the  four  heroes,  armed 
with  guns,  cutlasses,  and  an  axe,  repaired  to  George's  domicil, 
near  Pepeck,  in  the  night,  where  the  family  were  asleep  under  the 
supposed  protection  of  civilization,  law,  and  Christianity — broke 
open  the  door,  and  called  upon  the  man  to  come  out.  As  he  did 
not  immediately  obey,  Chesney  fired  his  musket  into  the  building, 
a  hut  of  one  apartment,  or  wigwam.  George,  unarmed  and  fright- 
ened by  the   ruffians,   fled   by   an   aperture   in  the  back  of  his 


CLXXXII  APPENDIX. 

dwelling,  escaping  two  balls  five^  after  liim  ;  but,  by  accident 
the  Indian  fell,  which  Conolly  perceiving  by  the  light  of  the 
moon,  hastened  with  his  axe  to  dispatch  him.  George,  however, 
recovered,  and  escaped  by  superiour  swiftness.  Returning  to  the 
house,  Conolly  saw  the  woman  endeavouring  to  wrench  a  musket 
from  the  hands  of  one  of  the  assassins,  who  had  presented  it  for 
the  purpose  of  shooting  her  while  imploring  mercy,  and  with  his' 
axe  despatched  her  by  a  blow  on  the  head.  After  discharging  the 
contents  of  the  musket  in  the  bosom  of  the  dying  mother,  the 
wretches  proceeded  to  the  murder  of  the  affrighted  children,  but 
only  succeeded  in  manghng  with  wounds  a  girl  of  eleven  years  old, 
and  inflicting  some  gashes  on  two  infants ;  when,  fearing  that  the 
neighbourhood  would  be  roused  by  the  man  who  escaped,  the  con- 
science-stricken murderers  fled,  without  scalping  the  victims — all 
of  whom  they  supposed  dead.  The  neighbours  found  this  family 
weltering  in  blood,  when  brought  to  the  scene  by  the  miserable 
husband  and  father  !  The  children  recovered  by  surgical  aid,  but 
the  mother  was  found  lifeless.  We  here  see  a  part  of  the  fruit  of 
the  Pennsylvania  proclamation,  offering  a  reward  for  scalps. 

August  15th — ^lany  accounts  arrive  of  murders  committed  by 
the  Indians,  who  generally  committed  their  depredations  in  safety. 
At  Elizabethtown,  on  the  19th  of  August,  three  men  made  their 
appearance,  almost  starved,  and  nearly  naked,  having  been  thirty- 
two  days  in  the  woods,  after  making  their  escape  from  the  Indians 
of  Venango,  to  which  place  they  had  been  taken  prisoners  in  May, 
and  kept  as  servants  to  the  captors  until  they  made  their  escape. 
A  farmer  of  the  name  of  Swartwout,  was  killed  and  scalped  about 
the  same  time  ;  of  his  children  they  murdered  the  three  youngest, 
and  carried  off  a  boy  of  nine  years  of  age  and  a  girl  of  twelve.  Of 
such  instances,  where  families  who  thought  themselves  in  security, 
were  in  a  night  swept  away,  the  stories  are  innumerable. 

20th. — Died,  at  Oyster  Bay,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Benjamin  Woolsey,^ 
of  that  place.  He  was  "a  burning  light,"  and  officiated  "gra- 
tuitously." He  died  of  a  Nephritick  disease,  w^hich  he  suffered 
from  for  some  years. 

23d. — The  governour  laid  the  first  stone  of  King's  College. 

25th. — Albany — "Yesterday  our  young  men  who  went  out 
with  some  Mohawk  Indians,  arrived  here  ;  they  took  two  scalps 
whhin  forty  yards  of  the  French  camp,  the  one  a  French  officer 
and  the  other  a  soldier." 

September  4th. — The  account  given  by  John  Cox,  a  lad  of  six- 
teen, who  was  a  prisoner  among  the  Indians,  is  descriptive  of  their 
manners  and  warfare.  When  he  arrived,  with  the  party  who  took 
him,  at  an  Indian  village,  he  saw  about  one  hundred  warriours, 
with  their  wives  and  children,  and  fifty  English  prisoners — men 
women,  and  children.     Soon  after,  two  war  parties  came  in — one 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXXXllI 

with  nine  scalps  and  ten  prisoners,  and  the  other  with  five  prisoners 
and  some  scalps.  Shortly  after,  he  saw  eighteen  warriours  arrive, 
with  seventeen  scalps  affixed  to  a  pole,  with  which  they  proceeded 
to  Fort  Du  Quesne  to  receive  the  reward.  On  one  occasion,  all 
the  prisoners  were  assembled  to  witness  the  tortures  inflicted  upon 
one  of  their  countrymen,  who  was  doomed  as  a  sacrifice  for  some 
reason  to  Cox  unknown.  During  this  lad's  captivity,  parties  from 
twelve  to  twenty  were  constantly  going  and  returning  with  scalps 
and  prisoners  :  the  latter  they  expected  to  receive  ransoms  for,  and 
the  former  were  paid  for  by  the  French.  At  length  they  felt  the 
pressure  of  a  want  of  food,  and  retired  from  the  frontiers  to  their 
corn-fields.  The  lad,  half  starved,  contrived  his  escape,  and  ar- 
rived at  Philadelphia. 

20th. — "  Thursday,  between  the  hours  of  nine  and  eleven,  Mrs. 
Johanna  Christiana  Young  and  another  lady,  her  associate,  from 
Philadelphia,  being  found  guilty  of  grand  larceny  last  week  at  the 
mayor's  court,  are  to  be  set  on  two  chairs  exalted  on  a  cart,  with 
their  heads  and  faces  uncovered,  and  to  be  carted  from  the  City 
Hall,  (then  the  jail,)  to  that  part  of  the  Broadway  near  the  old 
English  Church,  from  thence  down  Maiden  Lane,  then  down  the 
Fly  to  the  White  Hall,  thence  to  the  church  aforesaid,  and  then  to 
the  whipping-post,  where  each  of  them  are  to  receive  thirty-nine 
lashes,  to  remain  in  jail  for  one  week,  and  then  to  depart  the  city," 

NovemberlOth. — Ordered,  in  common  council,  that  the  mayor 
issue  his  warrant  "  for  the  sum  of  three  pounds,  in  order  to  cloath 
John  Dugan,  the  present  publick  whipper,  now  in  the  poor-house, 
and  his  salary  to  commence  from  this  day,"  viz.  £12. 

In  this  year  the  New  York  privateers  amounted  to  twenty ; 
the  men,  1,980  ;  guns,  246.  At  Philadelphia,  but  one.  Bos- 
ton, one. 

December  20th. — Lott  and  Low  give  notice  that  after  the  first 
of  next  January,  all  persons  who  wish  to  have  vellum,  parchment, 
or  paper,  legally  stamped,  must  apply  to  them,  at  their  stamp- 
office.  This  stamp  duty  was  laid  by  the  governour,  council,  and 
assembly,  for  one  year. 

Abraham  LInsen  gives  notice  to  all  retailers  of  tea  under  the 
quantity  of  lOOlbs.  weight,  that  they  must  apply  to  him  for  license, 
and  pay  6d.  for  every  pound  retailed,  within  one  year  after  the  first 

of  January  next.     This  tax  was  for  one  year. 
1757  January  10th. — The  governour  of  Massachusetts  calls 

upon  the  house  of  representatives,  to  take  some  steps  to- 
ward settling  the  controversy  with  New  York  concerning  the  boun- 
dary line.  He  tells  them  that  Hardy  had  written  to  him  on  the  subject, 
and  tells  him  that  a  man  had  been  killed,  in  an  affi-ay,  on  the  bor- 
ders by  an  Indian  belonging  to   Sheffield.     "  This  is  the  second 


CLXXXIV  APPENDIX. 

person  who  has  lost  his  life  by  rae^ns  of  this  unfortunate  dispute." 
Signed  S.  Phips. 

31st. — Captain  Rogers  with  a  scouting  party  of  thirty  men,  way- 
laid a  convoy  for  Crown  Point  of  sixty  sleighs,  59  of  which  he  destroy- 
ed, one  escaped  and  alarmed  the  garrison  :  in  consequence  of  which 
the  French  pursued  Rogers,  killed  twenty  of  his  men,  and  wound- 
ed him  in  the  wrist.  He  brought  in  eighteen  scalps.  The  scalping, 
is  practised  so  universally,  that  it  appears  in  every  newspaper 
column  of  this  time.  Sometimes  the  incidents  are  a  little  varied  ;  for 
example — a  man  goes  out  on  a  scouting  party  in  Pennsylvania, 
but  finding  that  the  party  are  to  lie  out  all  night  in  the  snow,  he 
unluckily  leaves  them  to  go  home  to  his  bed  ;  but  one  of  his  in- 
tended victims  is  in  his  way,  shoots  him,  and  takes  his  scalp.  Two 
men  in  a  house  near  by,  at  the  report  of  the  gun,  "  ran  out  and 
found  the  Indian  handling  his  scaljjing  knife'''' — being  unarmed  they 
ran  in  again  and  left  the  operator  undisturbed.  Another  account 
of  Rogers'  capture  of  sleighs,  says  that  he  took  only  six  out  of 
seven,  and  brought  in  no  scalps. 

April. — The  New  York  post-master  orders  that  posts  should  go 
twice  a  week  between  New  York  and  Philadelphia. 

May  25th. — Sir  C.  Hardy  by  proclamation  assures  all  boatmen 
and  marketmen  who  come  to,  or  go  from,  the  city,  that  they  shall  not 
be  impressed  while  bringing  "  provisions  and  other  necessaries  to 
the  kings  ships,  or  any  of  the  transports  in  his  majesty's  service." 

June  2d. — Archibald  Kennedy,  in  behalf  of  his  fellows  of  the 
kings  council,  signs  a  most  dutiful  and  humble  address  to  Gover- 
nour  Hardy,  previous  to  his  departure,  and  begs  him  when  he 
shall  come  into  the  royal  presence,  to  represent  them  in  a  favoura- 
ble light.  Dated  from  the  council  chamber.  Port  George,  and  the 
governour's  reply  has  the  same  date. 

21st — Persons  claiming  aright  under  Massachusetts,  to  part  of  the 
Livingston  Manor,  assembled  within  eighteen  miles  of  Hudson's 
River,  at  a  place  called  Tackhanick  ;  and  being  commanded  by 
the  sheriffs  deputy,  with  an  armed  force,  in  presence  of  a  justice 
of  peace  to  disperse,  instead  of  so  doing  shut  themselves  in  a 
house  and  fired  upon  the  posse — shots  were  exchanged,  several 
were  wounded  on  both  sides  and  one  killed  :  another  died  of  his 
wounds. 

The  City  of  New  York  was  at  this  time  divided  into  wards,  and 
was  under  the  government  of  a  mayor,  recorder,  seven  aldermen, 
and  seven  assistants.  The  mayor,  sheriff  and  coroner  were  annu- 
ally appointed  by  the  governour.  The  recorder  had  a  patent 
during  pleasure.  The  annual  revenue  of  the  corporation  was 
about  this  time  nearly  ^2000  or  5000  dollars.  The  militia  of  this 
island  amounted  to  2300.  The  number  of  inhabitants  was  15,000, 
at  the  utmost ;  of  whom,  3,000  were  negroes  and  slaves. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXXXV 

The  north-eastern  part  of  the  island  was  at  this  time  inhabited 
according  to  Smith,  "  by  Dutch  farmers,  who  have  a  small  village 
there  called  Harlem. 

November  2lst. — On  account  of  "  worthy  Colonel  Peter  Schuy- 
ler's" happy  return  to  New  York,  several  houses  were  illuminated 
and  an  elegant  entertainment  given  at  the  King's  Arms  ;  and  on  the 
27th  the  honourable  Colonel  Peter  Schuyler  arrived  at  his  house 
at  Peterborough,  New  Jersey,  and  was  saluted  wiih  thnieen  can- 
non— in  the  evening  a  bonfire,  and  continued  discharges  of  cannon. 

December  6th. — The  general  assembly  meets  at  the  Out  ward 
of  New  York.  Lieutenant-governour  De  Lancey  tells  them  of 
the  murders  committed  by  Indians  in  Ulster  and  Orange — that  he 
had  ordered  a  line  of  block  houses  to  protect  the  inhabitants  of 
that  frontier — barracks  building  in  New  York — immoderate  use  of 
spirituous  liquors  among  the  king's  troops,  and  laws  required  to 
restrain  the  retailer — he  recommends  a  poll  tax  upon  slaves,  and  a 
tonnage  upon  vessels  not  built  in  this  province  or  Great  Britain  ; 
that  is,  on  vessels  of  the  other  provinces  ;  the  first  will  encourage 
the    coming   of    white    servants,    and    the    second  that   of    ship 

builders. 
1758         At  Perth  Amboy,  Samuel  Neville  edited  a  literary  peri-      ^  / 

odical  publication  called  "  The  New  American  Magazine.'* 
He  chose  to  appear  under  the  signature  of  Sijlvanus  Amcrlcanus. 
He  was  an  English  gentlemen  of  liberal  education,  a  judge  of  the 
supreme  court  of  New  Jersey,  and  had  been  editor  of  the  London 
Evening  Post.  He  resided  at  this  time  on  his  farm  within  the 
boundaries  of  the  City  of  Perth  Amboy,  at  the  termination  of 
Market  street,  as  laid  out  and  opened,  (since  known  as  Coddring- 
ton's  farm.)  This  magazine  was  published  and  printed  at  Wood- 
bridge,  by  James  Parker,  and  issued  monthly :  price  one  shilling 
per  copy  ;  each  number  containing  forty  pages  octavo.  It  was 
continued  twenty-seven  months.  The  sale  did  not  defray  the 
expenses  of  printing. 

November  14th. — The  common  council  prohibit  the  sale  of  bass 
(or  Tvvaalft)  during  the  winter  months  in  the  City  of  New  York. 

Arrivals  in  a  week ;  4  schooners,  2  snows,  4  sloops,  1  brig,  2 
ships. 

17th. — Colonel  Peter  Schuyler,  Dr.  Stakes,  Captain  Martin, 
and  Captain  Putnam  arrived  at  Albany,  being  released  from  their 
captivity  in  Canada.     Putnam  and  others  owed  much  to  Schuyler. 

December  4th. — An  inn-keeper  at  New  Utretcht  is  fined  £h  for 
buying  his  shirt  from  a  soldier. 

11th. — During  Colonel  Peter  Schuyler's  captivity  in  Canada, 
his  beneficence  to  his  unfortunate  countrymen  was  without  bounds, 
his  table  being  ever  free  to  the  distressed,  and  he  expended  up- 
wards of  20,000  livres  in  redeeming  prisoners. 


CLXXXVI  APPENDIX. 

1759  May  14th. — The  New  vYork  regiment  compleated  to 
2500  men  embarked  for  Albany. 

About  this  time  I  observe  for  the  first  time  that  the  College  of 
New  York  is  called  "  King's  College." 

The  advertisements  of  runaway  negroes,  and  indented  servants, 
are  exceeded  by  those  of  deserted  soldiers. 

New  Jersey  raised  1000  men.  Massachusetts  5000.  Connec* 
ticut  3600.  New  York  26S0.  Pennsylvania  2700.  Virginia 
1000.  Total  15,980.  Connecticut  raised  more  troops  than 
New  York. 

Ames's  Almanack  for  1759  made  an  attempt  to  describe  the 
future  history  of  our  then  colonies,  in  language  which,  though  then 
prophetick,  is  now  but  faintly  historical : — 

Empires  conceiv'd,  a  while  in  embryo  lay  ; 

Then  sprout  and  grow  and  branching  spread  away, 

The  book  of  fate  contains  all  earthly  things, 

The  state  of  kingdoms  and  the  race  of  kings. 

Th'  adventurons  muse  these  brazen  leaves  unfolds, 

And  future  days  as  present  now  beholds. 

Where  Powwow's  huts  in  wild  disorder  stood, 

With  lofty  spires,  temples  are  raised  to  God ; 

On  meadow  bank,  where  savage  pagans  met, 

Majestic  halls  of  public  justice  set. 

And  splendid  courts  magnificently  shine 

With  equal  jjomi)  to  George's  royal  line. 

In  time  thy  towers  shall  vie  with  Europe's  pride. 

And  crowned  heads  would  gladly  here  reside, 

November  10th: — The  king's  birth-day  kept  with  fire  works 
and  other  rejoicings,  and  the  militia  company  of  grenadiers  mus- 
tered at  the  house  of  Mr.  John  Marshall,  at  the  North  River, 
where  they  roasted  an  ox  at  their  own  expense,  and  eat  and  drank 
loyally.  This  company  under  Captain  Vandyke  were  among  the 
fugitives,  if  not  among  the  fighters,  at  the  batde  of  Brooklyn,  in 
1776. 

The  manner  in  which  the  war  w^as  carried  on  by  the  parties  of 
French  and  their  Indians,  on  the  English  and  their  Indians,  is  hor- 
rible to  recollect,  disgusting  to  bring  to  the  imagination.  We  have 
seen  how  a  party  of  Indians  led  by  the  French  attacked  the  sleep- 
ing inhabitants  of  Schenectady  in  1690.  In  this  year  Major 
Rogers  an  EngHsh  officer,  led  a  party  from  Crown  Point  against 
the  Indian  town  of  St.  Francis.  He  had  142  men,  officers  in- 
cluded ;  and  after  twenty-two  days  march  through  the  wilderness, 
on  climbing  a  tree  to  reconnoitre,  the  Major  discovered  that  he  was 
about  three  miles  from  the  Indian  town.  In  the  woods  he  halted, 
and  taking  two  officers  with  him  on  whose  skill  in  ambuscade  he 
could  depend,  he  crept  stealthily  forward  to  the  town  and  satisfied 
himself  that  the  inhabitants  were  not  aware  of  any  approaching 
lenemy,  but  in  perfect  security  enjoying  themselves  in   dancing. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXXXVII 

He  returned  to  his  soldiers,  made  his  disposition  for  falling  upon 
the  unsuspecting  natives,  and  marched  in  silence  his  columns  upon 
the  diffierent  avenues  to  the  villaoje.  Two  hours  before  sunrise 
these  Christian  soldiers  rushed  upon  the  unconscious  inhabitants, 
who  were  "  all,"  he  says,  "  fast  asleep."  They  were  murdered 
unresisting  and  unarmed — all,  he  says,  except  a  few  who  fled  to 
the  water  for  escape  ;  but  about  forty  of  the  English  followed  and 
*'  sunk  both  them  and  their  boat."  He  then  set  fire  to  the  houses, 
and  in  the  flames  many  poor  creatures  perished  who  had  concealed 
themselves  in  *'  cellars  and  lofts."  The  Major  adds,  that  *'  having 
killed  upwards  of  200  Indians,  and  taken  20  of  their  women  and 
children,"  he  turned  off"  15  of  them,  of  course  to  perish  in  the 
w^oods,  as  all  their  shelter  and  food  had  been  destroyed  or  appro- 
priated— to  avoid  a  party  of  French  and  Indians  which  he  heard 
were  on  the  alert ;  he  then  dispersed  his  men,  appointing  a  place 

of  rendezvous,  and  finally  returned  in  safety. 
1760  February  12th. — As  a  party  of  Major  Rogers's  men 
(about  twenty-four)  were  escorting  a  sum  of  money  from 
Ticonderoga  to  Crown  Point,  they  were  attacked  by  the  French 
Indians  to  the  amount  of  perhaps  a  hundred,  who  killed  fourteen 
of  the  English,  w^ounded  others,  (who  fled  back  to  the  fort)  and 
carried  off  the  money,  intended  to  pay  the  garrison  of  Crown 
Point. 

August  5th. — The  ship  Minohead,  Captain  Forrest,  arrived  at 
Sandy  Hook  from  Lisbon.  A  ship  of  war  "  lying  in  the  road 
sent  a  boat  to  demand  her  men  :  but  on  refusal  of  the  ship's  com- 
pany, who  had  seized  all  the  small  arms  and  confined  the  captain 
and  officers,"  a  signal  was  made  by  the  men-of-war's  men  for  as- 
sistance, and  three  boats  came,  manned  and  armed  under  the 
Minoheads  stern,  "  sometimes  discharging  small  arms  and  de- 
manding admittance."  The  crew  refused,  and  notwithstanding 
that  the  captain  informed  the  naval  officers  (from  his  cabin  window) 
that  he  was  in  confinement,  and  his  officers,  and  the  ship  com- 
manded by  the  sailors,  the  ship  of  war  repeatedly  fired  upon  the 
merchantman  grape-shot,  langrage  and  twelve  pound  balls,  which 
damaged  her  spars  and  sails,  killed  one  man,  and  wounded  another. 

September  8th. — The  inhabitants  of  Montgomery  ward  protest 
against  the  corporation's  taxing  them  for  opening  a  canal  in  Ferry 
street.  They  say,  as  Englishmen,  they  are  not  to  be  taxed  but 
with  their  consent  given  by  their  representatives  in  the  legislature, 
and  that  the  corporation  has  no  right  to  tax  the  city  or  any  part 
of  it,  without  an  act  of  assembly. 

We  have  seen  in  this  work  specimens  of  the  fruit  produced,  by 
the  offer  of  a  reward  for  every  Indian  scalp,  whether  belonging  to 
man,  woman,  or  child,  that  should  be  brought  to  the  rulers  of 
Penn's  peaceful  province.     In  this  year,  North  CaroHna  to  punish 


CLXXXVIII  APPENDIX. 

the  Cherokees  for  returning  evil  for  evil,  enacted  a  lav^,  by  which 
all  Indian  prisoners  should  become  slaves  to  their  captors,  and 
every  inhabitant  should  receive  a  reward  for  producing  an  Indian 
scalp.  But  judging  from  the  Indian  war  in  this  region  at  this  time, 
such  a  law  did  not  tend  to  concihate  the  ancient  proprietors  of  the 
soil. 

October  10th. — The  common  council  ordered  an  address  to  his 
excellency,  General  Amherst,  for  his  success  in  the  reduction  of 
Canada,  and  tlie  freedom  of  the  city  in  a  gold  box. 

November  24th. — The  address  to  Amherst  is  read.  It  attributes 
to  him  the  annexing  Canada  to  his  majesty's  dominions  ;  and  mil- 
lions yet  unborn,  *'  while  they  reap  the  happy  fruits  of  your  mar- 
tial virtues,  will  not  cease  to  bless  the  name  of  Amherst."  They 
detail  the  designs  of  France,  and  the  ill  success  of  the  previous 
efforts  against  Canada,  and  speak  of  the  advantages  wrested  from 
the  French  by  Amherst's  "  unexampled  conduct,  seconded  by  the 
matchless  heroism  of  the  much  lamented  Wolfe,"  and  in  the  Draft 
of  a  Freedom,  the  common  council  attribute  the  reduction  of  Ca- 
nada "  to  the  singular  wisdom  and  valour  of  Amherst." 
1761  January  11th. — On  Sunday,  the  principal  inhabitants  of 

this  city  entered  into  mourning  for  the  death  of  the  king, 
(George  II.)  The  churches  were  hung  with  mourning,  and  ser- 
mons preached,  suitable  to  the  occasion.  An  anthem  was  performed 
at  Trinity  Church. 

15th. — The  Narrows  were  frozen  over. 

17th. — George  III.  was  proclaimed  in  New  York.  The  city 
regiment  of  militia,  and  independent  companies,  were  under  arms, 
and  marched  from  the  fort  gate  to  the  City  Hall.  The  indepen- 
dent company  of  Grenadiers  paraded  in  the  fort.  The  king's 
council,  the  mayor,  common  council,  and  clergy,  with  General 
Amherst  and  officers,  attended  at  the  fort  when  the  proclamation 
was  read,  and  the  ceremony  ended  by  three  huzzas,  and  twenty- 
one  guns  from  the  fort.  The  lieutenant-governour  orders  the 
necessary  change  in  the  prayers,  in  all  the  churches  in  the  province. 

May  28th. — Philadelphia — On  Saturday  last  commencement. 
"  An  Ode,  sacred  to  the  memory  of  our  late  gracious  sovereign, 
George  II.,  written  and  set  to  musick,  in  a  very  grand  and  masterly 
taste,  by  Francis  Hopkinson,  Esq.,  A.  M.  of  the  College  of  this 
city."*  When  he  w^as  a  man,  he  wrote  *'  The  Battle  of  the 
Kegs." 

September  18th. — Several  of  the  ex-mayors  claim  to  retain  in 
their  hands  half  the  amount  received  by  them  during  their  mayor- 


*  See  Parker's  Postboy,  of  this  date. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CLXXXIX 

alties  for  "  stalls  and  standings;"  and  a  committee  advise  to  agren, 
reserving  the  right  to  all  the  monies  proceeding  from  stalls  and 
standings  in  future,  or  that  ^100  per  annum  be  appropriated  to  the 
mayor  for  the  time  being,  and  the  remainder  to  be  for  the  common 
council. 

October  30th. — An  address  ordered  to  "  his  Excellency  Robert 
Monckton,  captain-general  and  governour-in-chief  of  the  province 
of  New  York."     The  freedom  of  the  city  with  its  arms  on  the  lid 
of  the  gold  box  containing  it,  is  presented. 

1762  March  7th. — Colonel  Peter   Schuyler  died,  at  his  seat 
at  Newark,  in   East  Jersey. 

18th. — Severe  winter  continuing  to  this  date. 

Counterfeiters  abound,  both  of  paper  and  hard  money.  At 
Poughkeepsie,  a  silversmith  (Hamilton)  committed  on  suspicion  of 
making  false  money,  hung  himself. 

A  negro-plot  was  this  year  discovered  at  Schenectady.  Three 
conspirators  in  jail — ten  not  yet  taken.  Another  negro  lately  mur- 
dered his  mistress  and  fled. 

1763  April  ISth. — Dr.  Cooper  was  elected  president  of  King's 
College;  Dr.  Johnson  having  resigned. 

May  16th. — King's  College  receives  a  donation  of  1,200  vol- 
umes— left  to  it  by  Dr.  Bristow,  of  England.  At  commencement, 
May  23d,  Messrs.  Depeyster,  Cuyler,  Verplanck,  Livingston, 
Watts,  Bayard,  Wilkins,  Hoffman,  and  Marston,  took  degrees. 
All  these  names  continue  among  the  foremost  in  New  York,  to 
this  day.     Is  not  this  a  proof  of  the  force  of  education  ? 

Weyman  publishes  his  Gazette  in  Broad  street,  opposite  Syna- 
gogue alley.  There  being  no  numbers  to  the  houses,  directions 
are  given  in  the  advertisements  by  opposite  to  Mr.  so-and-so,  and 
next  door  to  such  or  such  a  sign. 

Under  date  of  June  6th,  a  record  of  retribution  is  given.  A 
slaver,  or  Guineaman,  from  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  (the  great 
slave-market  for  die  southern  planters,)  was  wrested  from  the  cap- 
tain and  crew  by  the  slaves  they  were  preparing  to  bring  from  their 
friends  and  home,  and  the  officers  and  some  of  the  sailors  were 
put  to  death.  Other  Europeans  or  Americans  endeavoured  to 
regain  the  vessel.  The  Africans  defended  themselves,  but  unused 
to  gunpowder  and  firearms,  blew  up  the  vessel,  and  most  of  them 
perished.  These  scenes  of  murder  were,  and  probably  are,  fre- 
quent. 

November  10th. — There  is  in  Holt's  Gazette  a  long  account  of 
disorderly  people  doing  mischief  and  pilfering  on  Sundays,  in  the 
Bowery,  particularly  that  a  great  number  surrounded  the  orchard 
of  Mr.  Nicholas  Bayard,  where  a  large  quantity  of  apples  "  lay  on 
heaps  for  making  cider,"  and  Mr.  Bayard  being  from  home,  the 
overseer  was  abused,  who  then  ordered  a  gun  to  be  brought,  which 


CXC  APPENDIX. 

kept  them  off  till  dark  ;  when  the  orchard  was  attacked,  and  he 
fired  at  the  legs  of  one,  and  wounded  him.  The  family  sent  ano- 
ther gun,  and  a  reinforcement  of  another  white  man.  The  loafers 
came  on  again,  supposing  the  garrison  out  of  ammunition,  but 
received  another  shot  in  the  legs  of  one  of  the  party,  who  then 
retreated.  Mr.  Bayard,  on  returning,  kept  watch  with  his  neigh- 
bours all  night.  All  this  occurred  near  the  present  Grand  street 
and  Bowery. 

17th. — The  assembly  vote  to  raise  200  men  for  the  defence  of 
Ulster  and  Orange  counties  against  the  Indians. 

I  find  at  this  time  2,000  firkins  of  butter  advertised  as  arrived 
in  one  ship  from  Belfast,  and  a  large  quantity  in  another  from 
Cork. 

In  November,  a  negro  who  was  executed  at  Fresh  Water,  (pro- 
bably where  Centre  street  now  strikes  Pearl  street)  was  cut  down 
from  the  gallows  by  the  mob,  and  dragged  through  the  streets  until 
o?ie  gentleman  "  put  a  stop  to  their  inhumanity  by  seizing  the 
corpse  and  ordering  it  to  be  interred."  It  is  thus  that  brutal  vio- 
lence will  oft-times  yield  to  and  bow  before  moral  courage.  Why 
is  not  the  name  of  this  gentleman  given  f 

December. — "  To  be  sold,  a  negro-wench,  now  with  child." 
How  forcibly  such  an  advertisement  marks  the  feelings  of  the  time  ! 
If  it  were  possible  now  to  see  a  fellow-cieature  advertised  to  be 
sold,  how  startling  and  atrocious  it  would  appear  !  but  what  printer 
in  New  York  would  dare  to  add  the  words  which  mark  the  sex 
and  peculiar  condition  of  the  victim  of  avarice  and  injustice.'* 
Whitfield  was  preaching  in  New  I'ork  about  this  time. 

23d. — "  Whereas,  it  hath  this  day  been  represented  to  this 
board  that  John  Carpenter,  butcher,  hath  openly  and  contemp- 
tuously declared  that  he  would  sell  his  beef  for  4Jd.  per  lb. 
in  spite  of  all  the  wise  heads  that  made  the  law  could  do,  or  words 
to  that  effect,"  he  is  ordered  to  appear  before  this  board,  at  the 
house  of  Walter  Brock,  inn-keeper,  near  the  City  Hall,  "to  show 
cause  why  he  should  not  be  disfranchised." 

Jacob  Arden,  another  butcher,  is  complained  of,  for  speaking  in 
a  contemptuous  manner,  and  publickly  violating  the  law  for  assizing 
all  kinds  of  provisions.  The  board  request  the  mayor  to  remove 
him  out  of  the  markets,  until  he  shall  have  obtained  the  freedom  of 
the  city. 

Carpenter  attended,  and  William  Bayard,  Esq.  proved  on  oath 
the  charge  against  him.  The  board  ordered  him  to  be  disfran- 
chised. 

The  former  law  of  assizing,  or  fixing  the  price  of  provision,  is 
repealed,  and  another  passed,  fixing  the  price  of  beef  4Jd.  per  lb., 
pork  5 J  per  lb.,  veal,  the  hind  quarter  6d.,  the  fore  quarter  4^d., 
mutton  4Jd.,  butter  15d.  per  lb.,  milk  6  coppers  the  quart. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXCI 

1764         January  12th. — For  a  long  time,  there  appears  to  have 
been  no  pubhck  whipper,  but  now  James  O'Brien  is  paid 
£d  for  a  quarter's  salary. 

The  New  York  Gazette  or  Weekly  Postboy  is  printed  in  Broad 
street,  near  the  Exchange,  by  John  Holt,  who  had  been  concerned 
with  James  Parker,  but  now  has  sole  control.  "  Advertisements  of 
moderate  length,  53.  for  four  weeks,  and  Is.  for  each  week  after." 

19th. — On  Sunday  night  last,  (January  loth,)  the  city  of  New 
York  was  alarmed  by  the  ringing  of  bells  and  cry  of  fire,  arising 
from  the  riotous  attack  of  a  party  of  soldiers  upon  the  jail,  (new 
jail,  now  the  record  office.)  They  broke  in,  (the  front  door  was 
open)  with  guns  and  axes,  shouting  Major  Rogers  !  who  was  con- 
fined for  debt.  They  demanded  the  keys  of  Mr.  Mills,  who  re- 
fused :  in  their  attempts  to  force  them  from  him,  he  w^as  wounded. 
The  lights  were  extinguished,  and  they  fired  three  shots  through 
the  grate  of  die  inner  door.  A  ball  grazed  the  eyebrow  of  the 
man  they  came  to  set  free.  They  forced  the  door,  and  demanded 
the  Major;  he  said,  "Here  I  am."  One  of  them  said,  "You  are 
my  prisoner.  He  said,  "I  am  afraid,  gentlemen,  you  will  ruin 
me."  They  told  the  debtors  they  Vvould  set  them  all  \ree.  The 
prisoners  did  not  choose  to  be  forced  into  liberty,  and  the  sol- 
diers seemed  to  be  determined  to  give  them  death  or  liberty.  The 
militia  arrived  in  force,  and  the  riot  was  quelled.  On  the  trial  of 
the  soldiers,  they  said,  that  Rogers  was  privy  to  the  attempt. 

February  10th. — The  Exchange  is  let  for  <;£80  per  year.  The 
"  committee  of  the  new  jail"  are  empowered  to  cause  to  be 
erected  opposite  the  said  new  jail  a  publick  whipping-post,  stocks, 
cage,  and  pillory. 

People  begin  to  think  of  looking  for  coal  in  America. 

May  Commencement  held  at  St.  George's  Chapel.  General 
Gage  and  his  majesty's  council,  etc.,  present.  Richard  Harrison, 
seventeen  years  of  age,  delivered  the  salutatory  oration — John  Jay, 
a  dissertation  on  the  blessings  of  peace. 

In  May,  a  gold  mndal  was  adjudged,  at  Edinburgh,  to  Samuel 
Bard,  of  New  York,  student  of  medicine,  "  by  Dr.  Hope,  for  pro- 
moting the  study  of  Botany." 

June  18th. — "  The  New  York  Light-house  erected  at  Sandy 
Hook,  was  lighted  for  the  first  time.  The  long  wished  for  ferry, 
is  now  established,  from  the  place  called  Powless's  Hook,  to  the 
city  of  New  York.  The  landing  on  the  New  York  side  is  fixed  at 
the  dock,  commonly  called  Miesier's  Dock,"  opposite  "  Powless's 
Hook,"  distance  three  quarters  of  a  mile.  Also  a  ferry  established 
across  the  "  Kill  Van  KuU,"  from  Staten  Island  to  Bergen. 

August  5th. — Alderman  John  Lawrence,  of  New  York,  died. 
Rev.  Mr.  Whitfield  preached  his  funeral  sermon,  and  he  was  bu- 
ried in  Lord  Stirling's  vault,  at  Trinity  Church. 


CXCII  APPENDIX. 

14th. — Alexander  Forbes,  "  the  present  keeper  or  over- 
seer of  the  work  house  or  alms  house  and  house  of  correction, 
having  petitioned  for  more  salary,  ordered,  the  sum  of  ^20  be  given 
him,  in  consideration  of  the  many  perquisites  he  has  lost,  occasioned 
by  the  said  house  of  correction  being  without  any  whipper  for  a 
considerable  time." 

September  4th. — A   question  is  raised,  in  the  common  council' 
whether  "  the  people  residing  on  that  part  of  New  Jersey  called 
Powle's  Hook,  have  any  right  of  ferriage  to  and  from  this  city." 

1765  January  10th. — A   traveller   passing   from   Albany  to 
Boston,  put  up  at  a  tavern  and  gave  his  bags  with  money 

in  charge  of  the  landlord.  Next  day  proceeding,  he  found  his 
horse  lame  and  stopped  at  a  blacksmith's,  who  found  the  horse  had 
been  cut  just  above  one  of  his  hoofs,  and  some  of  the  hair  drawn 
through  the  wound.  He  inquired  where  the  traveller  lodged  last 
night,  and  being  told,  shook  his  head  and  advised  him  not  to  pur- 
sue his  journey  through  the  woods  alone.  "  I  have  good  pistols  !" 
"Examine  them !"  He  did,  and  found  that  the  charge  had  been 
drawn,  and  supplied  with  dirt.  This  confirmed  suspicion,  and  the 
blacksmith  advised  him  not  to  go  on.  The  traveller  persisted, 
and  cleaning  and  reloading  his  pistols,  pursued  his  way.  The 
blacksmith,  anxious  for  his  safety,  mounted  his  horse  and  followed. 
Before  he  overtook  the  traveller,  he  heard  two  pistols  discharged, 
and  soon  met  the  traveller  returning,  w^io  said,  '*  I  have  done  the 
business  for  two  of  them  !"  It  being  near  night,  he  returned  to  the 
blacksmith's  and  remained  until  morning,  when  they  both  entered 
the  wood,  and  found  the  landlord  and  his  son  dead — the  victims 
of  their  own  plot  to  rob  the  wayfarer. 

24th. — The  grand  jury  return  thanks  to  the  judges,  for  deciding 
that  it  is  illegal  to  appeal  from  a  verdict  of  a  jury,  to  the  governour 
and  council.     This  was  one  of  the  struggles  of  the  governours  for 
arbitrary  power. 

1766  At  different  periods,  mobs  assembled  upon  the  eastern 
part  of  the  manor  of  Rensselaer.      They    called   at  his 

house,  and  left  a  message  for  him,  that  if  he  did  not  appear  at  their 
place  of  rendezvous,  they  would  come  to  him. 

On  the  26th  of  June,  the  sheriff  of  Albany,  with  105  men,  went 
to  a  house  on  the  manor  to  disperse  the  rioters,  of  whom  there  were 
about  60.  On  the  sheriff's  approach  to  the  house,  they  fired  upon 
him  and  shot  off  his  hat  and  wig,  without  injuring  him.  Several 
shots  were  exchanged,  and  Mr.  Cornelius  Tenbrook,  of  Claverack, 
was  killed,  and  seven  others  of  the  miHtia  wounded.  Three  of 
the  rioters  were  killed,  and  many  wounded  :  among  the  latter, 
Captain  Noble,  one  of  the  leaders.  They  retreated  to  Noble's 
house,  where  they  formed  a  breastwork  and  kept  their  ground  until 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXCIII 

the  sheriff  and  his  party  left  the  place.  On  another  day  the  rioters, 
or  Pendergrast's  party  had  a  skirmish  with  a  party  of  regulars,  with 
some  loss. 

July  15th. — Gage  writes  from  New  York,  to  Conway,  that  the 
2Sth  Regiment  had  been  ordered  into  Duchess  county  to  assist  in 
executing  the  laws,  and  to  quell  riots ;  that  a  small  body  of  Light 
Infantry  had  been  fired  upon  by  the  rioters,  and  three  wounded  ; 
the  fire  returned,  some  of  the  rioters  wounded ;  all  pursued  and 
dispersed.  That  in  Albany  county  a  skirmish  took  place  between 
the  sheriff  and  his  followers,  200,  and  a  party  of  rioters  ;  some 
killed  and  wounded  on  both  sides,  but  the  sheriff's  party  was  put  to 
flight. 

Permission  given  by  the  king  to  the  colony  of  New  York  to  issue 
paper  bills  to  the  amount  of  <£260,000,  their  currency. 

2Sth. — Pendergrast,  the  rioter,  having  been  taken,  with  others. 
Chief-justice  Horsemanden  embarked  for  Duchess  county  to  try 
them.  Pendergrast  was  tried  for  high  treason,  and  sentenced  ac- 
cordingly. 

At  the  trial  of  Pendergrast,  mentioned  above,  the  court,  besides 
the  chief-justice,  consisted  of  Messrs.  John  Watts,  William  Wal- 
ton, Oliver  Delancey,  Joseph  Reade,  William  Smith,  jun.,  John 
Morin  Scott,  and  Whitehead  Hicks.  The  usual  barbarous  sentence 
against  traitors  was  pronounced,  and  it  is  stated  that  the  prisoner  be- 
haved very  penitent.  He  was  to  be  executed  in  September.  Fifty 
or  sixty  others  were  fined,  imprisoned,  or  pilloried;  "  Any  person 
inclining  to  assist  at  the  execution  of  Pendergrast,  by  applying  to 
James  Livingston,  the  sheriff  of  Duchess  county,  will  meet  with  a 
good  reward  ;  he  sliall  be  disguised  so  as  not  to  be  known,  and  se- 
cured from  insults." 

August  11th. — Depositions  taken  before  the  magistrates,  state 
that  on  the  llth  August,  when  the  people  had  assembled  to  '*  erect 
a  post  that  had  been  taken  down  the  night  before,"  (the  liberty-pole 
in  the  fields)  a  party  of  soldiers  with  their  bayonets  in  their  hands, 
some  unsheathed,  and  others  in  the  act  of  unsheathing,  attacked  the 
people,  cutting  and  slashing  every  one  that  fell  in  their  way — the 
people  retreating,  pursued  to  Chapel  street,  (Beekman)  and  that 
among  the  persons  cut  and  wounded,  were  Captain  Sears  and 
John  Berrien.  To  these  facts,  sworn  before  John  Cruger  and 
Nicholas  Roosevelt,  we  have  the  names  of  Theophilus  Harden- 
brook,  Peter  Vandervoort,  Isaac  Sears,  John  Berrien,  Cornelius 
Berrien,  Philip  Will,  and  Ephraim  Brasher.  Major  Brown,  of  the 
2Sth  Regiment,  to  which  the  soldiers  belonged,  said,  on  reading 
the  affidavit,  that  he  would  "  prove  every  word  of  it  to  be  false," 
and  Hardenbrook  and  Vandervoort  threaten  to  prosecute  him  for 
his  assertion. 

September. — Sir  H.  Moore  reprieves  Pendergrast  until  his  ma- 

Y 


CXCIV  APPENDIX. 

jesty's  pleasure  be  known.  Lacly^Moore  releases,  by  paying  their 
debts,  all  the  prisoners  at  Albany,  confined  for  less  than  ^30. 

November  17th. — Sir  H.  Moore  sent  a  messae-e  to  the  New 
York  assembly  respecting  the  quartering  of  troops  and  finding 
necessaries,  and  they  tell  him  that  in  providing  for  two  battalions 
and  a  company  of  artillery,  that  had  burthened  their  constituents 
beyond  other  colonies,  they  thought  themselves  entitled  to  com- 
mendation rather  than  censure  from  England  ;  that  they  con- 
sidered it  their  duty,  to  provide  for  troops  on  a  march,  and 
that  by  providing  for  them  permanently  and  for  an  indefinite 
number,  the  burthen  w^ould  be  beyond  their  power. 

18th. — Governour  Moore  lays  before  the  assembly  of  New 
York  Lord  Shelburne's  letter,  in  which  he  says,  ''  I  am  or- 
dered to  signify  to  you  by  the  king,  that  it  is  the  indispensable  duty 
of  his  subjects  in  America  to  obey  the  acts  of  the  legislature  of 
Great  Britain,  the  king  both  expects  and  requires  a  due  and  cheer- 
ful obedience  to  the  same."  He  therefore  requires  a  compliance 
with  the  Act  "  for  quartering  his  majesty's  troops,  in  the  full  ex- 
tent and  meaning  of  the  act."  The  governour  adds,  "that  he 
flatters  himself  no  difficulties  can  possibly  arise,  or  the  least  objec- 
tion be  made  to  the  provision  for  the  troops  as  required  by  the  act 
of  parliament." 

December  ISth. — Governour  Franklin  writes  from  Burlington, 
New  Jersey,  that  he  had  endeavoured  to  make  his  legislature  do 
all  required  by  his  majesty  for  finding  the  troops,  but  they  would 
only  do  as  has  been  done  before. 

A  sloop  bound  from  New  York  to  Fayal,  commanded  by  Cap- 
tain Harrison,  became  a  wreck  on  the  sea,  from  a  storm,  and  the 
people  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  casting  lots  for  life,  or  to  become 
the  food  of  the  living.  A  negro  was  killed  and  eaten  :  this  lasted 
seven  days.  Another  man  drew  the  lot  of  death,  and  became  mad ; 
but  before  he  was  killed,  a  sail  appeared,  and  discovering  them, 
although  they  had  no  canvass  to  hoist,  relieved  them. 

The  boundary  fine  between  New  York  and  Canada  is  fixed  at 
Lat.  45,  which  crosses  Lake  Champlain  about  two  and  a  half  miles 
north  of  Windmill  Point,  and  is  marked  by  openings  made  on 
each  side  of  the  lake,  where  several  trees  are  girdled,  and  square 
posts  set  up,  marked  with  the  letters  Y.  and  Q.  (York  and  Quebec.) 
Sir  H.  Moore  and  General  Carleton  were  present.  While  Moore 
was  at  Windmill  Point,  several  Canadian  gentlemen  waited  upon 
him  and  preferred  their  claims  to  lands  on  both  sides  of  the  lake, 
founded  on  grants  from  the  French  king,  as  far  south  as  Crown 
Point.  They  were  informed  that  these  claims  must  be  referred  to 
the  king  and  council. 

The  first  Methodist  church  in  America  was  erected  this  year,  in 
John  street,  New  York. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXCV 

1767  January  17th. — There  was   a   plan   in   agitation   to 

establish  by  subscription  a  publick  academy  in  New  York 
for  the  study  of  architecture,  sculpture,  and  painting.* 

May  15th. — A  bill  was  brought  in  parliament  and  passed,  to 
punish  New  York  for  disobedience,  in  not  complying  with  the  or- 
ders for  quartering  troops,  (as  specified  by  his  majesty)  by  prohi- 
biting the  passing  of  any  law  whatsoever  in  the  colony. 

Governour  Bernard  and  his  assembly  of  Massachusetts  quarrel 
about  the  expenses  of  quartering  troops,  etc.  This  subject  causes 
discontent  all  through  the  colonies. 

A  petition  from  the  merchants  of  New  York  was  presented  to 
parliament,  pointing  out  grievances  under  which  their  commerce 
lay,  and  praying  such  redress  as  would  be  beneficial  to  both  coun- 
tries.    It  was  laid  on  the  table  and  not  noticed. 

September  3d. — A  soldier  of  the  IGth  Regiment  drunk,  and  in 
company  whh  two  prostitutes,  fell  off  the  ramparts  of  the  battery, 
and  was  drowned,  although  in  shoal  water  ;  the  women  were 
ordered  to  be  whipped  at  the  workhouse.  The  accounts  of  crimes 
are  great,  in  proportion  to  the  population ;  but  most  are  commit- 
ted, as  now,  by  Europeans. 

Professors  at  King's  College — Samuel  Glossy,  of  Anatomy ; 
Peter  Middleton,  Theory  of  Physick  ;  John  Jones,  Surgery  ; 
James  Smith,  Ghem.  and  Mat.  Med.  ;  John  Tenant,  Midwifery  ; 
Samuel  Bard,  Practice  of  Physick.  Dr.  Jones  extracted  a  stone 
from  the  bladder  of  a  boy,  between  four  and  five  years  old,  suc- 
cessfully. 

November  17th. — Twenty  negroes  "  received  the  discipline  of 
the  whip,  at  the  publick  whipping-post,  having  been  detected  the 
Thursday  night  before  in  a  junketting-frolick,  designed  in  a  poor 
white  man's  house,  in  the  Out  ward  of  this  city,  where  two  pigs, 
ready  for  the  fire,  and  two  gallons  of  wine  awaited  them ;  and 
though  the  proofs  were  not  positive,  they  were  such  as  left  the 
design  out  of  doubt.  It  is  such  houses  that  ruin  servants,  as  the 
receiver  is  as  bad  as  the  thief  "t 

A  bill  was  brought  into  the  house  of  assembly  "  to  prevent  the 
unnatural  and  unwarrantable  custom  of  enslaving  mankind,  and  the 
importation  of  slaves  into  this  province."  It  was  changed  into  an 
act  "  for  laying  an  impost  on  negroes  imported."  This  could  not 
pass  the  governour  and  council ;  and  it  was  afterward  known  that 
Benning  I.  Wentworth,  the  governour  of  New  Hampshire  had 
received  instructions  not  to  pass  any  law  "imposing  duties  on 
negroes  imported  into  that  province."     Hutchinson,  of  Massachu- 


*  See  Holt's  Journal,  of  this  date, 
t  Weyman's  Gazette. 


CXCYI  APPENDIX. 

setts,  had  similar  instructions.     The  governour  and  his  majesty's 
council  knew  this  at  the  time. 

December  21st. — The  Society  for  promoting  Arts  met.  Philip 
P.  Schuyler  informed  them  that  he  had  in  the  present  year  erected 
a  flax-mill,  at  Saratoga,  and  the  society  adjudged  him  a  medal  and 

their  thanks. 
1768         January  1st. — The  Presbyterians  of  this  city,   in  com- 
munion with  the  established  Church  of  Scotland,  opened 
their  Brick  Church  lately  erected  on  the  green.     Preacher,  Dr. 
Rogers. 

2Sth. — Colonel  Kalb,  (afterwards  so  well  known  as  Baron  De 
Kalb,)  with  eight  others,  in  crossing  from  the  Blazing  Star,  New 
Jersey,  to  Staten  Island,  was  the  only  person  who  escaped  unin- 
jured, the  rest  either  dying,  from  suffering  all  night  on  a  sand 
island,  where  the  scow  sunk,  or  being  more  or  less  frozen  ;  some 
losing  toes,  others,  feet.  But  Kalb,  after  being  with  the  rest  res- 
cued from  their  perishing  situation,  instead  of  sitting  with  them  by 
the  fire,  put  his  feet  and  legs  in  cold  water,  and  took  some  refresh- 
ment, then  went  to  bed,  and  got  up  unhurt  by  the  frost.  One  gen- 
tleman, a  INIr.  George,  died  before  succour  arrived.  Kalb  died, 
fighting  for  the  liberties  of  this  country,  at  Camden. 

February  12th. — The  friends  of  James  Delancey  solicit  votes  for 
him,  although  he  is  in  England,  as  he  had  declared  before  going 
that  he  intended  to  return  soon  enough  to  offer  himself  as  a  repre- 
sentative in  the  assembly,  but  is  detained  solely  to  serve  America 
at  the  present  parliament.  Jacob  Walton  offers  himself  as  a  can- 
didate, and  requests  the  favour  of  votes  and  interest.  Lewis  Mor- 
ris and  John  Delancey  were  the  opposite  candidates  for  West- 
chester borough  ;  and  Delancey  elected  b}^  three  votes. 

13th. — Thomas  Shrieve,  coroner,  receives  £1  ISs.,  for  the 
burial  of  49  bodies,  for  one  year,  ending  1st  January. 

March  3d. — The  friends  of  James  Delancey  assure  the  publick 
that  he  is  coming  home. 

Abraham  Ten  Broeck  chosen  for  the  manor  of  Rensselaer. 
Peter  R.  Livingston  for  the  manor  of  Livingston,  (he  being  a  resi- 
dent of  Albany.)  Jacob  H.  Ten  Eyck  and  Philip  Schuyler  for 
the  county  of  Albany.  Dirk  Brinckerhoff  and  Leonard  Van 
Kleeck  for  Duchess  county.  George  Chnton  was  member  for 
Ulster. 

There  were  at  this  time  four  judges  of  the  supreme  court,  viz  : 
Daniel  Horsemanden,  chief-justice  ;  David  Jones,  William  Smith, 
and  Robert  R.  Livingston,  justices. 

At  New  York  Commencement,  the  following  gentlemen  took 
degrees  :  Benjamin  Moore,  (afterwards  bishop,)  Governeur  Mor- 
ris, John  Stevens,  Gulien  Verplank,  Robert  Livingston,  Egbert 
Benson — (all  distinguished  hereafter) — James    Ludlow,    Charles 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXCVH 

Doughty,  Peter  Van  Schaick,  Rev.  John  Beardsley.  Messrs. 
Moore  and  Morris  were  presented  with  silver  medals  by  the  Lit- 
rary  Society. 

The  state  papers  of  1768,  of  New  York,  are  by  Chancellor  Kent 
compared  with,  and  thought  to  resemble  in  style,  spirit,  and  mat- 
ter, the  resolutions  and  addresses  of  the  first  continental  congress, 
in  1774.*  For  these  praiseworthy  addresses  and  resolutions,  the 
assembly  was  severely  rebuked  by  Sir  Henry  iNIoore,  and  dissolved. 
Philip  Schuyler  and  George  Clinton  were  among  the  foremost 
leaders  in  these  patriotick  resolutions,  and  continued  to  exert  them- 
selves in  the  same  station,  until  the  termination  of  colonial  legisla- 
tion, in  1775. 
1769  January  27th. — John  Cruger,  James  Delancey,  Jacob 

Walton  and  James  Jancey,  was  elected  to  the  assembly  for 
the  city  of  New  York.  The  four  successful  members  on  the  close 
of  the  poll  gave  £200  for  the  jwor. 

April  10th. — The  assembly  resolved  that  the  thanks  of  the  house 
be  given  to  the  merchants  of  the  city  and  colony  for  their  patriotick 
conduct  in  declining  the  importation  or  receiving  of  goods  from 
Great  Britain,  until  such  acts  of  parliament  as  the  general  assem- 
bly had  declared  unconstitutional  and  subversive  of  the  rights  and 
liberties  of  the  people  be  repealed. 

The  minority  of  the  assembly,  (and  in  which  minority  were 
Colonel  Schuyler  and  George  Clinton,)  asserted  that  taxable  free- 
hold estate  in  the  county  or  borough,  qualified  a  person  to  be  voted 
for  the  assembly  though  he  did  not  reside  therein.  The  majority 
determined  to  the  contrary. 

26th. — The  assembly  resolved,  that  non-resident  freeholders 
had  a  right  to  vote  for  members  of  assembly. 

May  Sth. — Major  Rogers  was  acquitted  of  charges  preferred 
against  him  :  but  the  deputy  adjutant-general,  says,  there  was  rea- 
son to  suspect  him  of  improper  correspondence,  and  his  attempt 
to  escape  confirmed  it. 

10th. — The  freeholders  of  the  manor  of  Livingston,  by  peti- 
tion, insisted  that  non-resident  freeholders  of  the  manor  were 
eligible  to  the  assembly — that  it  was  a  sacred  and  incontestable  pri- 
vilege in  the  English  constitution,  and  according  to  usage  in  the 
colony.  But  the  majority  of  the  assembly  held  otherwise,  and 
dismissed  Mr.  Llvins^ston  their  member  for  that  cause. 

17th. — The  assembly  resolved,  that  no  judge  of  the  supreme 
court  should  have  a  seat  in  their  house. 

July  20th. — Simeon  Cooley  made  his  amende  honorahle  to  his 
fellow  citizens  of  New  York,  for  his  opposition  to  the  non-impor- 


See  Chancellor  Kent's  Discourse  before  the  His,  Soc.  of  N.  Y.  p.  16. 


CXCVIII  APPENDIX. 

tation  agreement,  by  begging  pardon,  and  promising  to  send  the 
goods  in  his  possession  to  the  pi|bhck  stores,  and  never  offend 
again. 

Similar  apologies  were  made  by  traders  in  Philadelphia,  Bos- 
ton, New  Haven,  and  other  places. 

Robert  IMurray  of  New  York,  is  reported  to  owm  "  more  tons 
of,  and  value  in  shipping,  that  any  house  in  America." 

August  24th. — Theophilus  Hardenbrook,  and  other  house-car-, 
penters,  complain  to  the  common  council,  that  a  number  of  country 
carpenters  come  into  this  city  in  the  summer  season,  and  follow 
their  trade,  and  in  the  fall,  return  again  to  their  families,  without 
paying  taxes  or  assessments,  to  the  prejudice  of  the  petitioners. 

November  1st. — Celebrated  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  as  that  on 
which  the  inhabitants  of  the  colony  of  New  York,  determined  not 
to  surrender  their  rights  to  arbitrary  power,  "  however  august." 

Among  the  toasts — "  The  farmer  of  Pennsylvania — and  the 
authors  of  the  Boston  journal  of  occurrences — and  a  total  extinc- 
tion of  imphcit  belief." 

22d. — Died,  WilUam  Smith,  (the  historian  of  New  York,)  one 
of  the  justices  of  the  supreme  court,  etc.,  aged  73.  In  1753,  he 
was  made  one  of  his  majesty's  council. 

29th. — The  house  of  assembly  agreed  with  certain  resolutions 
of  the  house  of  burgesses  of  the  colony  and  dominion  of  Virginia, 
passed  the  16th  of  May,  1769,  "that  the  sole  right  of  imposing 
duties  on  the  inhabitants  of  the  colony  and  dominion  of  Virginia, 
is  constitutionally  vested  in  the  house  of  burgesses  with  the  con- 
sent of  the  council  and  the  governour.  That  it  is  the  privilege  of 
the  colony  to  petition  the  king  for  redress  of  grievances,  and  law- 
ful to  procure  the  concurrence  of  the  other  colonies  in  the  same. 
That  all  trials  for  treason  or  felony,  or  any  other  crime  committed 
in  the  colony,  ought  to  be  tried  within  the  colony. 

December  18th. — The  assembly  voted  that  a  certain  anonymous 
paper  was  a  false  and  infamous  libel.  It  was  signed  as  by  a  Son  of 
Liberty,  and  was  very  abusive  and  inflammatory  because  the  as- 
sembly had  voted  .£2000  to  supply  the  king's  troops  with  neces- 
saries. This  w^as  said  to  be  betraying  their  trust  and  country  :  it 
was  pusillanimous  and  contradictory  to  the  spirit  of  the  Massachu- 
setts and  South  Carolina  assemblies  :  it  represented  a  coalition 
between  the  Colden  and  Delancey  families.  That  the  assembly 
understood  they  must  be  dissolved  if  they  refused  the  vote.  The 
writer  recommends  a  meeting  in  the  fields.  The  money  w^as 
granted  by  twelve  to  eleven,  so  nearly  was  the  house  divided. 

19th. — The  assembly  voted  that  anonymous  papers  and  hand- 
bills reflecting  grossly  on  the  house  for  granting  supplies  for  the 
troops  in  barracks  were  a  false,  scandalous  and  infamous  libel,  and 
requested  the  governour  to  offer  a  reward  for  the  author. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CXCIX 

21st. — Robert  R.Livino^ston  returned  a  member  for  the  manor  of 
Livingston,  was  rejected  as  disqualified  being  a  judge  of  thesupreme 
court.  Colonel  Schuyler,  Colonel  Woodhull,  George  Clinton, 
were  for  him.     There  were   fourteen  asfainst   and  nine   for  him. 

a 

This  same  point  was  debated  the  25th  of  January,   1771,   and 
Judge  Livingston  excluded. 

In  this  year,  Samson  Occum,  the  Indian  preacher,  made  a  great 
impression,  perhaps,  from  the  novelty  and  known  difficulty  of  edu- 
cating the  individuals  of  this  people,  or  keeping  them  within  the 
bounds  of  civilized  society. 

The  celebrated  Whitfield,  preached  with  great  effect,  and  was 
the  precursor  of  Wesley's  ambassadors  of  peace  :  and  this  year, 
the  celebrated  Daniel  Boone,  commenced  his  exploring  expedi- 
tions into  the  western  wilderness. 

It  was  in  this  year,  that,  at  the  request  of  a  board  of 
commissioners,  authorized  by  the  legislature  of  New  York  and 
New  Jersey,  the  celebrated  David  Rittenhouse  fixed  the  point, 
where  the  parallel,  which  divides  New^  York  from  Pennsylvania, 
was  to  be  traced  westward.  The  northern  limit  of  New  Jersey 
upon  Hudson's  river,  is  the  41st  degree  of  latitude.  The  point 
where  this  parallel  intersects  the  shore,  was  fixed  by  the  astrono- 
mer at  this  time.  The  northern  limit  of  both  Pennsylvania  and 
New  Jersey,  upon  the  Delaware,  is  the  42d  degree  of  latitude ; 
and  this  parallel  continued  westward,  divides  Pennsylvania  from 
New  York. 

Rittenhouse  was  appointed  by  Pennsylvania,  as  commissioner 
to  meet  a  commissioner  from  New  York,  and  determine  the  place 
where  this  parallel  intersects  the  Delaware. 

In  this  year.  Sir  William  Draper,  better  known  as  an  opponent 
of  Junius,  than  as  conqueror  of  Manilla,  came  to  America,  and 
travelled  from  Carolina  northward,  at  New  York  marrying  Miss 
Delancey.  He  played  racket  or  fives,  with  great  skill,  but  found 
his  match  in  New  York,  in  a  tin-man,  who  was  the  hero  of  the 
Tennis  court  or  five  alley  in  the  fields,  a  short  distance  from  the 
celebrated  publick  house,  Montague's  or  Montanye's,  where  the 
Sons  of  Liberty  met ;  the  same  Tennis  court,  where  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  threw  off  his  coat  and  his  dignity,  some  years  later.  The 
tin-man,  no  doubt,  beat  Sir  WiUiam  easily,  and  used  to  say,  that 
he  could  have  done  it  with  a  wheelbarrow  tied  to  one  hand.  Sir 
William  bore  this  beating  better  than  that  of  Junius.     The  next 

year,  the  knight  returned  to  England,  carrying  his  bride. 
1770         January  9th. — A    bill    for   electing   representatives   in 
assembly  by  ballot  was  denied  a  second  reading.     For  the 
bill  twelve,  (including  Colonel   Schuyler,  Colonel  Woodhull  and 
George  Clinton,)  against  it  thirteen. 


€0  APPENDIX. 

11th. — A  bill  was  introduced  by  Mr.  Thomas  to  limit  the  gene- 
ral assembly  of  the  colony  to  thre^  years  from  every  dissolution. 
Members  of  assembly  at  this  time  were  chosen  by  freeholders  only. 

February  2d. — In  common  council,  "  Mr.  Mayor  communicated 
to  this  board,  that  he  lately  received  a  letter  directed  to  him  in  the 
words  followino^  :  To  the  Worshipful  Whitehead  Hicks,  Esq., 
Mayor  of  the  City  of  New  York  ;  Sir, — A  very  great  number  of 
the  inhabitants  are  determined  to  erect  another  liberty  pole,  as  a, 
memorial  of  the  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act ;  they  consider  no  place 
so  proper  for  it  as  that  on  which  the  other  pole  stood  ;  but  if  con- 
trary to  all  expectation  the  corporation  should  not  be  disposed  to 
give  leave  to  have  it  raised  (here,  we  cannot  conceive  that  they  can 
have  any  objection  to  its  being  fixed  opposite  Mr.  Van  Dan  Bergh's 
near  St.  Paul's  church,  a  small  distance  from  where  the  two  roads 
meet,  which  we  have  reason  to  suppose  will  next  to  the  other 
place  be  m'ost  acceptable.  If  the  board  should  not  think  proper 
to  grant  liberty  for  its  erection  on  neither  of  the  above  places,  as 
in  that  case  no  monument  of  freedom  will  appear  in  the  fields, 
(the  most  publick  place)  the  people  are  resolved  to  procure  it  a 
place  in  the  fields  on  private  ground,  and  as  the  pole  will  be  fin- 
ished in  a  few  days,  we  are  appointed  a  committee  to  wait  on  you 
to  request  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  quicken  an  answer  from  the 
corporation  on  this  subject.  We  are,  W^orshipfull  Sir,  your  hum- 
ble servants,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Isaac  Sears,  Joseph  Bull,  Jo- 
seph Drake,  Alexander  Mc  Dougal. 

"  W^hich  letter  being  read,  a  debate  thereupon  arose,  whether  the 
request  therein  made  should  be  granted,  and  the  question  being 
put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative  in  the  manner  following. 
For  the  nr^gative — Mr.  Recorder,  (Thomas  Jones)  Messrs.  Filkin, 
Desbrosses,  Gautier,  Duykman,  Buyce,  Jacob  Brewerton,  Hug- 
git,  and  Van  Waganer.  For  the  afirmarive — Messrs.  George 
Brewerton,  Blagge,  Lott,  Abeel,  Curtenlus,  and  Van  Varick. 
Ordered  therefore  that  the  above  application  be  rejected,  and  the 
same  is  accordingly." 

Mr.  Van  Varick  moved  that  the  doors  of  the  common  council 
be  left  open  during  sittings,  which  was  adopted  eleven  to  five. 
Elias  Desbrosses,  x\ndrew  Gautier,  John  Duykman  and  Matthew 
Buyce  voting  in  the  negative. 

15th. — Two  large  chairs  ordered — one  for  the  mayor  and  the 
other  for  the  recorder.  And  rules  ordered  to  be  drawn  up  to  be 
observed  when  the  doors  are  open. 

May  9th. — The  lieutenant-governour  and  council,  and  several 
members  of  the  gfeneral  assembly,  [of  course  not  the  whole  assem- 
bly, and  probably  a  small  minority]  state  that  *'  they  are  desirous 
that  the  statue  of  his  present  majesty  which  is  now  daily  expected 
from  England,  might,  on  its  arrival,  be  erected  in  some  part  of  the 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCt 

Bowling  Green  fronting  the  fort.     The  leave  of  the  common  coun- 
cil is  requested.     This  was  unanimously  agreed  to. 

August  21st. — Being  the  birth-day  of  Prince  Frederick,  (the 
father  of  George  III.,)  "  an  elegant  equestrian  statue  of  his  present 
majesty,  George  III.  was  erected  in  the  Bowling  Green,  near 
Fort  George.  On  this  occasion,  the  members  of  his  majesty's 
council,  the  city  corporation,  the  corporation  of  the  chamber  of 
commerce,  the  corporation  of  the  marine  society,  and  most  of  the 
gentlemen  of  the  city  and  army,  waited  on  his  honour,  the  lieu" 
tenant-governour,  C.  Golden,  in  the  fort,  at  his  request;  where  his 
majesty's  and  other  loyal  healths  w^ere  drank,  under  a  discharge  of 
thirty-two  pieces  of  cannon  from  the  Battery,  accompanied  with  a 
band  of  musick.  This  beautiful  statue  is  made  of  metal,"  [the 
writer  did  not  on  such  an  occasion  like  to  say  ivliat  metal  repre* 
sented  his  royal  majesty,  the  best  of  kings — it  was  lead,]  "  being 
the  first  equestrian  one  of  his  present  majesty,  and  is  the  workman- 
ship of  that  celebrated  statuary,  INIr.  Wilton,  of  London.  We 
hear  that  in  a  few  days  a  marble  pedestrian  statue  of  Mr.  Pitt  will 
be  erected  in  W^all  street."  This  statue  of  George  III.  stood  till 
some  time  in  1776.  I  saw^  it  in  1775.  In  1776  it  was  thrown 
down,  and  tradition  says,  converted  into  bullets,  to  resist  his  gra- 
cious majesty's  soldiers,  when  sent  to  enforce  the  doctrine  of  "  the 
sovereignty  of  British  parliament  over  the  colonies,  in  all  cases 
whatsoever" — the  doctrine  of  Mr.  Pitt,  Lord  Chatham,  which  he 
died  in  an  effort  to  enforce.  The  pedestal  stood  until  long  after 
the  revolution.  No  fragment  of  the  horse  or  rider  were  ever  seen 
after  its  overthrow ;  and  so  completely  had  the  memory  of  this 
event,  (the  erecting  the  only  equestrian  statue  ever  set  up  in  New 
York,)  been  lost,  that  I  have  never  found  a  person  who  could  tell 
me  on  what  occasion  it  was  ordered,  or  when  placed,  in  the  Bowling 
Green.  It  was  not  until  recently,  that  I  met  with  the  foregoing 
announcement  in  Holt's  Gazette. 

September  10th. — Governour's  Island  is  still  called  Nutten 
Island.  Announced,  that  on  the  7th,  a  marble  pedestrian  statue  of 
Lord  Chatham  w^as  erected  in  Wall  street.  The  statue  is  de- 
scribed as  being  in  the  Roman  habit ;  the  right  hand  holds  a  scroll 
pardy  open,  wherein  we  re^d  Articidi  Magnae  Cliartac  Libertatum  ; 
the  left  hand  is  extended — the  fisfure  beins;  in  the  atdtude  of  one 
delivering  an  oration.  On  the  south  side  of  the  pedestal  is  the 
following  inscription  cut  in  the  marble.  "  This  statue  of  the  Right 
Honourable  William  Pitt,  Earl  of  Chatham,  was  erected  as  a  pub- 
lick  testimony  to  the  grateful  sense  the  colony  of  New  York  retains 
of  the  many  eminent  services  he  rendered  to  America,  particularly 
in  promodng  the  repeal  of  the  vStamp  Act,  Anno  Dom.  1770." 

24th. — John  M'Clean,  who  had  been  a  drummer  in  the  army  of 
Wilham  III.,  died  in  Orange  county,  New  York,  109  years  old. 

z 


ecu  APPENDIX. 

30th. — The  celebrated  Whitfield  died  at  Newburyport. 

December  17th. — The  common  council  resolved  to  close  the 
doors  of  their  chamber,  during  their  sittings.  The  vote  stood 
eight  to  five. 

Edmund  Burke  was  in  this  year  appointed  agent  for  the  province 

of  New  York. 

177.1         In  Holt's  New  York  Journal,  or  the  General  Advertiser, 

of  January  3d,  is  to  be  found  the  following  curious  narrative/ 

of  what  we  must  presume,  to  have  been  spontaneous  combustion  : 

"  On  Monday  evening,  the  last  day  of  the  year,  the  following 
dreadful  and  surprising  accident  happened  at  a  house  in  Division 
street,  in  this  city.  One  Hannah  Bradshaw,  (who  on  account  of 
her  large  size,  robust  appearance,  and  bold  behaviour  was  com- 
monly known  by  the  name  of  Man-of-war  Nance,)  said  to  be  about 
30  years  of  age,  has  lived  a  dozen  years  or  more  in  this  city,  was 
a  healthy,  hearty  looking  woman,  remarkably  industrious  and  neat 
in  her  person  and  manner  of  living,  but  bore  a  bad  character  with 
respect  to  chastity  and  sobriety — living  in  an  upper  room,  which 
had  no  connection  with  the  rooms  below,  occupied  by  a  family. 
On  the  evening  of  the  31st  December,  she  desired  a  young  woman 
who  worked  for  her,  and  was  going  home,  to  come  again  early  the 
next  morning ;  and  about  7  o'clock  the  same  evening,  another 
acquaintance  of  her's  parted  from  her,  at  which  time  she  seemed  to 
have  drank  a  little  too  freely.  No  person  lived  with  her,  and  she 
was  generally  alone  in  her  room,  close  shut.  She  was  neither 
heard  nor  seen  again  till  next  day,  when  the  young  woman  came 
to  work,  who,  after  knocking  and  calling,  and  having  waited  till 
past  11  o'clock,  widi  the  assistance  of  the  man  who  lived  below, 
she  got  through  a  back  window,  and  opened  the  door  ;  when, 
looking  within  a  screen  which  went  quite  across  the  room,  and  w^as 
fitted  to  reach  the  ceiling,  she  beheld  the  remains  of  the  unhappy 
Hannah  Bradshaw  the  most  shocking  spectacle  imaginable.  The 
body,  or  rather  the  bones  were  lying  near  the  middle  of  the  floor, 
wherein  a  hole  of  about  four  feet  diameter  was  burnt  quite  away, 
and  the  bones  lying  on  the  ground,  which  was  about  a  foot  beneath 
that  part  of  the  floor.  The  flesh  was  entirely  burnt  off*  the  bones 
of  the  whole  body  and  limbs,  except  a  small  part  on  the  skull,  a 
little  on  one  of  the  shoulders,  the  lower  part  of  the  right  leg  and 
foot,  which  was  burnt  ofl"  at  the  small,  almost  as  even  as  if  cut  off, 
and  left  lying  on  the  floor,  the  stocking  burnt  as  far  as  the  leg  and 
no  farther.  The  bones,  some  of  which  were  black,  and  others 
white,  Hke  a  pipe-stem,  were  so  thoroughly  burnt  that  they  might 
be  crumbled  to  dust  between  the  fingers  ;  the  bowels  remained  un- 
consumed.  One  of  the  sleepers,  which  lay  under  the  shoulders,  was 
burnt  almost  through  ;  part  of  the  head  lay  on  the  planks,  at  the 
edge  of  the  hole,  and  near  it  a  candle-stick,  with  part  of  a  candle 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCIIl 

in  it,  thrown  down,  but  did  not  appear  to  have  touched  any  part  of 
the  body,  or  to  have  set  any  thing  on  fire  ;  the  tallow  was  melted 
off  the  wick,  which  remained  unscorched  by  the  fire,  as  also  the 
screen,  which  almost  touched  the  hole.  The  leg  of  a  rush-bot- 
tomed chair,  and  about  half  the  bottom  were  burnt,  so  far  as  they 
were  within  the  compass  of  the  hole  on  the  floor,  and  no  further. 
The  ceiling  of  the  room,  which  was  white-washed  plaster,  w^as  as 
black  as  if  covered  with  lamp-black,  as  also  part  of  the  walls  and 
w^indows,  and  the  heat  had  been  so  great  as  to  extract  the  turpen- 
tine from  the  boards  of  the  w^ainscot.  After  all  these  operations, 
the  fire  w^ent  entirely  out,  so  that  when  the  body  was  found,  not  a 
spark  remained.  It  is  extremely  surprising  that  with  such  an  in- 
tense degree  of  heat  as  was  necessary  so  entirely  to  consume  the 
floor,  etc.,  with  the  body,  and  to  calcine  the  bones,  the  fire  should 
have  stopped  of  itself,  without  burning  the  house  or  even  scorch- 
ing the  screen  ;  which  is  hardly  conceivable  if  the  fire  had  blazed, 
and  if  it  did  not,  it  is  equally  inconceivable  that  the  heat  should 
have  been  so  intense.  As  there  was  a  chimney  in  the  room,  and 
a  cellar  under  part  of  the  floor,  with  which  the  fire  opened  a  com- 
munication, it  could  not  have  stopped  for  want  of  air.  It  is  said, 
the  person  who  was  left  in  company  wdth  the  w^oman,  at  parting, 
told  her  he  should  see  her  no  more  till  another  year — little  think- 
ing, as  it  was  so  near,  that  she  would  not  live  to  see  it — that  she 
was  then  on  the  brink  of  eternity  ;  and  that  before  morning  light 
her  soul  would  be  required  of  her." 

Some  apparent  discrepancies  may  be  noticed  ;  such  as  the  wo- 
man's apartment  being  called  an  upper  room,  and  yet  some  of  the 
bones  having  been  found  on  the  ground  in  the  hole  ;  but  I  account 
for  this  by  the  supposition  that  another  tenant  of  the  small  wooden 
house  lived  in  a  cellar,  under  a  part  of  this  upper  room  ;  an  upper 
room  only  from  its  being  above  ground. 

In  Gaine's  Mercury,  of  January  7th,  1771,  the  same  account 
is  published.  If  there  had  been  any  thing  wrong  in  the  statement, 
four  days  w^ould  have  brought  it  to  light. 

February  25th. — Mr.  Justice  Livingston,  who  had  three  times 
been  refused  a  seat  in  the  assembly,  was  again  elected  for  the  ma- 
nor of  Livingston. 

May  3d. — The  common  council  resolve,  "  whereas,  the  general 
assembly  of  this  province,  hath  lately  been  at  the  great  expense  of 
sending  for  an  equestrian  statue  of  his  present  majesty,  and  erected 
the  same,  on  the  green  before  his  majesty's  fort  in  this  city,  and  this 
board  conceiving,  that  unless  the  said  green  be  fenced  in,  the  same 
will  very  soon  become  the  receptacle  of  all  the  filth,  and  dirt  of 
the  neighbourhood,  in  order  therefore,  to  prevent  which,  this  board 
has  unanimously  agreed,  to  fence  in  the  same  with  iron  rails  and 
a  stone  foundation,  according  to   the  plan  now  exhibited  to  this 


CCIV  APPENDIX. 

board,  and  have  contracted  with  Richard  Sharpe,  Peter  T.  Cur- 
tinius,  Gilbert  Forbes,  and  AndreW  Lydall,  for  compleating  the 
same,  for  the  consideration  of  <£S00." 

July  9th. — An  address  ordered,  and  the  freedom  of  the  city,  to 
William  Tryon,  Esq.,  captain-general,  governour,  etc.,  etc.  The 
gold  box  to  cost  20  pistoles.  And,  that  the  City  Hall,  New  Jail, 
Work-house,  and  Ferry-house,  at  Nassau  Island,  be  illuminated, 
'*  as  a  compliment  to  his  excellency,  Governour  Tryon." 

The  British  ministry  at  this  period,  appear  to  have  been  per- 
plexed, both  by  European  and  American  affairs.  Many  were  the 
writers,  both  in  England  and  in  the  colonies,  who  employed  their 
pens  and  the  press,  on  the  subjects  in  controversy  between  Great 
Britain  and  America.  The  Dean  of  Gloucester,  Dr.  Tucker, 
boldly  advocated  an  immediate  separation  of  the  contending  parties. 
He  contended,  that  the  situation  of  the  British  colonies,  was  now 
such,  that  it  was  for  the  advantage  of  England  to  release  all  claims 
upon  them,  and  establish  them  as  independent  states.  It  is  need- 
less to  say,  that  (like  others,  who  are  in  advance  of  the  time  in 
which  they  live,)  he  was  considered  by  his  countrymen  as  wild 
and  visionary.  Yet,  a  few  years  convinced  them,  that  he  was  a  wise 
man,  and  a  seer.  Of  a  very  different  character  were  other  Eng- 
lish wTiters,  Adam  Smith,  Samuel  Johnson,  and  George  Chalmers, 
who  were  distinguished  among  the  many  champions  of  the  right  of 
Britain,  to  rule  her  colonies  with  the  rod.  On  the  other  hand, 
Price  and  Priestly,  stood  forth  in  defence  of  the  rights  of  their  fel- 
low subjects  beyond  the  Atlantick.  Among  ourselves,  Otis,  Dick- 
enson, and  Franklin,  were  at  this  time  most  conspicuous  as  au- 
thors in  support  of  American  self-government.  Of  these,  Otis  was 
snatched  from  the  ranks  of  patriot  combatants  in  this  year,  by  an 
aberation  of  reason,  perhaps,  occasioned  by  his  intense  devoted- 
ness  to  the  cause  of  his  country.  Nor  must  we  forget  the  efforts 
of  Witherspoon,  who  pleaded  the  cause  of  the  country  he  had 
chosen,  both  in  his  sermons,  and  by  addressing  the  Scotch  resi- 
dents in  America,  his  native  countrymen  and  fellow  subjects. 

The  population  of  the  city  of  New  York  at  this  period,  is  said  to 
be  21,163;  Long  Island,  27,731  ;  of  the  whole  province  163,338. 

The Jlyiiig  macldnc  used  to  go  once  a  w-eek,  to  and  fro,  between 

New  York  and  Philadelphia. 

1772         January  12th. — The  assembly  voted  Governour  Tryon 

a  salary  of  ^2,000.     He  informed  them,  that  the   king's 

instructions  forbade  him   from   receiving  any  present  or  gift  from 

the  assembly.* 


*  Lord  Dunmore,  his  immediate  predecessor,  had  refused  a  similar  offer. — See         ■ 
Vol.  1,  p.  449.  ■ 


MISCELLANEOUS  rvIATTER.  CCV 

16th. — The  assembly  resolved,  that  a  person  must  have  been 
a  resident  for  six  months  previous  to   election  in  the  place  he  is 

elected  to  represent. 
1773         February  2d. — The  governour  recommends  an  increase 
of  the  salaries  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court,  the  pre- 
sent annual  allowance  being  wholly  inadequate. 

March  Sth. — The  assembly  entered  at  large  on  their  journals, 
a  state  of  the  right  of  the  colony  of  New  York,  with  respect  to  its 
eastern  boundary  on  Connecticut  river,  so  far  as  New^  Hampshire 
was  concerned.  They  contended  for  the  priority  of  possession  by 
the  Dutch.  They  (the  Dutch)  had  in  1612,  a  town  and  fort,  (near 
New  York)  and  in  1614,  a  town  and  fort,  (near  Albany.)  Previ- 
ous to  1614,  the  States-General,  granted  a  patent  to  some  of  their 
subjects,  with  the  privilege  of  an  exclusive  trade  in  this  country, 
which  they  called  New  Netherland.  In  1623,  the  Dutch  erected 
Fort  Nassau,  on  the  east  side  of  Delaware  bay,  and  Fort  Good 
Hope,  on  Connecticut  river,  thirty-five  miles  above  the  mouth, 
(Hartford.)  The  Dutch  enjoyed  the  exclusive  trade,  and  posses- 
sion of  the  whole  of  Connecticut  river,  long  before  the  English 
had  approached  it :  and  they  had  purchased  almost  all  the  lands 
on  both  sides  of  it,  from  the  natives.  It  is  clear,  they  claimed  all 
the  country  to  the  west  of  Connecticut  river,  and  as  far  north,  as 
the  river  St.  Lawrence.  [They  refer  to  Ogleby's  America,  pub- 
lished in  1671,  with  his  map  ;  and  to  Blave's  America,  published 
at  Amsterdam  in  1662,  Vol.  II.,  and  his  map  :  and  to  Johannes 
Van  Kulen's  Atlas.] 

The  Dutch  governour,  Stuyvesant,  in  his  letter  of  the  2d  Sep- 
tember, 1664,  in  answer  to  a  letter  from  Governour  Nicolls,  denies 
the  king's  title,  and  insists  on  the  right  of  the  States-General, 
founded  on  first  discovery,  purchase  from  the  native  proprietors, 
and  long,  and  uninterrupted  possession.  He  was  obliged  to  sur- 
render all  the  country  on  the  27th  August,  1664,  with  a  stipula- 
tion that  his  people  should  enjoy  their  land,  wiierever  they  were 
in  the  country.  The  States-General  ceded  the  country  to  Great 
Britain  by  the  treaty  of  Breda,  1667,  and  again  by  the  treaty  of 
London,  1674.  The  Duke  of  York's  tide  to  the  tract  of  country 
so  conquered,  was  by  patent,  12th  March,  1664,  confirmed 
29th  June,  1674.  It  included  INIanhattan  and  Long  Island 
and  Hudson's  river,  "  and  all  the  land  from  the  west  side  of 
Connecticut  river,  to  the  east  side  of  Delaware  bay,"  The 
Duke  of  York's  commission  to  Governour  Andros,  July  1st,  1664, 
and  to  Colonel  Thomas  Dongan,  September  30th,  1683,  expressly 
comprehended  all  the  land  as  aforesaid.  The  Duke  of  York's, 
right  as  proprietor,  was  merged  in  the  royal  authority  when 
he  became  king,  and  on  his  abdication,  it  passed  to  King 
William  as  lord  proprietor.     All  the  royal  commissions  to  the 


CCVI  APPENDIX. 

governours,  were  to  the  province  of  New  York,  and  the  territories 
depending  thereon.  The  provinc^  has  been  diminished  by  the 
erection  of  New  Jersey — by  the  agreement  of  the  boundary  hne 
with  Connecticut,  in  1683,  and  by  the  limits  of  Quebec  in 
1763. 

As  to  the  Connecticut  claim — The  New  England  colonies  were 
founded  on  the  grant  of  King  James  L,  November  3d,  1620,  to 
the  council  of  Plymouth,  of  property  and  jurisdiction  in  America 
from  40  to  48  degrees,  north  lathude.  This  patent  was  not  in- 
tended to  interfere  with  the  Dutch,  for  it  states,  that  the  king  is 
given  to  understand,  that  there  are  no  other  subjects  of  any  Chris- 
tian state,  or  by  any  authority  from  their  sovereigns,  actually  in 
possession  of  any  of  the  said  lands,  and  that  the  premises  intended 
*'  were  not  then  actually  possessed  or  inhabited,  by  any  other  Chris- 
tian power  or  state."  This  patent  was  founded  on  false  sugges- 
tions, and  the  saving  clause  excluded  the  Dutch. 

The  council  of  Plymouth  by  deed,  19th  of  March,  in  the  third 
year  of  Charles  II.,  granted  Massachusetts  to  Sir  Henry  Roswell 
and  others  ;  and  in  1628,  March  4th,  they  obtained  a  royal  char- 
ter, with  ample  powers  of  government.  The  grants  were  east 
and  west  from  sea  to  sea.  But  still  founded  on  the  patent  of  1620, 
and  valid  only,  so  far  as  that  was  ;  and  there  was  in  that,  an  express 
declaration,  that  if  the  lands  were  at  the  time  possessed  by  any 
Christian  power  or  state,  the  grant  as  to  such  part,  should  be 
utterly  void.  The  INIassachusetts  charter  was  vacated,  and  recalled, 
and  the  title  of  Massachusetts  rested  on  the  new  charter  of  1691. 

The  colonies  of  Hartford  and  New  Haven,  settled  at  first  with- 
out any  legal  authority.  They  assumed  jurisdiction  as  voluntary 
associations.  The  Dutch  at  first  considered  the  people  of  Hart- 
ford as  their  tenants,  by  the  Dutch  resolution,  entered  on  their  re- 
cords at  the  fort  in  Amsterdam,  at  New  Netherland,  July  9th,  1642. 
The  English  never  acceded  to  the  idea.  In  1643,  the  four  colo- 
nies, (Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  Hartford,  and  New  Haven,) 
federated  against  the  Dutch  and  Indians.  Governour  Stuyve- 
sant,  in  1660,  considered  his  situation  most  critical,  from  the  de- 
mands, encroachments,  and  usurpations,  of  his  eastern  neighbours  : 
— But  he  says,  "  the  right  of  both  rivers  by  the  purchase  and  pos- 
session, is  our  own  without  dispute." 

The  Connecticut  patent  of  1663,  was  not  intended  to  interfere 
with  the  Dutch  colony.  For  in  this  year,  afterward,  the  king  ex- 
pressly granted  all  the  country  to  the  westward  of  Connecticut 
river,  to  the  Duke  of  York.  Governour  Nicolls,  when  he  took 
possession  for  the  Duke  of  York,  found  the  colony  of  Connecticut 
already  in  possession  of  Greenwich  and  Stanford,  and  he  recom- 
mended to  the  Duke,  to  release  his  rights,  and  in  1683,  a  line 
twenty   miles   cast   of    Hudson's   river   was    agreed   on.      The 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCVIX 

agreemejit  was  confirmed  by  the  king,  20th  March,  1700.  This 
was  a  settlement  by  compromise.  The  Duke  clanned  to  Connecti- 
cut river  :  Connecticut,  to  the  vSouth  Sea. 

Massachusetts. — Their  old  charter  was  adjudged  void  in  1684, 
in  chancery.  They  submitted  and  accepted  a  new  charter,  1691. 
That  strictly  could  not  go  further  than  Connecticut,  then  legally 
did.  Massachusetts  has  unjustly  wrested  from  New  York,  the  coun- 
try west  of  Connecticut  river,  to  within  twenty  miles  of  New  York. 
Now  in  16S5,  the  patent  of  the  manor  of  Rensselaerwick  extended 
from  Hudson  river,  on  the  east  and  west  sides  twenty-four 
miles.  Hosick  was  granted  in  16SS,  and  extends  above  thirty  miles 
from  the  river.  These  grants  could  not  be  affected  by  the  jNIassa- 
chusetts  charter  of  1091  ;  and  are  evidences  that  it  was  not  in- 
tended to  affect  the  Duke  of  York's  patent.  The  colony  of  New 
York  has  a  title  to  the  country  to  Connecticut  river,  and  north  to 
the  Canada  line,  by  the  submission  and  subjecdon  of  the  Five  Na- 
tions, by  treaty,  as  early  as  16S3,with  the  governours  for  New  York. 
The  country  on  Lake  Champlain,  belonged  originally  to  the  Five 
Nations ;  and  this  fact  is  proved  by  all  the  ancient  maps.  The 
lake  was  called.  Lake  L'oquois,  and  that  was  the  name  of  the  Five 
Nations.  In  1696,  a  colony  grant  was  made  to  Godfrey  Dellius 
for  a  tract  of  land  from  the  north  bounds  of  Saratoga,  to  the  RocJc 
Iloiien^  which  is  a  station  indisputable,  and  lies  on  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  north  of  Crown  Point.  This  tract  extends  twelve  miles  east 
of  Wood  Creek.  The  grant  was  repealed  by  statute  in  1699,  as 
being  extravagant.  The  faithless  encroachments  of  the  French — 
their  fortifying  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga — their  depredations 
and  the  savage  and  merciless  devastation  of  the  northern  frontiers, 
have  prevented  the  setdement  of  this  northern  country. 

In  April,  the  fortific?iUons,  etc.,  at  Crown  Point,  were  destroyed 
by  the  accidental  blowing  up  of  the  powder  magazine. 

May  13th. — In  Rivington's  Gazette,  of  this  date,  appear  the  two 
following  curious  stories  : 

"Advertisement.  Bush  Creek,  Frederick  county,  Maryland, 
October  11th,  1771.  Run  away  from  the  subscriber,  a  convict 
servant  maid,  named  Sarah  Wilson,  but  has  changed  her  name  to 
Lady  Susanna  Carolina  Matilda,  which  made  the  publick  believe 
that  she  was  his  majesty's  sister.  She  has  a  blemish  in  the  right 
eye,  black  rolled  hair,  stoops  in  the  shoulders,  makes  a  common 
practice  of  writing  and  marking  her  cloaths  with  a  crown  and  a  B. 
Whoever  secures  the  said  servant  woman,  or  takes  her  home,  shall 
receive  five  pistoles,  besides  all  costs  and  charges. — Wilham 
Duvall. 

"  I  entide  Michael  Dalton  to  search  the  city  of  Philadelphia  and 
from  thence  to  Charleston  for  said  woman. — William  Duvall." 

This  Sarah  Wilson  was  an  attendant  upon  Miss  Vernon,  a  maid 


CCVIII  APPENDIX. 

of  honour  to  the  queen,  and  found  means  to  break  oi:^en  a  cabinet 
of  the  queen's,  and  abstract  severaUjewels,  and  her  majesty's  pic- 
ture. She  was  tried,  and  condemned  to  death,  but  the  sentence 
softened  to  transportation  to  the  colonies.  She  was  exposed  to 
sale,  and  was  purchased  by  Duvall,  from  whom  she  escaped  and 
travelled  through  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas,  as  above  stated ; 
having  carried  off  cloaths,  and  preserved  jewels  and  the  queen's 
picture,  which  supported  her  claims  to  be  not  the  king's,  but  the  • 
queen's  sister.  She  was  received  as  a  sprig  of  royalty  from  house 
to  house,  and  condescended  to  permit  the  masters  to  kiss  her  hand. 
They  entertained  her  with  honours,  and  she  promised  to  some, 
governments,  and  to  others,  various  civil  appointments,  and  to  the 
officers  of  the  army  and  navy,  promotion.  She  borrowed  consid- 
erable sums  of  her  dupes,  or  the  dupes  of  their  own  folly.  Dalton 
pursued  her  to  Charleston  ;  but  she  had  departed  to  a  plantation 
on  a  visit.  Here  the  account  ceases.  But  in  the  Gazette  for  Sep- 
tember 2d,  1773,  is  the  following  paragraph  : 

'*  Tuesday  last,  arrived  in  this  city  a  person  who  styles  herself 
the  Marchioness  De  Waldegrave,"  and  the  account  goes  on  to  say 
that  she  is  supposed  to  be  the  person  mentioned  in  the  papers  as 
Sarah  Wilson,  alias  Lady  Carolina  Matilda.  "  She  still  insists  on 
the  reality  of  her  high  pretensions,  and  makes  the  same  impressions 
on  many  as  she  did. in  the  south." 

We  observe,  that  in  October  11th,  1771,  she  is  advertised  as  a 
runaway  slave,  and  in  September  2d,  (nearly  two  years  after)  1773, 
she  is  announced,  or  a  person  supposed  to  be  the  same,  as  having 
arrived  in  New  York,  and  playing  the  same  part  of  nobility.  How 
did  she  escape  the  pursuit  of  Dalton  ?  Where  was  she  in  the 
interim  ?  What  her  subsequent  fate  ?  What  a  ground-work  for 
romance  ! 

The  story  of  James  Hutchinson  is  a  romance  of  another  kind. 
He  was  a  planter  of  Barbadoes,  and  made  a  practice  of  securing 
in  his  "pen"  any  animals  which  strayed  from  the  neighbouring 
plantations.  He  became  rich.  His  neighbours  very  mysteriously 
disappeared.  Finally,  T.  Cadwallader  lost  a  jack  ass,  and  traced 
the  stray  to  Hutchinson's  pen.  Cadwallader  called  on  him,  and 
stated  the  fact ;  to  which  the  reply  was,  that  he  should  take  home 
his  property.  Hutchinson  took  his  gun,  and  led  Cadwallader  to 
the  pen,  and  there,  instead  of  restoring  the  beast,  took  the  opportu- 
nity of  the  man's  turning  from  him  to  shoot  him.  He  then  cut  off 
the  head,  and  dragging  the  body  to  the  cliffs,  precipitated  it  into  a 
chasm,  (it  is  to  be  supposed  after  rifling  it  of  any  money.)  The 
head  was  thrown  into  a  cave  at  a  distance.  It  happened  that  a  free 
white  person  was  sick,  and  lodged  at  Hutchinson's,  w4io,  hearing 
the  report  of  the  gun,  crawled  out,  and  witnessed  enough  of  the 
transaction  to  convict  the  murderer  on  trial,  and  he  was  hanged. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCIX 

A  number  of  heads  or  skulls  were  found  in  the  cave,  and  the  traces 
of  many  bodies  that  had  been  thrown  down  the  precipice.  A 
part  of  Cadwallader's  clothing  was  identified,  from  hanging  on  a 
projecting  rock  and  recovered,  and  his  head  was  likewise  proved 
to  be  among  the  skulls  in  the  cave.  The  murderer's  slaves  knew 
of  his  guilt,  but  dared  not  accuse  him  ;  neither  would  they  have 
been  competent  witnesses  against  him. 

May  26th. — The  mayor  produces  an  address  to  Gage.  It 
laments  his  departure — expresses  their  sense  of  obligation  to  him 
for  his  performance  of  the  arduous  task  of  commanding  *'  an  army 
in  that  critical  hour  when  the  several  branches  of  the  empire,  rent 
by  unnatural  discords,  seemed  to  be  upon  the  point  of  dissolving 
the  union  to  which  they  owe  their  safety,  their  glory,  and  their 
happinesss." 

November  18th. — Charles  Clinton,  the  father  of  George  Clin- 
ton, member  for  Ulster  county,  departed  this  life  at  his  seat  in  Little 
Britain,  aged  S3.  He  arrived  here  from  the  north  of  Ireland, 
in  1732,  and  was  long  employed  in  this  province  as  a  surveyor. 
He  was  lieutenant-colonel  of  one  of  the  regiments  in  Ulster  county, 
and  first  iudij:e.     He  commanded  a  reii^iment  at  the  reduction  of 

JO  o 

Fort  Frontignac,  under  General  Bradstreet,  when  near  70  years 
of  age. 

In  November,  Rivington  publishes  (in  consequence  of  a  threat,) 
a  handbill  which  had  been  circulated,  (and  Gaine  and  Parker  and 
Anderson  are  requested  to  publish  the  same.)  It  is  an  address  to 
the  Sons  of  Liberty  and  Commerce,  criminating  William  Kelly 
for  not  adhering  to  the  non-importation  resolutions,  and  for  saying 
*'  that  there  was  no  danger  of  the  resentment  of  the  people  of  New 
York,  if  it  should  be  as  high  as  it  was  at  the  time  of  the  stamp  act. 
That  then  they  had  an  old  man  (C.  Golden,)  to  deal  with ;  but 
now  they  have  Governour  Tryon,  (a  military  man)  who  had  sup- 
pressed the  insurrection  in  North  Carolina,  and  he  would  cram  the 
tea  down  their  throats."  The  friends  of  liberty  and  commerce, 
considering  the  above  declaration  of  William  Kelly  as  inimical  to 
America,  and  as  encouraging  the  ministry  in  their  diabolical  plans 
of  enslaving  the  country,  hung  him  in  effigy,  after  carting  it 
through  the  streets  with  labels  affixed,  and  between  the  hands  a  tea 
cannister,  labelled,  "  tea,  3d.  sterling,  duty,"  and  "  the  infamous 
Kelly."  The  multitude  huzza  during  the  procession  to  the  gallows, 
and  shouted  "No  tea  !"  The  image  was  burnt  opposite  the  Cof- 
fee-house, Wall  street.  A  gentleman  then  addressed  the  people, 
saying,  "  If  we  had  the  base  original,  we  would  serve  him  the 
same;"  and  then  advised  them  to  go  peaceably  home.  About 
this  same  time,  while  his  effigy  was  burning  in  New  York,  Kelly 
married  a  lady  of  fortune  in  London,  and  shortly  after  w^as  defeated 
in  his  efforts  for  a  seat  in  parliament. 

AA 


CCX  APPENDIX. 

December  16th. — Robert  R.Livingston  for  the  first  time  appears 
as  Recorder.  ^ 

Negro  slavery,  a  favourite  measure  with  England,  was  rapidly 
extendins:  its  baneful  influence  in  the  colonies.  The  American 
Register,  of  1769  gives  the  number  of  negroes  brought  in  slavery 
from  the  coast  of  Africa,  between  Cape  Blanco  and  the  river  Con- 
go, by  different  nations  in  one  year,  thus  : — Great  Britain,  53,100 ; 
British  Americans,  6,300;  France,  23,520;  Holland,  11,300;' 
Portugal,  1,700;  Denmark,  1,200  ;  in  all,  104,100,  bought  by 
barter  for  European  and  Indian  manufacturers — ^15  sterling  being 
the  average  price  given  for  each  negro.  Thus  we  see  that  more 
than  one  half  of  the  wretches  who  were  kidnapped,  or  torn  by 
force  from  their  homes  by  the  agents  of  European  merchants,  (for 
such  those  who  supply  the  market  must  be  considered)  were  sacri- 
ficed to  the  cupidity  of  the  merchants  of  Great  Britain  :  the  traffick 
encouraged  by  the  government  at  the  same  time  that  the  boast  is 
sounded  through  the  world,  that  the  moment  a  slave  touches  the 
sacred  soil,  governed  by  those  who  encourage  the  slave-makers, 
and  inhabited  by  those  who  revel  in  the  profits  derived  from  mur- 
der, he  is  free.  Somerset,  the  negro,  is  liberated  by  the  court  of 
king's  bench,  in  1772,  and  the  world  is  filled  with  the  fame  of 
English  justice  and  humanity  !  James  Grahame  tells  us  that 
Somerset's  case  was  not  the  first,  in  which  the  judges  of  Great 
Britain  counteracted  in  one  or  two  cases  the  practical  inhumanity 
of  the  government  and  the  people ;  he  says,  that  in  1762,  his 
grandfather,  Thomas  Grahame,  judge  of  the  admiralty  court  of 
Glasgow,  liberated  a  negro  slave  imported  into  Scotland. 

It  was  in  vain  that  the  colonists  of  America  protested  against 
the  practice  of  slave  dealing.  The  governours  appointed  by  Eng- 
land w^ere  instructed  to  encourage  it,  and  when  the  assemblies  en- 
acted laws  to  prohibit  the  inhuman  traffick,  they  were  annulled  by 
the  vetos  of  the  governours.  With  such  encouragement,  the  reck- 
less and  avaricious  among  the  colonists  engaged  in  the  trade,  and 
the  slaves  were  purchased  when  brought  to  the  colonies  by  those 
who  were  blind  to  the  evil,  or  preferred  present  ease  or  profit  to  all 
future  good.  Paley,  the  moralist,  thought  the  American  revolution 
was  designed  by  Providence,  to  put  an  end  to  the  slave  trade,  and 
to  show  that  a  nation  encouraging  it,  was  not  fit  to  be  entrusted 
with  the  government  of  extensive  colonies.  But  the  planters  of 
the  southern  states  have  discovered,  since  made  free  by  that  revo- 
lution, that  slavery  is  no  evil;  and  better  moralists  than  Paley,  that 
the  increase  of  slaves  and  their  extension  over  new  regions,  is  the 
duty  of  every  good  democrat.  The  men  who  lived  in  1773,  to 
whom  America  owes  her  liberty,  did  not  think  so. 

Although  resistance  to  the  English  policy  of  increasing  the  num- 
ber of  negro  slaves  in  America  agitated  many  minds  in  the  colonies, 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXl 

opposition  to  the  system  of  taxation  was  the  principal  source  of 
action  ;  and  this  opposition  now  centered  in  a  determination  to 
baffle  the  designs  of  Great  Britain  in  respect  to  the  duties  on  tea. 
Seventeen  millions  of  pounds  of  tea  w^ere  now  accumulated  in  the 
warehouses  of  the  East  India  Company.  The  government  was 
determined,  for  reasons  I  have  before  given,  to  assist  this  mercan- 
tile company,  as  well  as  the  African  merchants,  at  the  expense 
of  the  colonists  of  America.  The  East  India  Company  were 
now  authorized  to  export  their  tea  free  of  all  duty.  Thus  the 
venders  being  enabled  to  offer  it  cheaper  than  hitherto  to  the  colo- 
nists, it  was  expected  that  it  would  find  a  welcome  market.  But 
the  Americans  saw  the  ultimate  intent  of  the  whole  scheme, 
and  their  disgust  towards  the  mother  country  was  proportionably 

increased. 
1774  January  12th. — Governonr  Tryon,  in  his  speech  to  the 
assembly  says,  with  the  utmost  agony  of  mind  for  the  safety 
of  my  family,  I  lately  beheld  my  own  interest  and  the  Province 
House  involved  in  one  common  ruin  !  particularly,  he  says,  after 
their  liberal  grant  for  the  repair  of  the  building ;  he  tells  them  the 
boundary  line  between  New  York  and  Massachusetts  was  settled 
by  the  commissioners  appointed  ;  that  with  Canada  not  yet  so  ; 
that  in  consequence  of  the  outrages  committed  by  the  New  Hamp- 
shire men  on  the  settlers  under  the  New  York  government,  (in  what 
is  now  Vermont,)  he  has  been  ordered  to  England. 

His  majesty's  "  most  dutiful  and  loyal  subjects,"  in  answer, 
lament  the  calamities  of  the  fire  in  the  fort,  and  those  in  '*  that 
corner  of  the  colony  which  has  been  for  so  many  years  disquieted 
by  unjustifiable  claims  under  the  province  of  New  Hampshire." 
They  lament  the  governour's  departure,  although  they  rely  upon 
his  exertions  in  remedying  the  evils  which  "  a  confederacy  of  in- 
surgents" have  brought  upon  an  extensive  territory,  clearly  within 
the  ancient  grant  of  the  colony,  solemnly  adjudged  to  be  a  part  of 
it  by  the  royal  decision,  and  afterwards  graciously  distributed  to 
the  brave  officers,  etc.     This  is  signed,  John  Watts,  speaker. 

March  5th. — A  committee  report  to  the  assembly  facts  respect- 
ing outrages  committed  by  lawless  persons,  "  calling  themselves 
the  Bennington  moh^''  who  have  assumed  military  commands  and 
judicial  powers.  They  name  as  ringleaders,  Ethan  Ellen,  Seth 
Warner,  and  six  others. 

14th. — James  Jancey,  Jun.,  was  appointed  master  of  the  rolls, 
by  Tryon. 

April  25th. — The  Bridewell  lottery  is  mentioned.  Both  King's 
College  and  the  Bridewell  were  built  by  funds  derived  from  the 
infamous  source  of  lotteries  :  but  this  source  was  not  so  considered 
in  the  "  good  old  times." 

June  27th. — The  Records  of  the  corporation  of  New  York  are 


CCXII  APPENDIX. 

suspended  at  this  date,  and  are  not  vresumed  until  February  10th, 
1784,  thus  leaving  a  chasm  of  nearly  ten  years. 

August  1st. — Pleasures  are  taken  to  elect  representatives  for  the 
city  to  the  ensuing  congress.  Philip  Livingston,  John  Alsop, 
Isaac  Low,  and  John  Jay,  publish,  that  if  elected,  they  will  advo- 
cate an  agreement  not  to  import  goods  from  Great  Britain,  as 
being  the  most  etficacious  means  to  procure  redress  of  grievances. 

25th. — A  congress  of  deputies  assembled  in  North  Carolina 
from  the  counties  and  towns  of  the  province,  and  among  other 
acts  indicative  of  their  love  of  liberty,  passed  this  resolution,  "that 
they  will  not  import  any  slave  or  slaves,  nor  purchase  any  slave 
or  slaves  imported  or  brought  into  this  province  by  others,  from 
any  part  of  the  world,  after  the  first  day  of  November  next." 
Happy  would  it  have  been  if  this  resolution  had  been  carried  into 
such  effect,  as  to  influence  the  conduct  of  the  sons  of  these  wise 
men. 

28th. — Gage  proclaims  all  town  meetings  called  without  the 
governour's  consent  illegal,  (except  the  annual  meetings,)  and  pro- 
hihits  all  persons  from  attending  on  peril  of  the  consequences. 

September  5th. — The  delegates  from  the  city  of  New  York 
departed  for  Philadelphia  to  the  congress.  John  Jay's  departure 
was  unknown  at  the  time,  but  Isaac  Low  was  accompanied  to 
Paulus  Hook  ferry  by  the  people  with  colours  flying,  musick  play- 
ing, and  huzzas.  The  inhabitants  then  returned  to  the  Coffee- 
house, "in  order  to  testify  the  like  respect  to  James  Duane, 
Philip  Livingston  and  John  Alsop,  Esqrs."  They  were  accom- 
panied by  the  inhabitants  in  procession  to  the  Royal  Exchange, 
wdiere  Mr.  Duane  addressed  the  people.  They  embarked  at  the 
foot  of  Broad  Street,  and  they  were  saluted  with  discharges  of 
cannon,  huzzas,  etc. 

25th. — General  J.  Bradstreet  died,  aged  63.  He  had  been 
quartermaster-general  at  the  reduction  of  Louisbourg,  under  Shir- 
ley, in  1745  ;  in  1758  he  took  Cadaraqui.  The  civil  and  military 
officers,  and  the  47th  regiment,  attended  his  corpse  to  Trinity 
Church. 

October  31st. — Is  published  Israel  Putnam's  vindication  of  him- 
self from  the  charge  of  alarming  the  country  unnecessarily  by  his 
letter  in  September,  which  stated  that  he  was  informed  that  the 
British  had  attacked  Boston,  etc.  ;  this  letter  had  been  reprinted 
and  ridiculed  ;  the  vindication  is  long,  and  though  signed,  was 
not  written  by  Israel. 

November  7th. — It  is  stated  that  23  ships,  5  snows,  22  brigs, 
9  schooners,  31  sloops,  were  in  the  harbour,  and  5  vessels  on  the 
stocks. 

December. — The  Flying  Machine  (a  great  improvement  in  the 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXIII 

rapidity  of  travelling)  still  continues  to  carry  passengers  in  two 
days  from  New  Yorlv  to  Philadelphia. 

In  December  certain  arms  and  ammunition  were  seized  by 
Andrew  Elliot,  collector,  as  not  being  on  the  ship's  cocket,  and 
conveyed  to  the  custom  house  ;  (where  was  it  f)  On  the  27th  a 
threatening  letter  was  sent  to  Elliot  saying,  "  by  this  act  you  have 
declared  yourself  an  enemy  to  the  liberties  of  the  country,"  and 
threatening  to  call  upon  him  for  these  arms,  and  prohibiting  their 
being  sent  away.  They  say  his  former  good  conduct  and  genteel 
behaviour  entitle  him  to  this  notification,  otherwise  they  would 
wreak  their  resentment  on  him. 

Elliot  published  a  moderate  and  firm  answer,  saying  he  had  done 
and  should  do  his  duty.  The  merchants  expressed  their  appro- 
bation of  his  conduct:  but  that  night  handbills  were  published 
repeating  threats  and  accusations.  The  next  morning  the  mer- 
chants waited  on  him  and  assured  him  of  their  support.  They 
accompanied  him  to  the  Coffee-house,  where  the  people  cheered 
him.  He  returned  thanks,  but  assured  them  he  should  continue 
to  do  his  duty.  Elliot's  place  of  residence  was  what  was  after- 
ward known  as  the  Sailor's  Snug  Harbour,  (two  miles  from  town 
then)  and  he  to  avoid  "  the  troubles"  moved  to  Perth  Amboy, 
until  the  British  took  possession  of  New  York.  He  then  returned 
and  occupied  his  house,  and  received  the  appointment  of  lieutenant- 
governour  or  head  of  the  police. 

Part  of  a  Song  published  this  year  in  a  handbill  :  Tune,  King 
John  and  the  Abbot  of  Canterbury. 

I  sing  not  of  conquests  obtained  in  the  field, 

Nor  of  i'eats  when  proud  Trulla  made  Hndibras  yield  ; 

But  the  total  defeat  of  those  heroes  I  sing, 

That  would  fix  a  Republic  in  lieu  of  a  King, 

Derry  down,  etc. 

First  observe  Johnny  Scott,  so  courageous  and  stout, 
He  swore  the  committee  should  all  be  turn'd  out. 
In  all  their  proceedings  he'd  find  out  some  flaw  ; 
What's  the  body  of  il»fcrc/<a/ifs  compared  to  the  Law. 

Then  Sawney  McDougall,  so  grave  and  so  wise, 
With  a  face  like  an  owl,  and  the  same  blinking  eyes, 
Advancing  his  sage.  Puritanical  phyz. 
Cries  out  for  Agricola  !     ho,  here  he  is  ! 

Agricola  came,  most  determined  of  men, 
With  a  wand  that  he  wields  in  the  shape  of  a  pen; 
From  the  freedom  of  which  such  enchantments  arise, 
That  sedition  once  touch'd,  it  immediately  dies. 

King  Sears,  thy  great  merit  must  not  be  held  back, 
When  like  a  parch'd  pea,  thou  did'st  whiz,  jump  and  crack, 
From  this  party  to  that — still  engaged  as  a  tool. 
Till  he  found  troubled  waters  to  leap  in  and  cool. 


CCXIV  APPENDIX. 

Should  Peter  Van  Brook  not  be  sung  in  his  turn, 

The  sons  of  sedition  full  sorely  m^ht  mourn  ; 

But  his  deeds  must  not  pass,  while  connected  with  theirs', 

Nor  his  follies  be  sanctified  by  his  gray  hairs. 

As  for  lesser  retainers,  I  think  'twould  be  wrong 
That  their  names  should  iinmortalized  be  in  my  song ; 
I  therefore  dismiss  both  the  great  and  the  small, 
Lambs,  wolves,  and  tall  errand-boys ;  StarcJiem  and  all. 

1775  January  13th. — Governour  Franklin  addressed   the  le- 

gislature of  New  Jersey,  convened  at  Perth  Amboy,  warning 
them  not  to  sanction  certain  proceedings  connected  with  the  dis- 
putes between  the  colonies  and  the  mother  country,  and  assures 
them  that  their  grievances  will  be  redressed  on  petition.  The 
council  return  a  complacent  answer  ;  but  the  assembly  sarcastically 
tell  him  that  they  know  of  no  improper  proceedings,  sneer  at  his 
not  naming  the  acts  he  deems  improper,  and  sarcastically  observe 
that  they  cannot  see  why  the  petition  of  one  colony  should  be 
more  attended  to,  than  the  petition  of  all  the  colonies.  Lieutenant- 
governour  Colden's  address  is  in  the  same  style,  and  he  has  more 
success  with  the  New  York  assembly. 

In  January,  Rivington  appears  bolder,  and  no  doubt  the  tories 
were  encouraged.  The  pieces  against  the  continental  congress 
and  the  cause  of  America  were  multiplied  in  his  Gazeteer ;  and 
his  paragraphs  were  openly  advocating  the  parliamentary  tyranny. 
For  example — we  are  informed  that  the  popular  faction  appears  to 
lose  ground.  Again,  the  demagogues  are  losing  ground  very  fast. 
Yet  the  madmen  of  IMarblehead  are  preparing  for  an  early  cam- 
paign against  his  majesty's  troops,  etc.  He  published  scur- 
rilous verses  on  Hancock,  Adams,  and  Cooper,  the  Boston  town 
clerk.  The  majority  of  the  New  York  assembly  agreeing  not  to 
send  delegates  to  the  congress  in  May,  caused  great  triumph  to 
the  tories  ;  and  the  Gazeteer  rejoices  in  these  verses — 

*'  And  so  my  good  masters  I  find  it  no  joke, 

For  York  has  step't  forward  and  thrown  off  the  yoke 

Of  congress,  committees,  and  even  K g  S s, 

Who  shows  your  good  nature  by  showing  his  ears."  etc. 

In  the  remainder  Hancock  and  Adams,  etc.,  are  consigned  to 
Gage. 

February  23d. — The  tories  triumphed  in  the  vote  of  the  ma- 
jority of  the  New  York  assembly  not  to  send  delegates  to  congress. 
The  majority  had  Walton,  Jancey,  Brinckerhoff,  Colonel  Seaman, 
(whose  daughter  married  Billop)  Brush,  Delancey,  Vankleeck, 
Rapelye,  Nicolls,  Billop,  Phillips,  (Phillipse)  Ten  Eyck,  Wills, 
Wilkins,  Kissam,  and  Gale.  The  whigs  were  Chnton,  Wood- 
hull,  Thomas,  Boerum,  Captain  Seaman,  Colonel  Ten  Broeck, 
De  Witt,  Colonel  Schuyler,  and  Colonel  P.  Livingston. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXV 

March  l-3tb. — The  committee  of  observation  nominate  Isaac 
Low,  Philip  Livingston,  James  Duane,  John  Alsop,  John  Jay, 
L.  Lispenard,  Alexander  McDougall,  and  some  others,  as  candi- 
dates for  the  continental  congress  at  Philadelphia.  The  five  first 
were  chosen. 

18th. — A  letter,  real  or  pretended,  from  an  American  in  London 
says,  that  several  of  the  members  of  the  New  York  assembly,  who 
voted  not  to  take  into  consideration  the  proceeding  of  "your  con- 
gress" are  to  be  rewarded.  "  The  Delanceys,  Watts,  Coldens,  and 
the  leaders  of  the  party,  are  to  be  rewarded  much  higher,  by  places 
of  honour,  profit,  and  pensions,  viz  :  Watts,  to  be  lieutenant- 
governour,  in  the  room  of  old  Golden,  who  resigns  on  a  pension. 
Cruger  to  be  of  the  council,  also  a  young  Golden,  McEvers,  and 
some  of  the  Watts.  Large  grants  of  land  are  likewise  to  be  given  ; 
and  in  a  little  time,  a  Bishop  will  certainly  be  appointed  for  Ame- 
rica. Dr.  Gooper,  of  New  York,  is  fixed  for  the  man,  who  is  the 
ministerial  writer  there."  He  says,  "  plans  for  disuniting  America 
are  communicated  officially  to  the  ministry  by  Golden,  and  privately 
by  Parson  Vardlll,  a  native  of  New  York,  who  has  been  here  a 
twelvemonth,  a  ministerial  writer,  under  the  signature  of  "  Goriola- 
nus,"  lately  appointed  king's  professor  in  the  college  of  New  York, 
with  a  salary  of  £200  sterling ;  and  a  Major  Skene,  from  New 
York,  who  is  appointed  governour  of  Grown  Point,  and -surveyor 
of  the  woods,  with  a  grant  of  120,000  acres  of  land."  This  was 
the  Skene,  of  Skenesborough,  now  Whitehall,  Lake  Ghamplain. 

April  20th. — Marinus  Willet  and  John  Lamb  are  denounced 
as  having  been  chairmen  of  a  popular  meeting  to  overhaul  persons 
who  had  sent  on  boards,  etc.  for  the  British  army  at  Boston.  Sears 
is  said  to  have  made  a  motion  that  every  man  should  provide  him- 
self with  four  and  twenty  rounds.  At  another  meeting.  Sears  was 
taken  (as  is  said)  by  a  warrant,  and  carried  before  the  mayor, 
and  ordered  to  jail,  but  rescued  by  the  people,  and  carried  in  tri- 
umph through  the  town.  Ivers,  Alner,  Richard  Livingston,  and 
Roorbach  are  mentioned  as  attending  on  Sears,  with  colours  flying. 
At  6  P.  M.  in  the  fields  Sears  addressed  the  people  :  Alexander 
McDougall  and  Mr.  Pardon  Burlington,  supported  Sears.  They 
stopped  (as  I  gather)  a  vessel  with  boards,  intended  for  Boston. 

23d. — When  the  news  of  the  Lexington  affair  reached  New 
York,  Isaac  Sears  and  John  Lamb  took  measures  for  stopping 
all  vessels  in  the  harbour  that  were  about  sailing  for  Quebec  or  any 
other  ports  where  British  troops  predominated,  and  wrote  to  the 
committee  of  Philadelphia,  avowing  what  they  had  done.  They 
assembled  the  people,  and  demanded  the  keys  of  the  custom-house 
of  Mr.  Elliot,  who  delivered  them  up. 

May  5th. — The  committee  of  100  address  the  lord  mayor  and 
common  council  of  London.     They  assert  their  rights — declare 


CCXVl  APPENDIX. 

"  that  Americans  will  not  be  deceived  by  conciliatory  assurances, 
while  it  is  evident  that  the  ministers  are  aimina:  at  a  solid  revenue 
to  be  raised,  by  acts  of  parliament."  They  say,  "  the  minions  of 
power  in  New  York  may  inform  the  administration  that  this  city 
is  as  one  man  in  the  cause  of  hberty." 

This  address  was  signed  by  Isaac  Low,  chairman,  John  Jay, 
Francis  Lewis,  John  Alsop,  Philip  Livingston,  James  Duane,  E.  ■ 
Duyckman,  William  Seton,  William  W.Ludlow,  Cornelius  Clop- 
per,  Abraham  BrinckerhofF,  Henry  Remsen,  Robert  Ray,  Evert 
Bancker,  Joseph  Totten,  Abraham  P.  Lott,  David  Beeckman,  Isaac 
Roosevelt,  Gabriel  H.  Ludlow,  W^illiam  Walton,  Daniel  Phoenix, 
Frederick  Jay,  Samuel  Broome,  John  De  Lancey,  Augustus  Van 
Home,  Abraham  Duryee,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Rudolphus  Ritze- 
man,  John  Morton,  Joseph  Hallet,  Robert  Benson,  Abraham  Bra- 
sher, Leonard  Lispenard,  Nicholas  Hoffman,  P.  V.  B.  Livingston, 
Thomas  Marston,  Lewis  Pintard,  John  Imlay,  Eleazer  Miller,  jr., 
John  Broome,  John  B.  Moore,  Nicholas  Bogert,  John  Anthony, 
Victor  Bicker,  William  Goforth,  Hercules  Mulligan,  Alexander 
McDougall,  John  Reade,  Joseph  Ball,  George  Janeway,  John 
White,  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  John  Lasher,  Theophilus  Anthony, 
Thomas  Smith,  Richard  Yates,  Oliver  Templeton,  Jacobus  Van 
Landby,  Jeremiah  Piatt,  Peter  S.  Curtenius,  Thomas  Randall, 
Lancaster  Burling,  Benjamin  Kissam,  Jacob  LefFerts,  Anthony 
Van  Dam,  Abraham  Walton,  Hamilton  Young,  Nicholas  Rosevelt, 
Cornelius  P.  Low,  Francis  Basset,  James  Beeckman,  Thomas 
Ivers,  William  Denning,  John  Berrien,  Benjamin  Helme,  William 
W.  Gilbert,  Daniel  Dunscomb,  John  Lamb,  Richard  Sharp,  John 
Morin  Scott,  Jacob  Van  Voorhis,  Comfort  Sands,  Edward  Flem- 
ing, Peter  Goelet,  Gerret  Ketdetas,  Thomas  Buchanan,  James 
Desbrosses,  Petrus  By  vanck,  Lott  Embren. 

I  copy  these  names  as  a  memento  of  men  and  families  then  in 
New  York.  I  know  that  all  of  them  did  not  join  as  one  man  in  the 
cause  of  liberty,  and  I  doubt  whether  they  all  signed  this  address. 

May  11th. — The  committee  forassociation  for  New  York,  address 
C.  Colden,  lieutenant-governour.  They  say,  the  inhabitants  have 
waited  with  the  greatest  patience,  for  a  redress  of  grievances, 
etc. — they  have  found  the  most  dutiful  applications  for  redress  re- 
jected— their  rights  violated — "  You  cannot  wonder,"  when  the 
sword  has  been  drawn  against  our  brethren  of  Massachusetts,  that 
we  have  associated  and  elected  a  committee  and  delegates  in  con- 
gress. They  assert  that  they  never  will  submit  to  an  invasion  of 
their  rights,  and  view  with  imexpressible  horrour,  the  blockade  of 
Boston  port,  the  hostile  attack — the  extension  of  the  bounds  of 
Quebec — and  are  determined  to  equip  themselves  for  the  struggle 
for  liberty.  But  they  do  not  arm  against,  but  in  defence  of  govern- 
ment, to  support  his  honour  in  the  administration  of  justice,  etc. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXVII 

They  look  forward  "with  deep  concern,  at  the  expected  arrival 
of  troops  from  Great  Britain  :  violence  may  be  the  consequence, 
and  the  streets  of  New  York  deluged  with  blood.  They  beseech 
him  to  apply  to  General  Gage,  for  orders,  that  such  troops  as  may 
arrive  "  shall  not  land  or  encamp  in  this  city  and  county."  Signed 
Henry  Remsen,  D.  C. 

Golden  answers,  that  the  king  and  parliament  are  ready  to  afford 
every  reasonable  indulgence — they  offer  to  forbear  every  kind  of 
taxation,  etc.,  etc.  He  exhorts  the  committee  not  to  irritate  the 
minds  of  the  people — He  has  no  information  of  troops  destined  for 
Tsew  York.  He  will  communicate  their  letter  to  General  Gage. 
This  report  of  troops  coming,  he  says,  has  been  invented  to  faci- 
litate the  desifj^n  of  introducino^  an  armed  force  from  Connecticut 
— "  a  measure  so  degrading,  so  dangerous  to  the  honour,  the  free- 
dom of  this  colony."  He  speaks  of  the  "  tumults  and  disorder, 
which  has  raged"  in  New  York  city — exhorts  them  to  support  civil 
government. 

May  15th. — Congress  recommended  to  the  citizens  of  New  York, 
if  British  troops  arrive,  to  act  on  the  defensive ;  let  them  take  the  bar- 
racks, and  leave  them  in  quiet  while  they  behave  so;  but  not 
to  let  them  erect  fortifications  ;  that  the  warlike  stores  be  removed 
from  the  town  ;  that  places  of  retreat  be  provided  for  the  women 
and  children  ;  and  men  embodied  and  kept  in  readiness  to  lepel 
insult  or  injury. 

The  committee  of  New  York  require  all  persons  having  arms 
for  sale  to  inform  them  thereof  within  ten  days,  or  to  be  considered 
publick  enemies ;  and  declare  that  any  person  selling  arms  to  be 
used  against  our  liberties  shall  be  held  up  as  an  enemy. 

25th. — The  provincial  congress  at  New  York  resolve  that  none 
but  enemies  to  America  would  propose  any  hostile  measures  against 
the  inhabitants  of  Canada.  Signed,  Robert  Benson,  secretary. 
They  further  recommend  to  the  inhabitants  of  New  York  to  furnish 
themselves  with  arms  and  ammunition. 

July  3d. — The  worshiped  Whitehead  Hicks,  Esq.,  mayor, 
left  with  his  Excellency,  Governour  Tryon,  the  humble  address  of 
the  merchants  and  commonalty  of  the  city  of  New  York,  congra- 
tulating him  on  the  re-establishment  of  his  health,  bidding  him 
"  welcome  to  a  people,  who,  from  the  rectitude  of  his  administra- 
tion," could  not  part  with  him,  '•  without  the  deepest  regret." 
They  regret  he  does  not  find  them  "  in  a  condition  more  propi- 
tious to  his  felicity."  They  sigh  for  tranquility,  re-established 
upon  that  ancient  system  of  government  and  intercourse,  which  has 
been  the  fruitful  source  of  prosperity  and  opulence.  They  are  af- 
flicted to  behold  a  nation  so  wise  as  Great  Britain,  involved  in  a 
civil  war,  "in  which  disloyalty  in  his  majesty's  American  subjects 
to  their  Prince,  or  want  of  affection  to  their  mother  country,  con- 


CCXVIII  APPENDIX. 

stitute  no  part  of  the  unnatural  controversy."  They  trust  in  In's 
intercession'  with  his  majesty  for  a  speedy  termination,  etc.  Try  on 
in  his  answer,  says,  (after  thanks,  etc.,)  that  he  is  disappointed  in 
viewing  the  aspect  of  affairs,  and  distressed  ;  and  that  he  fells  na- 
turahzed  and  bound  to  America.  He  washes  them  to  view  the  con- 
troversy, as  flowing  from  the  misconception  of  constitutional  prin- 
ciples— that  the  parliament  has  taken  the  first  step  to  reconcilia- 
tion. If  America  would  liberate  the  restraint  she  has  laid  on  her 
commerce,  etc.,  many  acts  of  conciliating  grace,  would  be  ex- 
tended to  her  by  Great  Britain,  "  which  national  honour  cannot 
suffer  to  be  torn  from  her  by  violence" — That  the  memorial  of 
New  York,  had  expressions  in  it  and  claims,  which  made  it  impos- 
sible for  parliament  to  receive  it.  But  the  petition  to  the  king,  had 
been  presented  and  graciously  received — he  promising  "  attention 
to  the  humble  requests  of  his  faithful  subjects  of  New  York." 

July  5th. — The  provincial  congress  of  New  York,  resolve,  that 
no  English  vessel  arriving,  shall  be  permitted  to  load  any  provision, 
*'  unless  the  property  of  those  articles,  be  in  some  merchant  or 
inhabitant  of  this  colony,  and  not  intended  for  Newfoundland." 
Signed  John  McKesson,  Sec. 

August  4th. — The  committee  of  New  York,  published  a  state- 
ment of  a  violation  of  the  orders  of  the  continental  congress,  by 
Abraham  H.  Van  Vleek,  of  New  York,  and  George  Coffin,  master 
of  a  sloop  in  his  employ,  in  that  they  carried  provisions  to  Nan- 
tucket, contrary  to  said  orders,  and  were  preparing  to  repeat  it, 
and  therefore,  represent  them  as  acting  inimically  and  guilty  of  an 
infringement  of  the  liberties  of  the  colonies.  The  confessions  are 
published  of  these  individuals. 

23d. — Mr.  Mulhgan*  was  on  the  Battery  when  the  Asia  fired  on 
the  town.  Alexander  Hamilton  had  gone  off  with  others,  dragging 
one  of  the  cannon,  and  left  his  musket  with  Mulligan.  When  the  ship 
fired  a  broadside,  the  people  scampered,  and  whhthem  Mr.  Mulli- 
gan, who,  as  he  retreated  by  Pearl  street,  met  Hamilton ;  "  Where's 
my  musket  .^" — was  tlie  inquiry — "  I  left  it  by  yonder  embrasure," 
was  the  answer  of  the  fugitive.  Hamilton  very  deliberately  walk- 
ed on  and  seized  his  arms,  as  if  in  defiance  of  the  seventy-four. 

28th. — We  have  an  account  of  the  removing  of  the  guns  from  the 
Battery,  by  order  of  the  provincial  congress:  Captain  John  Lamb's 
Artillery  on  the  Battery,  and  Parker's  Infantry,  etc.,  are  firing — 
women  and  children  removing.  *'  The  governour  returning  from 
the  country,  took  an  account  in  writing  of  the  damage  done."  Con- 
ference between  Tryon  and  the  provincial  congress,  committee,  etc. 
He  declares,  that  he  knows  of  no  troops  coming  from  Boston. 


*  Mentioned  in  John  C.  Hamilton's  life  of  his  father,  Vol.  I. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXIX 

October  13th. — Tryon  writes  to  Hicks,  the  mayor  of  New 
York,  that  the  continental  congress  had  recommended  to  the  pro- 
vincial congress  of  New  York,  to  seize  him — he  places  himself  un- 
der the  protection  of  the  mayor  and  corporation,  notifying,  that 
if  he  is  made  prisoner,  the  captains  of  the  men-of-war  would  de- 
mand him,  and  enforce  the  demand.  To  avoid  which,  if  it  is  the 
wish  of  the  citizens,  he  will  embark,  and  requesting  the  citizens  to 
defeat  any  intention  to  interrupt  the  removal  of  his  servants,  pro- 
perty, etc. 

14th. — He  is  answered,  that  the  "  members  of  the  corporation," 
on  reading  the  letter  of  the  governour,  "  expressed  themselves  in 
terms  of  the  strongest  affection"  to  him  :  and  are  disinchned  to  his 
removal  "  from  the  capital  of  his  province."  The  mayor  says, 
that  the  city  committee  to  whom  he  had  communicated  the  letter 
of  Tryon,  desire  "the  continuation  of  his  residence.  I  have  not 
the  least  doubt  of  your  enjoying  the  most  ample  protection." 

Same  day,  Tryon  replies  to  Hicks,  that  as  the  citizens  had  not  au- 
thorized the  mayor  to  pledge  to  him  "  their  assurances  of  security," 
his  duty  to  his  sovereign  will  not  justify  him  in  staying  on  shore, 
unless  he  has  positive  declarations  of  full  protection  "  under  every 
circumstance." 

17th. — The  answer  of  the  committee  to  the  mayor,  was  to  as- 
sure Tryon,  that  they  "  are  not  apprehensive  of  the  least  danger  to 
his  person  and  property,  and  that  he  may  rest  assured  of  all  that 
protection  from  them,  and  their  fellow  citizens,  which  will  be  con- 
sistent with  the  great  principle  of  our  safety  and  preservation." 
They  declare  their  confidence  in  his  wisdom,  and  that  he  will  me- 
diate to  restore  harmony,  etc.,  they  again  express  their  desire,  that 
Tryon  would  remain  among  them. 

18th. — The  mayor  writes  Tryon,  that  he  could  not  take  the 
sense  of  the  citizens  on  his  letter,  till  Tuesday,  when  the  commit- 
tee met,  and  "  the  result  of  their  councils  will  appear  in  the  written 
answer"  herewith  transmitted.  He  adds,  that  *'  people  of  all 
ranks,"  express  great  anxiety  at  the  thought  of  his  retiring,  etc. 

19th. — Governour  Tryon,  by  letter,  informed  the  mayor,  that  he 
understands,  congress  had  ordered  him  to  be  seized,  and  if  so,  he 
would  be  demanded  by  Captain  Vandeput,  of  the  Asia,  and  on  refusal 
to  give  him  up,  the  demand  would  be  enforced.  The  mayor  as- 
sures the  governour  of  his  safety,  and  of  the  good  will  of  the  inha- 
bitants. The  committee  likewise  give  assurances  of  personal 
safety  to  Tryon,  and  of  respect  for  him. 

23d. — Stephen  Sayre,  of  Long  Island,  was  committed  to  the 
Tower,  upon  a  charge  (made  by  a  fellow  of  the  name  of  Rich- 
ardson, an  adjutant  in  the  British  service,)  of  intending  to  seize  the 
king's   person,  take  possession  of  the  Tower,  and  overturn  the 


CCXX  APPENDIX. 

government.  This  shows  the  excessive  fears  and  jealousies  of  the 
Enghsh  at  that  time.     Sayre  was  admitted  to  bail. 

A  letter  from  Brook  Watson,  merchant,  to  P.  V.  B.  Livingston, 
president  of  the  provincial  congress  of  New  York,  dated  July  4th. 
Lake  Champlain,  near  St.  Johns,  is  published.  He  says,  that  by  the 
assistance  Livinsjston's  letter  to  the  officers  in  the  service  of  the  colo- 
nies  afforded  him,  he  is  now  so  near  Montreal,  that  he  expects  to  be 
there  in  the  evening.  He  thanks  Livingston  and  the  provincial 
congress,  for  their  letters,  which  have  protected  him.  "  A  sincere 
friend  to  America  and  its  rights,  I  truly  am."  He  is  uneasy  at 
the  spirit  of  the  colony  troops  on  the  lake,  as  they  seem  deter- 
mined to  enter  Canada.  This,  he  says,  would  *' produce  the 
most  dreadful  consequences ;  the  Canadians  and  Indians  would 
immediately  fall  on  your  back  setdements  ;  with  the  king's  troops 
on  one  side,  and  the  Canadians  and  Lidians  on  the  other,  what  are 
the  colonists  to  expect,  but  slaughter."  He  says,  it  cannot  be 
doubted,  that  Great  Britain  is  ready  to  receive  "any  fair  proposi- 
tion constitutionally  offered." 

November.  —  Arnold  crossed  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  marched 
to  Point  mix  Trembles  seven  leagues  above  Quebec,  whence 
he  sent  Burr,  with  a  letter  to  Montgomery,  dated  30th  No- 
vember, saying:  "  This  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Mr.  Burr,  a 
volunteer  in  the  army,  and  son  to  the  former  president  of  New 
Jersey  College.  He  is  a  young  gentleman  of  much  life  and  acti- 
vity, and  has  acted  with  great  spirit  and  resolution,  on  our  fatiguing 
march.  His  conduct,  I  make  no  doubt,  will  be  a  sufficient  recom- 
mendation to  your  favour."*  On  the  25th  November,  Montgo- 
mery left  Montreal,  and  must  have  met  Burr  as  he  ascended  the 
river. 

23d. — Rivington  publishes  his  last  paper,  until  he  revives  it 
again  as  the  Royal  Gazette  in  the  garrison.  His  types  were 
destroyed,  December  4th,  by  the  Connecticut  Light  Horse, 
who  surrounded  his  house — the  citizens  looked  on,  without  in- 
terfering. 

December  4th. — Tryon  sends  to  the  mayor  a  letter  from  on 
board  of  the  Duchess  of  Gordon,  New  York  harbour,  desiring  him 
to  lay  before  the  corporation  the  enclosed  paper,  and  make  the 
same  publick.  In  the  paper,  he  tells  the  inhabitants  of  the  pro- 
vince, that  his  majesty  has  been  graciously  pleased  to  permit  him 
to  withdraw  from  his  government,  and  he  is  ready  to  do  them  any 
service — but  if  he  sees  no  hope  of  re-establishing  harmony,  he 
expects  to  be  soon  obliged  to  avail  himself  of  the  king's  indul- 
gence.    It  gives  him  great  pain  to  see  them  in  a  turbulent  state, 


*  See  Vol.  I.,  Historical  Society  of  Maine's  collection. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXI 

he  wishes  to  do  something  to  alleviate  the  calamities  that  must  be- 
fall them,  etc. 

The  papers  published  in  the  province  of  New  York  in  1775, 
were,  The  York  Mercury,  The  New  York  Journal,  The  New 
York  Gazetteer,  (these  in  the  city,)  and  The  Albany  Post,  (in 
Albany.) 

The  names  of  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  so  frequently  occur 
in  our  history,  as  to  deserve  notice.  The  first  was  named  by  the 
Dutch  "  Kruine  Punt."  The  second  still  bears  its  Indian  name, 
signifying  "  the  meeting  of  the  waters,"  i.  e.  of  Lakes  Sacrament 

or  George  and  Champlain.     It  is  familiarly  called  Ty. 
1777  March  24th. — Gaine's  Gazette,  of  this  date,  says,  the 

rebels  take  up  royal  subjects,  and  chain  them  to  their  own 
negroes.  "  The  whole  country,  every  w^iere,  is  one  continued 
scene  of  horrour,  distress,  and  confusion.  A  pretty  exchange  for 
the  libertv  they  once  enjoyed  under  the  government  and  protection 
of  Britain!" 

And  again  : — "  The  cruel  and  desperate  wretches,  w^ho  conduct 
the  rebellion  in  the  northern  parts  of  this  colony,  have  given  orders 
to  shoot  all  persons,  indiscriminately,  who  may  be  found  in  any  of 
the  roads  towards  Kingsbridge." 

June  4th. — Same  paper — "  The  flower  of  Mr.  Washington's 
army,  is  composed  of  the  gleanings  of  British  prisons,  transported 
to  the  southern  colonies." 

July. — In  1763,  a  law  was  passed  to  prevent  hunting  on  the 
grounds  near  New  York,  by  others  than  the  owners,  etc.  In  July, 
1777,  it  is  put  in  force  by  the  commandant  of  New  York,  General 
Pigot. 

August. — General  Jones  commandant  in  New  York.  Peter 
Stuyvesant  died,  eighty-seven  years  old. 

September  14th. — At  this  time,  certain  persons  called  Sande- 
manians,  made  open  declaration  at  New  Haven,  that  by  their  reli- 
gious faith,  they  were  bound  to  be  faithful  subjects  to  King  George 
III.,  and  obey  his  commands  in  all  things  not  interfering  with 
the  commands  of  God — and  believing,  that  his  kingdon  was  to  be 
defended  by  the  sword,  and  they  bound  so  to  do — but  being  wil- 
ling to  live  peaceably,  they  request  either  to  be  unmolested,  or  to 
be  removed  to  some  place  under  the  king's  government.  The  as- 
sembly resolved,  that  these  persons,  "  disciples  of  the  late  Robert 
Sandeman,  residing  in  New  Haven,"  may  remain  in  New  Haven, 
giving  their  parole  of  honour,  not  to  give  intelligence,  or  otherwise 
act  injuriously  to  the  United  States — or  if  they  decline  giving  such 
parole,  they,  with  their  families,  furniture,  provisions,  etc.,  may 
remove  to  any  place,  subject  to  the  king  of  Great  Britain,  excejHing 
a  girl,  the  heiress  of  an  estate  in  New  Haven,  who  must  remain 
under  the  guardianship  of  William  Greenough.     This  girl,  was  the 


CCXXII  APPENDIX. 

daughter  of  Robert  Woodlmll,  one  pf  the  Sandemanlans.  In  con- 
sequence of  their  declaration  of  ld)'alty,  these  people  were  con- 
signed to  the  care  of  the  jailer,  October  21st,  1777  :  and  on  the 
6ih  November,  were  set  at  liberty  on  giving  the  required  promise. 
They  then  solicited  leave  to  proceed  to  New  York  or  Long  Island, 
and  the  following  certificate  was  given  them.  "By  his  Excellency 
Jonathan  Trumbull,  Esq.,  governour,  captain-general,  and  com- 
mander-in-chief, in  and  over  the  state  of  Connecticut,  one  of  the ' 
United  States  of  iVmerica  : — to  all  whom  it  doth  or  may  concern. 
Mr.  Daniel  Humphreys,  with  his  wife  and  three  children,  Joseph 
Pynchon,  with  his  wife  and  three  children,  Mr.  Titus  Smith,  with 
his  wife  and  five  children,  Thomas  Goold,  Benjamin  Smith,  with 
one  child,  William  Richmond,  with  his  wife  and  four  children, 
Thomas  Chamberlain,  with  his  wife  and  one  child,  and  Richard 
Woodhull,  with  his  wife  and  two  children,  are  to  be  permitted  to 
pass  from  the  port  of  New  Haven  in  this  state,  and  go  to  New  York, 
or  if  they  think  it  expedient,  to  Long  Island,  in  the  sloop  Lilley, 
under  a  flag  of  truce  for  the  purposes  on  the  other  side  specified. 
Given  at  my  office  in  Lebanon,  in  said  state,  the  21st  of  Novem- 
ber, A.  D.  1777. — Jonathan  Trumbull."  Several  certificates  fol- 
low, by  which  it  appears,  that  these  people  were  transported,  with 
their  property,  and  due  provision,  to  New  York. 

25th. — In  Rivington's  Gazette,  is  mentioned,  the  arrival  of  the 
Experiment,  fifty  guns,  and  Zebra,  fourteen,  with  a  convoy  of 
transports,  bringing  numerous  reinforcements  of  English  and  Ger- 
man troops ;  among  them,  the  Marquis  of  Lindsey,  Lord  Cath- 
cart,  Major-general  Robertson,  Sir  Spencer  Watson,  Brigadier- 
general  Pattison,etc.  With  this  fleet  arrived  Colonel  Pennington, 
of  the  Guards,  who  on  the  passage  quarrelled  with  Captain  Talle- 
mash,  commander  of  the  Zebra,  and  immediately  on  their  arrival, 
they  repaired  to  Hull's  Tavern,  on  the  site  of  the  present  City 
Hotel,  and  fought  with  swords.  Tallemash  received  a  wound 
under  the  left  breast,  of  which  he  expired  immediately,  and  Pen- 
nington was  wounded  in  seven  different  parts,  but  notwithstanding 
recovered. 

Rivino^ton  consjratulates  himself  and  his  former  subscribers  on 
his  return  to  New  York.  He  compliments  them  for  having  sup- 
ported him  through  a  long  period  of  confusion,  anarchy,  and  tyran- 
ny, till  an  armed  banditti  from  Connecticut  forcibly  entered  his 
house  at  noon-day,  and  robbed  him  of  his  types  and  other  property 
to  a  considerable  amount.  He  speaks  of  his  seeking  an  asylum  in 
England,  and  says,  he  always  endeavoured  to  preserve  peace,  or- 
der, and  legal  government.  He  congratulates  his  friends  and  the 
publick  on  the  present  happy  prospect  opening  from  the  success  of 
his  majesty's  arms,  both  at  the  north  and  south,  etc. 

In  Rivington's  Loyal  Gazette  the  following  is  published,  as  found 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXUI 

at  Fort  Montgomery,  when  taken.  "  To  Egbert  Benson,  Esq.,  or 
in  his  absence,  to  Melancthon  Smith  or  John  Schenk,  Esqs.,  at 
New  Windsor ;  dated  Kingston,  2d  June,  1777.  Sir :  A  com- 
mittee from  the  counties  of  Orange,  Ulster,  and  Duchess,  are  to 
meet  at  New  Windsor  to-morrow,  for  the  important  purpose  of 
agreeing  on  men  proper  to  fill  the  great  offices  of  government,  we 
take  the  liberty  of  communicating  to  you  our  sentiments  on  that 

subject  ....  General  Schuyler  arrived  here  last  evening. " 

Then  they  go  on  mentioning  that  congress  had  established  him  in 
the  command  of  the  northern  department,  and  done  him  justice. 
They  recommend  him  as  governour,  and  General  George  Clinton 
as  lieutenant-governour.  They  say  the  constitution  is  approved — 
recommend  entrusting  it  to  men  of  unquestionable  abilities,  etc. 
Signed,  John  Jay,  Charles  Dewitt,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Matthew  Can- 
tine,  and  Christian  Tappan. 

November  22d. — Peter  Van  Tassel,  commonly  styled  the  Indian 
King  was  taken,  with  two  others,  near  Tarrytown,  by  that  enter- 
prizing  officer,  Captain  Emerick.  Van  Tassel  was  a  committee- 
man, and  is  lodged  in  the  jirovost, 

Emerick  was  a  German.  Gordon  says,  that  on  the  18th  of  No- 
vember Tryon  sent  Emerick  with  100  men  to  burn  houses  on  Phi- 
lipse's  manor  :  this  they  did,  turning  out  women  and  children  to  the 
inclement  weather,  and  leading  the  men  away  with  halters  round 
their  necks,  after  stripping  the  whole.  General  Parsons  wrote  a 
remonstrance,  saying  that  he  could  at  any  time  burn  Philipse's 
house,  etc.,  and  those  belonging  to  Delancey.  Tryon  answered 
from  Kingsb ridge,  saying  that  he  was  not  accountable  to  any  re- 
volted subject  of  the  king's,  but  as  to  Emerick's  conduct  in  Peter 
and  Cornelius  Van  Tassel,  he  would  burn  every  committee-man's 
house  to  purge  the  colony  of  them,  and  would  give  twenty  silver 
dollars  for  every  committee-man  delivered  to  the  king's  troops. 
The  reply  to  this  was  a  party  of  Americans,  who  arrived  at  Green- 
wich, and  burned  Delancey's  house,  within  three  miles  of  New 
York — dismissing  the  ladies  in  peace,  though  rather  hastily. 

In  December,  the  American  officers  who  had  in  numbers  been 
carried  from  Long  Island  to  the  prison-ships,  were  carried  back 
again,  and  received  as  lodgers  by  the  people,  Mr.  Lewis  Pintard 
agreeing  to  pay  two  hard  dollars  per  week  for  them.  There  were 
250.  Pintard  advises  fresh  beef  to  be  sent  to  the  prisoners,  as 
convalescents  have  relapses  when  fed  on  salt  beef  by  the  English. 
There  were  nine  thousand  privates  and  three  hundred  officers  pri- 
soners in  the  city  of  New  York. 

December  6th. — A  charity  sermon  advertised  to  be  preached 
at  St.  George's  Church  for  the  support  of  the  Charity  School  of 
New  York.     The  school  consists  of  5G  boys  and  30  girls.    Read- 


CCXXIV  APPENDIX. 

ing,  writing,  and  aritbmetick  taught,  and  to  the  girls,  needlework. 
Mr.  Wood,  the  father  of  William  ^B.  Wood,  comedian,  was  the 
master. 

Sir  H.  Clinton,  allows  the  inhabitants  of  Long  and  Staten  Island 
to  carry  three  bushels  of  salt  for  each  family  from  New  York  under 

strict  survey ance. 
1778         January  3d. — "  Last  Monday,   Selah  Strong  was  com- 
mitted to  the  care  of  the  provost  of  this  city,  on  a  charge 
of  treasonable  correspondence  with  his  majesty's  enemies."* 

31st. — I  perceive  that  the  houses  in  Wall  street  were  at  this 
time  numbered.  I  find  the  same  in  Maiden  Lane,  and  the  same 
in  Queen  street. 

February  21st. — Sir  Henry  Clinton  appoints  Alexander  Gardi- 
ner wharf-officer  of  Staten  Island,  for  tlie  purpose  of  preventing 
rum,  salt,  and  other  goods  being  carried  to  the  rebels.  He  is  em- 
powered to  seize  such  goods  as  are  not  accompanied  by  the  super- 
intendent's permission,  etc. 

It  appears  by  a  proclamation  of  Gener-J  Robertson,  that  some 
English  sailors  had  attacked  and  wounded  three  Hessian  soldiers. 
He  promises  a  reward  for  the  discovery  of  the  perpetrators. 

As  early  as  February,  in  this  year.  General  Schuyler  gave  notice 
to  congress  that  the  Iroquois  were  preparing  to  attack  the  frontiers ; 
and  in  March,  he  informed  them  that  the  Mohawks,  Onondagas, 
Cayugas,  and  Senecas,  were  ready  to  commence  hostilities.  No 
effectual  measures  being  taken,  the  storm  of  desolation  fell  in  blood, 
particularly  upon  Wyoming :  it  was  guided  as  usual,  by  tories. 

March. — The  judicious  cantonment  of  Valley  Forge  served  to 
cover  the  country  and  cut  off  supplies  from  the  enemy  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

ColoiLcl  Mawhood,  of  the  17th  Regiment,  and  Simcoe,  of  the 
Queen's  Rangers,  were  sent  Into  New  Jersey  with  about  1200  men, 
and  the  small  parties  of  militia  near  Salem  fled  before  them.  Col. 
Shreve's  regiment  had  been  detached  into  Jersey,  and  Gen.  Wash- 
ington gave  notice  of  the  erruption  of  the  British  to  Governour 
Livingston,  with  request  to  call  out  the  mihtia  to  join  Shreve  ;  but 
less  than  one  hundred  joined  the  Colonel,  at  Haddonfield,  the 
place  of  rendezvous.  Maw^hood  was  left  at  liberty  to  destroy  the 
country  and  collect  forage,  which  was  done  with  wanton  aggrava- 
tion to  the  yeomanry  and  their  farms.  Another  expedition  of  the 
British  was  equally  successful,  in  destroying  vessels  and  stores  at 
Burlington  :  Generals  Dickinson  and  Maxwell  had  not  force  enough 
to  oppose  the  enemy.  In  May,  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette,  with  a 
detachment,  was  sent  into  Jersey,  and  he  took  post  at  Barren  Hill ; 


*  Rivington's  Gazette. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXV 

but  the  British  from  Philadelphia  forced  him  by  a  superiour  force 
to  recross  the  Schuylkill. 

May  11th. — At  this  time,  Holt  resumed  the  publication  of  his 
weekly  paper,  at  Poughkeepsie,  after  being  involved  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  little  defenceless  town  of  Esopus  or  Kingston,  by  the 
British  forces  under  Vauo;han. 

Holt  advertises  his  paper,  "For  a  quarter  of  news,  121bs.  of 
beef,  pork,  veal,  or  mutton,  or  41bs.  butter,"  etc. 

In  Gaine's  New  York  Gazette,  August  10th,  is  the  following : 
*'  Last  Tuesday  afternoon,  about  one  o'clock,  during  a  heavy  rain, 
accompanied  with  thunder,  the  lightning  struck  the  ordnance 
sloop  Morning  Star,  lying  off  the  Coffee-house,  in  the  East 
river,  with  248  bbls.  of  gunpowder  on  board  :  it  produced  a  most 
tremendous  explosion.  A  number  of  houses  w^ere  unroofed,  many 
windows  broke,  and  some  furniture  demolished  by  the  blast — the 
effects  of  which  were  similar  to  an  earthquake.  Happily,  there 
was  only  one  man  in  the  vessel  when  the  accident  happened." 
Rivington  merely  notices  an  explosion. 

In  the  fire  of  the  7th  inst.  the  same  paper  enumerates  sixty-three 
houses  and  a  number  of  stores  destroyed.  General  Jones,  the 
commandant,  offered  a  reward,  upon  supposition  that  the  fire  w^as 
the  work  of  an  incendiary. 

In  relation  to  the  second  great  fire,  and  the  explosion  of  the  next 
day,*  I  have  received  a  communication,  dated  September  7th, 
1838,  from  an  aged  and  highly  respectable  citizen  still  living, 
which  the  reader  may  be  gratified  to  peruse  : 

"  In  looking  over  your  two  interesting  little  volumes  entided 
*  A  History  of  New  York,'  I  perceive  that  you  notice,  at  pages  216 
and  217  of  volume  II.,  '  the  second  great  fire'  in  this  city  which  took 
place  on  the  night  of  the  7th  of  August,  1778,  and  the  explosion 
that  occurred  on  the  8th.  These  circumstances  I  recollect  as  dis- 
tinctly as  if  they  had  taken  place  but  yesterday  ;  for  my  father's 
family  at  that  time  occupied  the  house  the  third  door  from  the  Old 
Slip,  in  Litde  Dock  street,  which  was  consumed  in  the  early  part 
of  the  conflagration  ;  and,  as  you  correctly  observe,  *  the  military 
interfered,  and,  perhaps  intending  well,  aided  the  work  of  destruc- 
tion.' This  remark  strikes  me  very  forcibly  at  this  time,  although 
a  little  over  sixty  years  have  passed  away  since  the  transaction  it 
refers  to  took  place ;  for  while  aiding  in  removing  my  father's  goods 
to  a  place  of  safety,  I  was  compelled  by  a  soldier  to  lay  my  load 
down,  and  fall  in  the  ranks  and  hand  buckets.  With  respect  to  the 
explosion,  you  will  pardon  me,  my  dear  sir,  when  I  say  you  are  in 
an  errour  in  stating  it  to  be  a  sloop^  and  only  one  life  lost,  and  that 


*  See  Ante,  pp.  164,  165. 

cc 


CCXXVI  APPENDIX. 

a  boy.  It  was  a  hrlg  or  a  slap,*  wlili  a  large  quantity  of  gunpow- 
der on  board,  and  was  commonly  called  the  powder-shij?,  the  num- 
ber of  her  crew  not  known.  For  the  security  of  the  city,  she  was 
anchored  not  far  from  the  Long  Island  shore,  and  not  a  great  dis- 
tance from  the  entrance  of  what  was  then  called  the  Buttermilk 
Channel,  which  separates  Governour's  Island  from  Long  Island, 
and  at  that  time  affording  only  a  passage  for  market  boats.  The 
explosion  of  the  sloop  took  place  in  1779  or  1780.  I  will  now 
give  you  a  short  history  of  this  vtry  sloop.  She  was  a  privateer 
from  this  port,  and  had  been  captured  by  an  American  vessel  of 
war,  and  a  crew  of  fifteen  men  put  on  board  of  her,  with  orders  to 
proceed  for  an  American  port,  leaving  on  board  three  men  and  a 
boy  of  her  original  crew.  The  names  of  these  three  men  were 
O'Brien,  Burke,  and  Murphy.  In  a  calm,  a  part  of  the  American 
crew  got  into  the  boat  alongside  for  some  purpose,  while  others 
went  aloft  to  adjust  some  of  the  rigging.  The  three  men,  with  the 
boy,  took  this  opportunity  to  retake  the  vessel.  They  threw  a  pig- 
iron  into  the  boat,  with  the  intention  of  staving  her,  and  cast  her 
loose  ;  and  not  one  of  the  prize  crew  w^as  ever  afterwards  heard  of, 
excepting  those  in  the  boat  anight  have  been  picked  up.  When 
she  returned  into  port,  she  anchored  off  the  Crane  Wharf,  very 
near  the  shore,  and  the  day  after  her  arrival,  the  men  went  on 
shore,  leaving  the  boy  on  board,  with  another  boy,  a  companion  of 
his,  in  charge  of  the  vessel,  when  she  was  blown  up.  The  boy 
who  was  a  visiter  on  board  was  miraculously  saved.  After  the  ex- 
plosion, Cunningham,  of  notorious  memory,  who  had  charge  of 
the  old  jail,  then  called  *the  Prevo,'  immediately  repaired  to  the 
wharf  and  took  the  boy  into  custody,  and  interrogated  him  very 
sharply,  in  the  expectation  of  eliciting  something  from  him  on  the 
subject  of  the  disaster.  The  account  he  gave  was  this;  that  he 
and  the  other  boy  were  in  the  cabin,  when  the  lad  belonging  to  the 
sloop  took  up  a  musket,  and  commenced  snapping  the  lock — at 
which  he  became  alarmed,  knowing  that  there  was  powder  in  the 
cabin,  and  went  upon  the  quarter-deck — and  he  knew  of  nothing 
afterwards,  until  he  found  himself  in  the  water  on  the  quarter-deck 
of  the  sloop.  There  was  a  light  drizzling  rain  at  the  time,  and  she 
had  but  a  small  quantity  of  powder  on  board — by  no  means  suffi- 
cient to  produce  the  result  you  speak  of ;  for  after  her  quarter-deck 
was  blown  off,  she  immediately  sank.  I  cannot  be  mistaken  in  this 
statement,  as  this  very  boy  was  afterwards  a  fellow  apprentice  with 
me,  and  he  has  very  often  related  the  circumstance  to  me.     His 


*  "  Mr.  J.  R.,  in  whose  correctness  in  recollecting  circumstances  long  gone  by,  I 
have  the  fullest  confidence,  informs  me  that  it  was  a  s/ii/?,  and  that  her  name  was  the 
Morning  Star. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXVII 

name  was  Robert,  the  son  of  a  short  elderly  man  named  Lancaster, 
whose  employment  was  the  crying  and  vending  of  newspapers 
through  the  streets,  as  then  was  the  practice." 

August  20th. — By  Burgoyne's  letter  to  Lord  George  Ger- 
maine,  we  see  that  from  the  30th  of  July  to  the  15th  of  August, 
every  exertion  was  made  to  bring  the  batteaux,  provision,  and  am- 
munition from  Fort  George  to  the  first  navigable  part  of  the  Hud- 
son, a  distance  of  eighteen  miles.  This  was  done  with  horses 
brought  from  Canada,  and  fifty  team  of  oxen  collected  in  the  coun- 
try ;  and  after  fifteen  days  thus  employed,  he  had  only  ten  batteaux 
on  the  Hudson,  and  five  day's  provision  in  advance  for  the  army. 
Burgoyne,  when  pushed  on  to  Skenesborough,  sent  his  batteaux, 
etc.  up  Lake  George,  and  Frazer,  with  his  grenadiers,  etc.  pursued 
the  retreating  Americans  on  the  Vermont  side,  overtaking  and  at- 
tacking them  at  Hubberton.  St.  Leger  w^as  at  this  time  supposed 
by  Burgoyne  to  be  before  Fort  Stanwix.  Schuyler  and  his  army, 
opposed  to  Burgoyne,  were  at  Stillwater,  between  Saratoga,  from 
whence  he  writes,  and  the  mouth  of  the  Mohawk.  He  says,  a 
rapid  movement  forward  appeared  to  be  of  the  utmost  consequence 
to  force  the  enemy  to  action,  and  to  aid  St.  Leger's  operations. 
His  difficulties  in  keeping  up  communication  with  Lake  George 
if  he  advanced,  are  stated  :  and  at  Stillwater  another  land  car- 
riage is  necessary.  To  gain  catde  and  forage,  he  formed  the  plan 
of  attacking  Bennington  by  surprise.  Baum  was  fixed  on  to  com- 
mand. 200  dismounted  dragoons  of  Riedsel's,  Captain  Fraser's 
marksmen,  all  the  Canadian  volunteers,  a  party  of  provincials  who 
knew  the  country,  and  100  Indians  and  two  pieces  of  light  cannon 
are  therefore  enumerated.     About  500. 

November  6th. — Colonel  Beverley  Robinson,  No.  21,  in  King 
street,  notifies  refugees  wanting  employ  and  assistance  from  govern- 
ment, to  call  upon  him. 

9th. — The  journeymen  printers  combine  to  raise  their  wages  by  an 
addition  of  $3  per  week.  They  say  a  common  labourer  gets  $1 
per  day  and  provisions,  and  the  lowest  mechanicks  from  12  to  16s. 
Rivington  agrees  ;  and  adds,  that  advertisements  of  fifteen  lines 
will  be  $1,  and  "  long  ones  in  proportion." 

25th. — Mr.  G.  Jones,  commandant,  fixes  the  price  of  Wood  at 
£^  a  cord  for  walnut,  and  <£4  for  oak. 
1779         January  6th. — All  bread    ordered  to  be  made  in  21b. 
loaves,    and  sold    for  21  coppers  the  loaf.     This  to  take 
place  on  the  1st  of  February. 

We  see  the  arts  used  to  entice  sailors  to  man  the  privateers, 
etc.,  by  a  publication  of  James  Dick,  commissary  of  prisoners, 
in  which  he  apologizes  for  the  detention  of  seamen  who  had 
been  prisoners  with  the  Americans,  and  exchanged,  but  on  arri» 
ving  in  a  Flag  from  Elizabethtown,  were  pressed  "by  mistake," 


CCXXVJII  APPENDIX. 

for  the  ships  of  war.  He  likewise  gives  notice,  that  all  seamen 
and  others  that  shall  come  in  from  the  rebels  after  the  20th  inst., 
shall  be  at  liberty  to  enter  on  board  privateers,  etc.,  and  not  be 
liable  to  impressment.  But  the  adjutant-general  of  the  fleet  offers 
20  guineas  reward  to  any  person  who  shall  give  information  against 
any  master  or  owner  of  a  privateer  who  has  enticed  seamen  to 
leave  his  majesty's  service,  for  their  service.  And  a  similar  reward 
is  offered  from  the  adjutant-general's  office  in  Broad  street,  for  like 
information  against  those  privateersmen  who  have  enticed  soldiers 
to  desert  from  their  regiments. 

Governour  Try  on  admits  Mr.  Hepburn,  late  practitioner  of  law 
in  North  Carolina,  to  plead  and  practise  in  all  his  majesty's  courts 
in  this  province. 

20th. — It  is  stated  that  three  whale-boats,  whh  continental  sol- 
diers, came  from  Greenwich,  Connecticut,  intending  for  Hunting- 
don Bay,  but  obliged  by  a  storm,  they  made  for  the  nearest  port  of 
Long  Island  ;  one  was  lost,  with  a  captain  and  seven  privates  ;  the 
others  hauled  up  their  boats  and  covered  them  with  branches;  but 
being  discovered,  w^ere  made  prisoners  and  brought  to  New  York. 

Mr.  G.  Jones,  commandant,  proclaims  that  the  commander-in- 
chief  continues  in  force  the  order  to  the  farmers  of  Long  Island 
and  Staten  Island,  to  thresh  out  their  grain,  and  bring  to  market 
all  but  sufficient  for  their  families.  They  are  offered  the  follow- 
ing prices: — Wheat,  26s.  currency  per  bushel;  wheat  flour,  80s. 
per  cwt. ;  rye,  10s.  per  bushel,  and  the  flour,  30s.  per  cwt. ;  maize, 
10s.  per  bushel,  the  flour,  2Ss.  per  cwt.  Buckwheat,  7s.  per  bushel, 
the  meal,  26s.  per  cwt.  And  no  greater  price  shall  be  demanded, 
offered,  or  received.  Penalty,  loss  of  the  property  and  imprison- 
ment. 

Privateers  and  their  prizes  arriving  in  this  harbour  are  to  put 
their  prisoners  on  board  the  Good  Hope,  or  Prince  of  Wales  prison 
ships,  and  bring  receipts  for  them  to  James  Dick,  before  they  have 
had  any  communication  with  the  shore.  If  prisoners  are  permitted 
to  come  on  shore,  heavy  penalties  are  threatened  to  be  inflicted  on 
the  privateersmen. 

February  6th. — "  Deserted  from  the  Virginia  company  of  Blacks, 

employed  as  labourers  in  the  service  of  the  Royal  Artillery." 

Names  follow. 

10th. — Permission  is  given  by  the  commandant  to  farmers  and 
gardeners  "of  these  islands,"  who  have  not  woods  on  their  lands 
proper  for  fencing,  to  cut  railing  for  fences,  on  the  lands  of  per- 
sons not  under  the  protection  of  government  on  Long  Island  or 
Staten  Island.  Woodcutters  who  have  broke  down  fences  on  cul- 
tivated land,  are  threatened  with  punishment;  and  permits  granted 
to  cut  wood  are  to  expire  on  the  1st  of  March  next. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXIX 

A  carman  in  New  York  was  allowed  for  a  common  load  of  wood, 
etc.,  for  one  mile  within  the  city,  33.  The  carmen  were  licensed 
by  the  police. 

A  huckster  who  was  detected  selling  bread  "at  a  higher  price 
than  was  fixed  by  the  late  assize,"  was  fined  £5. 

It  is  reported  that  a  party  a  day  or  two  ago  went  over  into  Jer- 
sey, and  succeeded  in  securing  the  persons  of  Captain  Nathaniel 
Fitz  Randolph,  and  Charles  Jackson,  a  tavern-keeper,  of  Wood- 
bridge,  and  brought  them  within  the  lines.  Mr.  Randolph  is  a  very 
enterprizing  person,  and  had  distinguished  himself  in  various  coups 
de  main  upon  the  loyalists.  In  common  parlance,  Randolph  was 
called  "  Natt  Randall."  And  I  remember  hearing  of  his  bravery 
when  I  was  a  child,  in  1776-7 — particularly  of  his  standing  alone, 
firing  and  reloading  his  musket,  wlien  approached  by  several  of  the 
17th  Dragoons,  who  were  advancing  to  cut  him  down,  but  were 
ordered  to  take  him  alive  by  an  officer  who  saw  and  admired  his 
cool  courage. 

13th. — Rivington  at  this  time  is  lavish  of  praise  on  Arnold,  and 
abuse  of  his  accusers  in  Philadelphia.  One  of  his  aids  at  this  time, 
was  Major  M.  Clarkson. 

November  24th. — Sir  Henry  Clinton  issued  his  proclamation 
at  New  York,  to  procure  fuel  for  the  approaching  winter.  He 
requires  all  persons  who  have  obtained  permission  to  cut  wood 
"off  certain  lands  on  Long  Island  and  Staten  Island,  immediately 
to  bring  what  wood  they  have  cut  to  this  market."  He  points  out 
a  mode  of  bringing  it  in,  by  impressing  the  farmers  and  their  wagons 
or  carts.  The  colonels  of  the  militia  of  the  different  districts  have 
power  to  grant  permissions  for  cutting  wood  off  "  the  above  men- 
tioned lands,"  and  to  order  the  wood  to  be  brought  to  the  landings. 
He  speaks  of  the  ample  price  allowed  for  firewood  in  this  market, 
and  therefore  "  all  proprietors  of  woodland  on  Long  Island  and 
Staten  Island  are  hereby  ordered  immediately  to  cut  and  cart  to 
the  most  contiguous  landings  such  proportion  of  their  wood  as  will 
fully  answer  the  intent  and  meaning  of  this  proclamation,  and  pre- 
vent the  disagreeable  necessity  of  granting  permissions  for  their 

woods  to  be  cut  by  others." 
1780  January  5th. — The  following  proclamation  is  published 

at  this  date  :  "  His  Excellency,  Sir  H.  Clinton,  K.  B., 
etc.,  Whereas,  the  enemy  have  adopted  the  practice  of  enrolling 
negroes  among  their  troops,  I  do  hereby  give  notice  that  all  negroes 
taken  in  arms,  or  upon  any  military  duty,  shall  be  purchased  for 
the  publick  service,  at  a  stated  price;  the  money  to  be  paid  to  the 
captors.  But  I  do  most  strictly  forbid  any  person  to  sell  or  claim 
right  over  any  negro,  the  property  of  a  rebel,  who  may  take  refuge 
with  any  part  of  this  army  ;  and  I  do  promise  to  every  negro  who 


CCXXX  APPENDIX. 

shall  desert  the  rebel  standard,  full  security  to  follow  within  these 
lines  any  occupation  which  he  shall  think  proper.  Given  under 
my  hand,  at  head-quarters,  Philipsburg,  the  30th  day  of  June." 

15th. — Rivington  says  ;  Yesterday,  great  numbers  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  New  lork  and  Long  Island,  also  a  sleigh  and  two  horses, 
passed  over  the  ice  in  the  East  river.  Six  persons,  in  attempting 
to  pass  to  Powle's  Hook  on  the  ice,  were  carried  by  the  tide  into 
the  East  river  ;  but  the  ice  lodging  at  Blackwell's  Island  they  got 
ashore  frostbitten.     This  was  some  days  before. 

20th. — General  Pattison  orders  the  enrolling  of  every  male  in- 
habitant, from  17  to  60,  under  officers  and  armed. 

In  relation  to  the  hard  winter  of  1779-'S0,  I  have  received  a 
communication  from  a  highly  respectable  source,  a  part  of  which 
I  will  copy.  After  some  introductory  matter,  which  need  not  be 
here  inserted,  the  writer  alludes  to  a  cotemporary  memorandum, 
made  by  himself,  of  which  he  has  favoured  me  with  a  copy. 

"  January  24th. — This  day  the  river  Hudson,  opposite  New 
York,  was  crossed  on  the  ice.  I  record  this  fact,  because  my 
father  says,  it  has  not  occurred  before  in  fifteen  years,  and  as  the 
winter  is  thus  far,  of  unprecedented  severity. 

"  29th. — This  day  several  persons  came  over  on  the  ice  from 
Staten  Island. 

"  February  1st. — A  four  horse  sleigh  came  over  on  the  ice,  from 
Slaten  Island. 

"  15th. — A  thaw  has  set  in,  which  promises  to  open  the  navi- 
gation. 

"  24th. — Navigation  entirely  open. 

*'  March  1st. — Weather  warm  and  rainy. 

"  If  you  have  any  doubt  as  to  the  accuracy  of  these  memoran- 
dums, I  can  only  refer  you  to  the  newspapers  about  this  time.  To 
satisfy  myself,  I  one  morning  went  to  the  Historical  Library,  and 
for  a  few  minutes  examined  several  papers  published  at  this  time. 
The  New  York  papers  speak  of  arrivals,  at  and  after  the  20th  of 
February,  and  the  New  Jersey  Gazette,  published  at  Trenton,  on 
the  8th  of  March,  says,  the  Delaware  is  open  to  Philadelphia  from 
that  place,  after  having  been  closed  about  three  months.  There 
must  have  been  a  great  thaw  to  have  opened  the  Delaware  at  Tren- 
ton so  early  in  the  season,  after  such  an  extraordinary  frost. 

"  I  have  in  my  possession  also,  several  volumes  of  The  New 
Annual  Register,  published  at  London,  about  this  time.  In  the 
volume  for  1780,  there  are  two  letters  from  General  Knyphausen 
and  General  Pattison,  which  speaks  of  this  winter.  General  Knyp- 
hausen  is  dated  New  York,  28th  March,  1780,  and  says,  that  it  is 
only  since  the  middle  of  February,  that  the  harbour  has  been  open  at 
New  York.     General  Pattison's  is  dated  New  York,  February  22d. 


Yl 


M 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXXI 

and  says,  the  rigour  of  the  cold  is  abated,  and  we  are  threatened 
with  a  rapid  thaw." 

February  2d. — Rivington  triumphs  in  the  acquittal  of  "  Major 
General  Benedict  Arnold.  The  general  whom  they  heretofore 
stiled  the  American  Hannibal,  triumphed  in  an  honourable  ac- 
quittal, and  his  adversaries  having  lost  the  confidence  of  the  inha- 
bitants, are  hourly  sinking  into  their  pristine  insignificance  and 
obscurity."     Does  not  this  look  like  a  "  foregone  conclusion  ?" 

5th. — At  Poughkeepsie,  January  10th,  they  speak  of  the  long 
continued  and  intense  cold — the  violent  tempests,  and  repeated 
snows,  cutting  off  all  intercourse  between  neighbours. 

General  Pattison  expresses  his  satisfaction  at  the  prompt  obedi- 
ence paid  to  his  orders,  in  forming  militia  companies,  and  the  order 
displayed  at  the  review.     Particularly  of  the  volunteer  companies. 

9th. — Mr.  William  Maxwell  ''an  inhabitant,"  is  tried  by  a  court 
martial,  on  charges  brought  against  him  by  Lieutenant  Cramond, 
of  the  forty-second  regiment,  and  the  court  decided,  that  the  charge 
made  by  Maxwell,  that  Cramond,  brought  dissolute  women  into 
his  quarters,  and  kept  them  all  night,  (in  Maxwell's  house,)  is  not 
supported  by  proof— and  the  same  of  Maxwell's  charge,  that  Cra- 
mond's  servants  were  permitted  to  threaten  to  kick  Mrs.  Maxwell 
— therefore,  as  it  does  not  appear,  that  the  prisoner,  Maxwell,  had 
any  malicious  views,  and  taking  into  consideration,  ivliat  the  pri- 
soner has  air  eadij  suffered  from  imimsonment,  the  court  do  sentence  him, 
to  make  apublick  and  personal  apology  to  Lieutenant  Cramond,  for 
the  offence  he  has  been  guilty  of,  on  the  grand  j)aradey  and  to  publish 
the  same  in  the  newspapers.  With  respect  to  the  other  complaints, 
preferred  by  Maxwell,  in  his  memorial  and  letters,  ("  though  some 
of  them  appear  frivolous,)  the  court  is  of  opinion,  that  the  prisoner 
has  established  them,  by  credible  evidence."  By  this  it  appears, 
that  some  of  Maxwell's  complaints  were  not  frivolous,  and  were 
proved — yet,  because  he  did  not  prove  all,  he  is  sentenced  as 
above,  and  he  was  obliged  to  comply,  after  suffering  imprisonment. 
His  apology  is  published  accordingly,  in  these  words  :  "Agreeable 
to  the  above  sentence  of  the  court-martial,  and  in  order  to  do  every 
justice  to  the  character  of  Lieutenant  Cramond,  as  an  officer  and 
a  gentleman,  I  do,  in  every  particular  in  which  the  court  has  found 
me  culpable,  acknowledge  the  offence,  and  beg  Lieutenant  Cra- 
mond's  pardon.     William  Maxwell." 

Eighty  sleighs,  with  provision,  escorted  by  one  hundred  soldiers, 
crossed  the  ice  to  Staten  Island. 

Persons  are  said  to  have  crossed  from  Saybrook,  Connecticut, 
to  a  point  opposite,  on  the  ice  :  distance  twenty  miles. 

March  4th. — The  commandant,  by  notice,  signed  "  Stephen  P. 
Adye,  aid-de-camp,"  says  :  "  A  board  of  three  field-officers  of  the 
garrison,  and  the  magistrates  of  police  shall  assemble  at  the  City 


CCXXXIi  APPENDIX. 

Hall  on  the  9th  inst.,  to  examine  into  all  matters  respecting  billet- 
ting" — complaints  and  memorinls  having  been  frequent.  A  threat 
lo  complainants  is  intimated,  that  those  who  bring  frivolous  com- 
plaints "must  abide  the  consequences  ;"  perhaps  such  as  the  case 
of  Maxwell  shows  forth. 

The  form  of  a  billet  is  published,  to  be  issued  by  the  barrack- 
master  :    it  is — "  Barrack   office, — Having   examined   the   house 

No.  — ,  in street,   now  in  your  possession,   and   finding  that 

it  will  justly  admit  of  receiving  a  billet  for ,  you  are  there- 
fore directed  to  find  room  for ." 

8th. — In  Rivington's  Gazette  of  this  date  is  a  list  of  the  members 
of  congress,  pretending  to  give  their  original  occupations,  by  way 
of  showing  contempt  for  them.  I  will  copy  some  :  New  Hamp- 
shire— Josiah  Bartlet,  a  farmer  ;  William  Whipple,  a  shopkeeper; 
George  Frost,  a  fisherman.  Massachusetts — Elbridge  Gerry,  a 
Marblehead  trader  ;  James  Lovel,  town-schoolmaster  at  Boston  ; 
George  Partridge,  a  schoolmaster  ;  Artemas  Ward,  a  farmer,  after- 
wards an  attorney;  Samuel  Adams,  a  mallster.  Rhode  Island — 
Henry  Marchant,  an  attorney  ;  Stephen  Hopkins,  a  blacksmith  ; 
John  Collins,  a  blacksmith.  Connecticut — Samuel  Huntingdon, 
an  attorney  ;  Roger  Sherman,  a  ditcher  and  shoemaker,  and  author 
of  the  Almanack  called  Poor  Roger'' s ;  Jesse  Root,  a  country 
attorney  ;  Eliphalet  Dyer,  an  attorney  ;  Oliver  Ellsworth,  an 
attorney  ;  Andrew  Adams,  a  tavern-keeper,  and  lately  a  country 
attorney.  New  York — Philip  Schuyler,  a  merchant ;  Robert  R. 
Livingston,  a  lawyer ;  John  INIorin  Scott,  a  lawyer ;  William 
Floyd,  a  farmer ;  Ezra  L'Hommedieu,  a  country  attorney.  ,  New 
Jersey — Charles  Houston,  a  tutor  in  Princeton  College  ;  Abraham 
Clarke,  a  country  surveyor ;  John  Fell,  a  ship-captain  in  the  mer- 
chant service,  and  lastly  a  farmer.  Pennsylvania — Frederick 
Muhlenburgh,  a  parson;  John  Armstrong,  a  surveyor;  William 
Shippen,  an  apothecary.  IniNIaryland,  they  find — two  gentlemen. 
Virginia — James  Henry,  a  country  attorney  ;  James  Madison,  jr., 
no  profession  or  occupation  ;  John  Walker,  a  gambler  and  farmer. 
North  Carolina — Cornelius  Harnett,  a  country  trader;  Thomas 
Burke,  formerly  a  doctor,  and  now  a  country  attorney.  South 
Carolina — Thomas  Heyward  and  Richard  Colston,  rice-planters. 
Further  remarks  are  promised  on  "  this  scaled,  miserable,  motley 
groupe." 

General  Knyphausen  issues  a  proclamation  as  commander  of  his 
majesty's^  troops  on  the  island  of  l^e-w  York,  Long  Island,  and 
Staten  Island,  and  the  posts  depending. 

22d. — On  Wednesday  night,  two  detachments  crossed  the  Hud- 
son to  Jersey,  consisting  of  300  men  from  Kingsbridge  and  300 
from  New  York — both  destined  to  attack  the  "  rear  of  the  rebel 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXXIII 

cantonments  at  Hopper's  town."  By  this  account,  the  expedition 
failed,  as  the  "rebels"  retreated,  abandoning  their  cantonments, 
after  slight  resistance,  and  the  invaders  returned  with  the  acknow- 
ledged loss  in  killed,  one  man — a  captain  and  a  few  men  wounded  ; 
the  rebels  "in  loose  parties  keeping  up  an  irregular  fire  upon  the 
rear,  some  men  dropped  behind  from  fatigue."  Sixty-four  priso- 
ners are  reported  to  have  been  brought  from  Jersey,  and  some 
deserters  from  the  rebels.  A  clergyman  w^as  made  prisoner  by 
mistake,  and  another  inoffensive  inhabitant,  and  dismissed. 

April  5th. — James  Robertson,  governour  and  captain-general  of 
the  province  of  New  York,  issues  a  proclamation  forbidding  the 
cutting  down  of  wood  on  New  York  Island,  Long  Island,  Morris- 
ania,  and  Staten  Island,  by  persons  "  w^ithout  right  or  title."  The 
pretence  of  cutting  on  estates  of  persons  supposed  to  be  in  rebel- 
lion, is  not  to  be  allowed. 

Lindley  Murray  was  at  this  time  an  importing  merchant  in  New 
Y^ork. 

19th — James  Robertson,  as  governour  of  the  province  of  N.  Y'ork, 
issuer-  a  proclamation,  wherein  he  says,  in  a  long  residence  he  had 
contracted  an  esteem  for  some,  and  an  affection  for  many  of  the 
inhabitants  ;  announces  his  majesty's  pleasure,  by  the  revival  of  civil 
authority,  to  prove  that  it  is  not  his  design  to  govern  America  by 
military  law,  but  by  their  former  constitution  ;  and  for  this  he 
had  brought  out  the  royal  appointments  for  forming  the  council 
and  supplying  the  places  of  lieutenant-governour  and  chief-justice. 
And  in  concurrence  with  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  British 
forces,  who  is  also  his  majesty's  commissioner  for  restoring  peace 
to  the  colony,  he  will  speedily  open  the  courts  of  justice,  convene 
the  assembly,  and  completely  restore  the  legislative  and  executive 
authority.  He  takes  great  pleasure  in  anticipating  the  blessings  of 
peace,  when  "  your  country,  with  your  ancient  privileges^  will  then 
participate  in  an  extensive  commerce,  and  be  exempted  from  all 
taxation  not  imposed  by  yourselves."  He  pledges  himself  (until 
he  meets  them  regularly  in  general  assembly)  for  the  "  impassionate 
desire"  of  the  king,  and  of  the  parent  country  to  unite  in  affection 
as  in  interest  with  the  colonies  planted  by  her  hand.  [Which 
were  they  ?]  He  likewise  pledges  himself  "  that  the  suggestions 
of  her  (England's)  intention  to  impair  their  rights  and  privileges, 
are  the  arts  of  malice  and  faction."  There  is  a  great  deal  of  this 
stuff.  He  laments  that  the  feio  who  have  managed  to  acquire  a 
sway,  "have  been  averse  to  every  uniting  system  of  policy,  and 
studiously  shunned  the  paths  to  harmony  and  peace."  He  does 
not  wish  to  mortify  these  few,  by  a  mortifying  review  of  their  con- 
duct; but  he  warns  them  from  attempting  to  seduce  the  loyalty  of 
others.  He  gives  assurance  of  protection  and  support  to  all  who 
avail  themselves  of  Sir  H.  Clinton's  proclamation  issued  at  Jame's 

DD 


CCXXXir  APPENDIX. 

Island,  3d  of  March.  He  advises  all  concerned  ''  to  apply  vvlihout 
delay  in  the  ordinary  course  for  char^ters,  to  redress  the  disorders 
arising  from  the  old  ones  being  lost.  As  to  the  publick  books  of 
records,  so  important  to  your  titles  and  estates  in  all  parts  of  the 
colony,  and  formerly  lodged  in  the  secretary's  office,  I  understand 
that  they  were  separated  from  the  rest,  by  the  provident  circum- 
spection of  my  predecessor;  and  having  been  afterwards  sent  home 
for  safe  custody,"  they  shall  be  returned  when  tranquihty  is  restored. 
He  then  calls  on  all  to  accomplish  the  king's  most  gracious  design, 
etc.  etc. 

It  is  to  be  remarked,  that  at  this  time  the  British  rulers  were, 
first.  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  commander-in-chief,  then  absent,  and  in 
his  stead.  Baron  Knyphausen,  General  James  Robertson,  gover- 
nour  of  the  province  and  captain-general,  etc.,  and  his  council. 
General  Pattison,  commandant  and  chief  of  the  police.  Andrew 
Elliot,  lieutenant-governour  and  supenntendent  of  police.  David 
Matthews,  mayor,  and  Peter  Dubois,  magistrate. 

29lh. — "  The  following  are  the  candidates  for  the  chair  of  usur- 
pation as  governour  of  this  province  : — Mr.  George  Clinton  :  Mr. 
Philip  Schuyler  ;  Mr.  Malcolm,  formerly  a  ship-chandler  of  this 
city  ;  Mr.  Palmer,  of  New  Windsor,  surveyor ;  Mr.  Peter  W. 
Yates,  attorney,  at  Albany." 

The  king's  council  for  the  province  of  New  York,  appointed 
by  James  Robertson,  were — Andrew  Elliot  ;  Ch.  W.  Ap- 
thorpe  ;  William  Smith ;  Hugh  Wallace  ;  Henry  White ;  Wm. 
Axtel ;  and  they  address  General  Robertson  with  congratulations 
and  professions  of  loyalty  and  gratitude  to  their  "most  gracious 
sovereign."  They  say,  "  the  ambitious  and  self-interested  pro- 
moters of  rebellion,  to  support  their  unauthorized  and  perilous 
combinations,  with  designing,  popish,  and  arbitrary  powers,  have, 
by  concealing  and  misrepresenting  the  many  generous  and  humane 
offers  of  Great  Britain,"  brought  on  the  people  the  evils  they  taught 
them  to  dread.  They  praise  the  proclamations  of  Robertson  and 
Clinton,  and  echo  the  sentiments  expressed  by  the  former.  To 
this  address  Robertson  returns  compliments,  and  requests  their 
advice  to  make  the  loyal  inhabitants  happy. 

May  12th. — The  Marquis  de  Lafayette  arrived  from  France  at 
head-quarters,  with  an  appointment  from  Louis  for  W^ashington  of 
Lieutenant-general  of  France,  and  assurances  of  supplies. 

27th. — The  commandant  says  that  the  superintendant-gene- 
ral  of  the  Hospitals  represents  that  the  patients  daily  purchase 
spirituous  liquors  from  the  licensed  publick  houses  ;  therefore,  it 
is  ordered,  that  those  selling  liquors  to  soldiers  coming  under  the 
above  description,  shall  lose  their  licenses,  and  be  punished  as  a 
court-martial  shall  adjudge.  And  it  is  ordered,  that  soldiers,  con- 
valescent, and  allowed  to  go  out  of  the  hospitals,  shall  v/ear  a  dis- 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXXT 

tingulshlng  mark,  of  an  H.,  made  of  blue  cloth,  and  sewed  on  a 
conspicuous  part  of  each  arm!"  Il  is  hkewise  complained,  that 
patients  have  been  encouraged  by  the  inhabitants  to  sell  their 
clothing  and  the  bedding  and  utensils  of  the  hospitals. 

31st. — A  briganline  belonging  to  Philadelphia  was  taken  coming 
from  Portau  Prince  :  "  she  was  commanded  by  Captain  Mesnard, 
formerly  of  the  snow  Carolina,  who  sometime  since  was  tried  in 
this  city  by  a  court-martial,  on  a  charge  of  secreting  letters  addressed 
from  republicaTis  in  England  to  their  rebel  brethren  in  America : 
he  was  found  guilty,  but  the  whole  of  his  sentence,  through  the 
wonted  grace  and  clemency  of  his  excellency.  General  Sir  Henry 
Clinton,  was  remitted.  Immediately  after,  and  to  express  his 
sense  of  this  lenity  and  forbearance,  he  repaired  to  Philadelphia, 
obtained  a  command  in  the  merchant's  service,  and  commenced  a 
steady  wagoner  to  and  from  the  island  of  St.  Eustace  and  the  city 
of  Philadelphia.     So  much  at  present  for  Mesnard." 

June  4th. — Sunday,  "  his  worship,  the  mayor,  attended  by  a 
most  respectable  body  of  our  principal  cidzens,  waited  on  his  ex- 
cellency, our  governour,  with  the  following  address  :  To  his  excel- 
lency, J.  Robertson,  captain-general  and  governour-in-chief,"  etc. 
They  regret  the  loss  of  Tryon,  as  governour,  but  are  consoled  by 
the  virtues  of  R. — praise  his  proclamation — congratulate  him  on  the 
conquest  of  Charleston — the  prospect  of  the  restoration  of  civil 
government,  etc.  Signed,  "in  behalf  of  the  citizens,  and  at  their 
request."     D.  Matthews,  mayor. 

June  7th. — Robertson,  in  his  answer  to  the  address  of  the  mayor 
and  citizens  on  the  4th,  says,  in  conclusion  :  "  May  the  arms  you 
have  so  readily  taken,  awe  those  into  submission,  whom  the  humane 
calls  of  a  soveieign  and  your  example,  fail  to  induce  to  become 
friends  to  the  general  welfare." 

17th. — General  Robertson  calls  on  the  inhabitants  of  Long 
Island  to  furnish  wood  for  the  barrack-yard  in  New  York.  The 
county  of  Kings  Is  required  to  get  1,500  cords  ;  Queen's,  4,500  ; 
and  the  western  part  of  Suffolk,  including  Huntingdon,  Islep, 
Smithtown,  and  Brookhaven,  3,000 — cut  and  corded  by  the  15th 
of  August.  Price,  30s.  per  cord  for  walnut,  20s.  for  oak.  Cart- 
age, 43.  a  cord  per  mile.  The  inhabitants  of  Southold,  Southamp- 
ton, and  Easthampton,  are  required  to  cut  in  the  woodlands  late 
belonging  to  William  Smith  and  William  Floyd,  of  Suffolk  county, 
(now  out  in  rebellion)  in  the  parts  thereof  nearest  to  the  landing  of 
Mastick  Neck,  3,000  cords,  to  be  ready  by  the  1st  of  September ; 
they  will  at  the  landing  receive  10s.  per  cord  for  cutting  and 
carting. 

Robertson  likewise  issues  his  proclamation  to  encourage  farmers 
to  cut  and  cure  the  greatest  quantity  of  grass  the  season  will  per- 
mit.    There  is  an  acknowledgment  that  the  scarcity  of  forage  in 


CCXXXVI  APPENDIX. 

the  Spring  of  1780  had  rendered  it  uncertain  what  proportion  he 
could  depend  upon  for  his  own  use  ^he  ensuing  winter,  in  conse- 
quence of  its  being  seized  for  the  troops,  he  therefore  assures  the 
farmers  that  if  they  will  deliver  two-thirds  of  their  fresh  hay  for  the 
king's  magazines,  they  shall  be  allowed  to  keep  the  other  third  for 
themselves.  On  delivery,  certificates  will  be  given  them  of  the 
quantity,  and  for  the  cartage. 

In  Rivington's  paper  of  this  date  is  an  account  of  the  burning 
of  Johnstown  in  part,  and  the  atrocities  of  the  Indians  under  Sir 
John  Johnson,  copied  from  Loudon's  New  York  Packet,  printed 
at  Fishkill.     An  abstract  of  it  is  desirable  : 

"  Sir  John  Johnson,  (who  styles  himself  lieutenant-colonel  com- 
manding the  king's  Royal  Yorkers)  on  the  21st  of  May  made  his 
first  appearance  at  Johnson  Hall,  undiscovered — aided  by  the 
tories  of  the  neighbourhood,  and  began  to  burn  all  the  houses 
except  those  of  the  tories.  They  commenced  at  below  Tripe's 
Hill,  (the  name  given  to  the  hill  on  which  the  Indian  tribes  used 
to  meet  in  council)  meaning  Tribe's  ;  thirty-three  houses  and  out- 
houses were  destroyed  ;  some  of  those  fired,  were  quenched  after 
the  destroyers  passed  ;  eleven  persons  were  killed.  Colonel  Fisher 
and  two  brothers  defended  the  house  they  were  in  ;  and  after  the 
brothers  were  killed  and  scalped,  the  Coloqel  still  defended  him- 
self until  knocked  down  and  scalped  ;  he  was  left  for  dead,  but 
revived,  and  is  likely  to  recover.  His  mother  was  knocked  down, 
but  not  scalped,  and  has  recovered.  Major  Van  Vrank  saved 
many  by  giving  the  alarm  to  the  inhabitants,  who  crossed  the  river. 
Johnson,  after  committing  this  devastation,  returned  to  the  Hall, 
dug  up  his  plate,  and  in  the  evening  marched  with  his  band  to 
Scotch-bush.  Some  of  his  negroes  that  had  been  sold  by  the 
state,  he  carried  off  with  him,  and  several  of  his  former  tenants, 
who  joined  him.  Some  of  his  prisoners  he  suffered  to  return  on 
parole.  He  is  said  to  have  had  with  him  200  English  soldiers  and 
300  of  his  regiment  of  Indians." 

George  Clinton  was  re-elected  governour  by  a  majority  of  3,264. 

September  30th. — "  Thursday,  died  of  fever,  at  his  seat  in  the 
Bowery,  Nicholas  Stuyvesant,  Esq.,  in  the  53d  year  of  his  age. 
He  was  the  eldest  son  of  Colonel  Stuyvesant,  one  of  the  most 
venerable  characters,  and  elected  annually  to  the  magistracy  for 
this  town  for  a  series  of  more  than  forty  years,  and  the  great  grand- 
son of  that  brave  Dutch  governour  who  commanded  here  at  the 
conquest,  in  1664.  His  remains  were  interred  in  the  family  vault, 
on  the  patrimonial  estate  of  the  old  Governour,  which  now  descends 
entirely  to  Mr.  Peter  Stuyvesant."*     Peter  Stuyvesant,  the  son  of 


See  Rivington's  Gazette,  of  thia  date. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXXVII 

the  last  mentioned  Peter,  was  born  In  1.778,  and  through  the  death 
of  his  uncle  Nicholas,  without  children,  possesses  the  greater  part 
of  the  estate,  now,  within  the  city.  Nicholas  was,  during  the  pos- 
session of  the  English  troops,  an  auctioneer. 

In  a  Gazette  extraordinary,  Rivington  gives  what  purports  to  be 
copies  of  letters  taken  in  a  rebel  mail  intercepted.  The  first  is 
from  Generals  Greene,  Parsons,  Knox,  Glover,  Stark,  Hvmtington, 
and  Patterson,  to  Governoiir  Trumbull,  filled  with  complaints,  etc. 
The  second  from  Alexander  Hamilton  to  Isaac  Sears,  at  Boston  : 
"  We  must  have  a  government  with  more  power;  we  must,  he  says, 
have  a  tax  in  kind',  we  must  have  a  foreign  loan ;  we  must  have  a 
bank  on  the  true  principles  of  a  bank;  we  must  have  an  administra- 
tion different  from  congress,  and  in  the  hands  of  single  men,  under 
their  orders;  and  above  all,  we  must  have  an  army  for  the  war,  and 
on  an  establishment  that  will  interest  the  officers  in  the  service," 
If  this  letter  is  not  genuine,  it  is  w'ell  imagined. 

November  1st. — It  is  recommended  that  "  By  permission,  on 
Monday  the  13th  of  November,  will  be  run  for  on  Flatland  Plains, 
five  miles  from  Brooklyn  ferry,  a  purse  of  .£60."  Then  the  terms 
and  rules.  Other  prizes  on  the  second  day.  There  will  be  fox- 
hunting during  the  races.  And  on  the  the  second  "  to  be  run  for, 
by  ivome?i,  ivhile  or  black,  a  Holland  smock  and  a  chintz  gown, 
full  trimmed  with  white  ribbands,  etc.  To  be  run  in  three 
quarter  mile  heats ;  the  first,  to  have  the  smock  and  gown  ;  the 
second  best,  a  guinea  ;  and  the  third,  half  a  guinea."  God  save 
the  King  will  be  played  every  hour. 

December  2d. — "A  party  of  rebels,  about  eighty  in  number, 
headed,  it  is  said,  by  a  rebel  Major  Talmadge,  assisted  by  a  certain 
Heathcot  Munson,  Benajah  Strong,  Thomas  Jackson,  and  Caleb 
Brewster,  officers  belonging  to  said  party,  formerly  all  of  Long 
Island,  came  across  in  eight  whale-boats  from  somewhere  about 
New  Haven  on  the  Connecticut  shore,  and  landed  between  Wading 
River  and  the  Old  Man's,  and  are  supposed  to  have  been  concealed 
two  or  three  days  on  the  island  by  their  old  friends,  the  rebels." 
The  account  goes  on  to  say  that  they  surprised  a  body  of  respec- 
table loyal  refugees  from  Rhode  Island,  who  were  establlshino-  a 
post  at  Smith's  Point,  St.  George's  manor,  south  side  of  Long 
Island.  The  sentry  fired  upon  the  rebels,  and  they  had  the  cru- 
elty to  return  the  fire,  rush  into  the  house  and  kill  a  loyal  subject  In 
the  most  shocking  manner.  The  rebels  carried  off*  about  forty 
prisoners,  burnt  a  magazine  of  hay,  and  returned  to  Connecticut.* 

13th. — Rivington  gives  notice  that  on  the  commencement  of  the 
ensuing  year,  he  will  adopt  the  custom  of  London,  where  the  whole 


*  See  Rivington*s  Gazette,  of  this  date. 


CCXXXVIII  APPENDIX. 

city  is  daily  supplied  by  hawkers  only,  widi  newspapers.     He  de- 
clines subscribers  or  subscriptions.    \ 

19th. — George  Batterinan  deposed  before  a  jusdce  of  the  peace 
in  Boston,  that  being  a  passenger  on  board  the  brig  Providence, 
from  Turk's  Island,  bound  to  Rhode  Island,  he  was  captured  on 
the  15th  of  September  last  by  the  Intrepid,  a  64  gun  ship,  James 
Anthony,  purser,  Mewley,  captain,  who  "took  every  stitch  of 
clothes  the  prisoners  had  on  board,  and  hove  them  overboard." 
On  the  2Sth,  put  the  prisoners  on  board  the  prison  ship  at  New 
York.  They  had  eight  ounces  of  condemned  bread  per  day,  and 
eight  ounces  of  meat  per  week,  [evidently  a  mistake  of  week  for 
day.]  He  was  afterwards  put  on  board  the  Jersey,  where  it  was 
supposed  1100  American  prisoners  were;  was  threatened,  if  attempt- 
ing to  escape,  he  should  be  brought  to  the  gangway  and  flogged  ; 
same  food  as  above — not  fit  to  eat ;  that  recruiting  officers  came 
on  board,  and  finding  that  the  American  officers  persuaded  the  men 
not  to  enlist,  removed  the  officers,  as  B.  was  told,  to  the  Provost ; 
the  people  were  then  tempted  to  enlist  to  free  themselves  from  what 
was  represented  confinement  hopeless  of  exchange  ;  that  the  offi- 
cers w^ere  thus  from  time  to  time  removed.  On  the  5th  of  Decem- 
ber, they  were  served  a  pint  of  water  for  the  day  ;  that  the  sick  were 
not  sent  to  the  hospital  ship  until  they  were  so  ill  and  weak  that 
they  often  expired  before  they  got  out  of  the  Jersey.  The  com- 
manding officer  told  us,  that  his  orders  were,  that  if  the  ship  took 
fire,  we  should  all  be  turned  below,  and  perish  in  the  flames  ;  [this 
was  probably  in  consequence  of  the  burning  of  a  prison-ship,  as 
mentioned  by  David  Sprout,  and  meant  to  deter  them  from  attempt- 
ing to  escape  by  that  desperate  means.]  He  says,  by  accident,  the 
ship  took  fire  in  the  steward's  room,  and  the  Hessian  guards  were 
ordered  to  drive  the  prisoners  below,  and  if  we  offered  to  resist, 
that  they  should  fire  among  us,  and  if  any  of  us  got  into  the  water, 
they  should  fire  on  us. 

30th. — Clinton  and  Arbuthnot  publish  "a  declaration"  to  the 
inhabitants  of  the  British  colonies,  offering  his  majesty's  pardon  to 
all  rebels,  "  excepting  such  persons  as  under  forms  of  trial  have 
been  instrumental  in  putting  to  death  any  of  his  majesty's  subjects." 

In  Rivington's  Gazette  of  this  date  there  is  likewise  in  full,  a 
declaration,  approved  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  by  the  honourable 
board  of  Directors  of  Associated  Loyalists.  They  say  that  his 
majesty  has  been  induced  to  signify  his  royal  pleasure  that  a  board 
be  established  for  embodying  and  employing  such  of  his  faithful 
subjects  in  North  America  as  may  be  willing  to  associate  for  the 
purpose  of  annoying  the  sea-coasts  of  the  revolted  provinces,  and 
distressing  their  trade,  either  in  co-operation  with  his  majesty's  land 
and  sea  forces,  or  by  making  diversions  in  their  favour,  when  they 
are  carrying  on  operations  in  other  parts."     In  consequence,  Clin- 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXXXlX 

ton  issued  a  commission,  constituting  William  Franklin,  Esq. 
governour  of  New  Jersey,  Josiah  Martin,  Esq.  governour  of  North 
Carolina,  Timothy  Ruggles,  Daniel  Cox,  George  Duncan  Ludlow^ 
Edward  Lutwyche,  George  Rome,  George  Leonard,  Anthony 
Stewart,  and  Robert  Alexander,  Esqrs.,  a  Board  of  Directors  for 
the  conduct  and  manas-ement  of  this  business.  Then  follow  the 
articles,  stating  that  all  persons  willing  to  bear  arms  for  the  above 
purposes,  shall  be  commanded  by  officers  recommended  by  the 
board  and  appointed  by  Clinton.  They  are  to  be  furnished  with 
arms,  etc.  All  captures  made  by  them  to  be  distributed  among 
them,  unless  when  in  conjunction  with  the  army  and  navy.  Ves- 
sels to  be  furnished  them  for  their  excursions.  Their  prisoners 
only  exchanged  for  refugees.  Their  sick  and  wounded  taken  care 
of  in  the  king's  hospitals.  If  acting  as  guides,  to  be  paid  for  it. 
And  at  the  end  of  the  rebellion,  the  associates  are  to  receive  each 
200  acres  of  land  in  North  America.  Their  particular  business  is 
to  stop  the  cruelties  with  which  the  rebels  have  treated  loyalists  ; 
and  the  directors  pledge  themselves  to  omit  nothing  in  their  power 
to  make  the  rebels  feel  their  vengeance,  if  they,  by  making  a  dis- 
tinction between  prisoners  of  state  and  prisoners  of  war,  punish 
worthy  loyalists  as  heretofore ;  and  they  appeal  to  God  that  they  do 
not  wish  to  prolong  the  horrours  of  war  or  increase  the  miseries  of 
their  country.     The  murder  of  Huddy  was  one  of  the  consequences 

of  forming  this  board. 
1781  February  7th. — A  letter  from  David  Sprout  to  Abraham 

Skinner,  the  American  commissary  of  prisoners,  is  published. 
It  had  been  asserted  that  a  captain  of  a  king's  ship  took  the  clothes 
of  the  Americans  he  had  prisoners,  and  threw  them  overboard. 
Sprout  says,  no  dirty  rags  are  suffered  to  remain  on  board  a  king's 
ship.  He  acknowledges  that  very  many  of  the  prisoners  on  board 
the  Jersey  are  sick  and  dying,  but  their  disorders  only  proceed 
from  dirt,  nastiness,  and  want  of  clothing.  He  says,  that  on  the 
first  complaint  made  to  him,  with  respect  to  provisions,  he  went  on 
board  the  prison-ship,  and  wrote  down  in  a  large  hand  on  a  folio 
sheet  of  paper  the  quantity  of  each  species  of  provisions  allowed 
by  the  king  to  prisoners  of  war,  and  pasted  It  on  a  board,  and 
caused  it  to  be  hung  up  in  the  most  publick  place  of  the  vessel,  in 
order  that  every  prisoner  might  see  It,  and  requested  of  their  own 
officers,  that  they  would  take  in  rotation  the  trouble  to  see  that  they 
got  the  full  quantity  of  good,  sound,  and  wholesome  provisions ; 
and  that  when  a  cask  happened  to  be  damaged,  or  otherwise  bad, 
it  should  not  be  served  to  them,  but  headed  up  again,  surveyed, 
and  condemned  according  to  the  custom  of  the  navy. 

He  further  says,  "  on  my  appoinment  to  this  office,  the  13th  of 
October,  1779,  I  examined  into  the  state  of  the  prisoners  and  prison 
ships  and  reported  the  same  to  Admiral  Arburthnot,  who  ordered 


CCXL  APPENDIX. 

me  to  make  every  necessary  regulation  in  order  to  accommodate 
the  prisoners  as  well  as  circumstances  would  admit.  Accordingly 
carpenters  were  sent  from  the  king's  yard,  and  a  bulk  head  run 
across  the  prison-ship  Good  Hope  ;  the  officers  were  berthed  abaft 
this  partition,  and  the  men  before  it :  and  two  excellent  large  stoves 
purchased  with  every  appurtenance  thereunto  belonging,  and  erect- 
ed, one  in  the  apartment  of  the  officers,  and  the  other  in  the  apart 
ment  of  the  men."  The  hospital  ship  was  equipped  in  the  same 
manner,  and  every  sick  or  wounded  person  furnished  with  a  cradle, 
bedding,  and  surgeons  appointed  to  take  care  of  them.  (This 
assertion  is  made  in  the  shape  of  a  question.)  "In  this  comforta- 
ble situation  did  the  prisoners  remain  until  the  5th  of  March,  1780; 
when  they  wilfully,  maliciously,  and  wickedly  burnt  the  best  prison 
ship  in  the  world.  The  perpetrators  of  this  horrid  act  were  not 
hanged,  but  ordered  to  the  provost.  The  prison  ship  at  this  time 
lay  in  the  Wallabought,  near  to  a  number  of  transport  ships  ;  the 
people  belonging  to  them  were  so  alert  in  snatching  the  prisoners 
from  the  flames,  that  but  two  out  of  some  hundreds  were  missing. 
This  is  what  I  suppose  the  congress  allude  to  when  they  say  that 
they  were  indiscriminately  thrown  into  the  holds  of  prison  ships. 
They  were  indeed  without  distinction  put  on  board  the  nearest 
ship,  called  the  Woodlands,  where  they  remained  for  a  short  time, 
until  the  ships  Strombolo  and  Scorpion  were  got  ready  for  their 
reception.  But  the  officers  were  always  admitted  to  parole  on 
Long  Island,  in  that  pleasant  village  Jamaica,  until  the  10th  of  July 
last,  when  many  of  them  had  broke  their  parole,  and  otherways 
behaved  so  ill,  that  it  was  refused  them.  This  alteration  had  not 
taken  place  above  two  months,  w^hen  the  prisoners  were  all  moved 
on  board  the  ship  Jersey,  where  there  is  a  variety  of  apartments 
for  officers,  and  plenty  of  room  between  decks  for  the  men." 

He  says  he  has  offered  to  exchange  prisoners  man  for  man,  for 
as  many  as  shall  be  sent  within  the  British  lines.  He  says  that  if 
the  congress  stick  to  their  resolve  "  not  to  exchange  any  British 
sea  officers  or  seamen,  until  the  enemy  have  returned  to  some  of 
their  garrisons  in  America,  such  seamen  as  they  have  taken  upon 
the  American  coasts  and  sent  to  Great  Britain  or  other  parts  be- 
yond the  sea,"  and  that  *'  British  prisoners  receive  the  same  allow- 
ance and  treatment,  in  every  respect  as  our  people  who  are  pris- 
oners receive  from  the  enemy  ;"  "it  will  hurry  on  their  misery  and 
distress  faster  than  they  are  aware  of,  and  in  a  short  time,  put  the 
honour  of  every  man  to  the  test  who  is  out  on  parole.^^  Signed 
David  Sprout,  commissary  of  naval  prisoners  in  North  America, 
and  dated  the  29th  of  January,  1781. 

The  resolves  of  congress  and  letter  of  Sprout  appear  to  have 
been  occasioned  by  the  deposition  of  George  Batterman,  before 
noticed. 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXLl 

March  1st. — New  York  ceded  her  vacant  lands  to  the  Union, 
and  has  the  honour  o{  first  so  doing.  Virginia  released  her  claims 
in  1784  ;  Massachusetts  in  April,  1795  ;  and  Connecticut  in  Sep- 
tember, 1786.  The  settlement  of  Ohio  followed,  which  after  the 
failure  of  the  Indian  war  supported  by  England  in  1795,  became 
the  pride  of  America. 

1782  Desertions  from   the  British  were  more  frequent  than 
usual  this  winter,   and  particularly  Arnold's  corps,  who 

came  off  with  their  horses  by  fives,  sixes  and  threes,  privates  and 
sergeants,  and  likewise  many  Hessians. 

June  20th. — Congress  adopted  the  spread  eagle  as  the  arms  of 
the  United  States. 

1783  About  the  time  of  the  acknowledgement  of  independence 
Colonel    Thompson,    since    known    as    Count   Rumford, 

commanding  at  Huntington,  Long  Island,  caused  a  fort  to  be 
erected  in  the  church-yard  contrary  to  the  remonstrance  of  the 
inhabhants,  and  at  a  time  when  it  was  known  the  war  was  nearly 
or  quite  at  a  close  :  but  this  formed  a  pretext  for  charging  the 
English  government  with  the  expense,  or  pretended  expense. 
This  man  had  offered  himself  in  1775  for  a  commission  in  the 
rebel  army,  and  being  refused,  repaired  to  the  British  and  went  to 
London,  and  found  means  to  get  into  the  office  of  the  secretary  of 
state  as  a  clerk  :  this  aided  him  in  procuring  a  commission  to 
raise  a  regiment  in  America  in  perhaps  1780,  which  he  partially 
accomplished,  and  enjoyed  the  pay  and  emoluments.  The  com- 
mission he  asked  w^as  a  majority  in  Gridley's  Artillery,  but  Grid- 
ley  preferred  giving  it  to  his  own  son,  who  afterward  proved  a 
coward. 

Immediately  after  the  peace  of  1783,  Isaac  Sears  returned  to 
New  York  from  Boston,  where  he  and  his  son-in-law  had  resided 
during  the  war  :  the  son-in-law  followed  next  year  and  the  co- 
partnership between  them  continued. 

In  1784-5  the  company  of  Sears  and  Smith  failed,  and  the 
energetick  old  man  made  a  voyage  to  the  East  Indies  which  re- 
trieved in  part  his  fortunes,  but  in  1786  he  was  seized  with  fever 
in  Batavia  and  died. 

1784  March  2d. — By  a  report  of  the  committee  appointed  by 
the  common  council  of  New  York,  relative  to  arrears  on 

back  rents,  or  rents  for  lots  of  the  corporation  on  lease — I  find  that 
one  person  having  possession  of  a  lot  in  rear  of  the  jail  at  <£3  per 
annum,  paid  "  during  the  war"  to  '*  John  Smyth,  the  then  city 
treasurer,"  ^18  5s.  The  common  council  resolve  to  renew  the 
lease,  the  lessee  paying  the  rent  due  without  deducting  the  said 
^18  5s.  Another  person  represents,  that  he  leased  in  1780,  of 
David  JNIatthews,  mayor,  a  lot  in  Chatham  street,  supposed  to  be 
vacant,  but  which  had  been  leased  before  the  war  to  another,  and 

EE 


CCXLII  APPENDIX. 

the  whole  rent  is  demanded  ;  he  asks  to  pay  only  from  1780. 
The  committee  report  *'  that  arrears  of  rent  are  due  to  the  corpo- 
ration from  many  meritorious  persons,  who  have  taken  an  active 
and  decided  part  in  the  cause  of  their  country,"  and  suffered 
losses,  "  and  many  other  persons  well  affected  to  the  cause  of  their 
country,  (lessees  to  the  corporation)  who  left  this  city  in  the  year 
1776,  have  from  poverty  and  other  unavoidable  misfortunes  been 
obliged  to  return  within  the  British  lines  before  the  peace  took  place, 
and  have  been  prevented  from  occupying  their  habitations,  and 
deriving  any  advantage  from  their  leased  estates,  because  of  their 
attachment  to  the  American  cause,  but  upon  condition  of  their 
paying  rent  to  tlie  vestry^  or  Mr.  Smyth  tlteir  treasurer."  The 
committee  report  favourably  to  such  persons,  i.  e.  not  to  exact  rent 
from  them  for  the  time  so  paid  for  to  Mr.  Smyth,  or  from  1776  to 
November  25th,  1783. 

The  common  council  "  ordered  that  no  allowance  or  abatement 
be  made  to  any  person  or  persons  whomsoever,  who  are  grantees 
of  the  corporation,  for  any  rents  which  became  due  previous  to  the 
1st  of  May,  1776,  or  subsequent  to  the  25th  of  November  last." 

October  2d. — An  address  and  the  city's  freedom  were  presented 
to  Mr.  Jay  on  his  return :  After  compliments  to  our  statesmen  gene- 
rnlly,  they  say,  "  among  these  worthy  patriots  you,  sir,  were  distin- 
guished— in  our  own  convention — in  our  first  seat  of  justice — as  a 
member  and  as  president  of  the  United  States  in  congress  assem- 
bled— and  as  a  minister  plenipotentiary  both  in  Spain  and  France, 
etc."  Mr.  Jay  in  his  answer  does  not  confine  himself  to  com- 
mon place  compliments,  but  speaks  of  the  "  singular  spectacle" 
exhibited  to  the  world,  "  of  a  patriot  army  of  citizens,  peaceably 
retiring  with  their  great  and  good  chief,  crowned  with  laurels  and 
the  blessings  of  the  people  to  fill  the  various  stations  of  private 
life."  He  recommends  nationul  views — union — good  faith — pro- 
vision for  war,  however  improbable — and  our  federal  government 
rendered  efficient. 

*'  This  being  a  land  of  light  and  liberty  I  bless  God  that  it  is  the 
land  of  my  nativity.  Here  my  forefathers  (after  the  revocation  of 
the  Edict  of  Nantz,  A.  D.  1684)  sought  and  found  freedom  and 
toleration.  I  am  bound  to  it  by  the  strongest  ties,  and  as  its  happi- 
ness has  been  the  first  object  of  my  endeavours  from  early  life,  so 
the  most  fervent  wishes  for  its  prosperity  shall  be  among  those  of 
my  latest  hours." 

8th. — The  return  of  election  is  made  to  the  common  council  for 
the  Outward,  Nicholas  Bayard,  and  Henry  Shute,  as  alderman 
and  assistant.  Alderman  Ivers  demands  a  scrutiny,  because  that 
(among  other  things)  Mr.  Bayard  after  having  left  the  town  did 
voluntarily  return  thereto,  enjoyed  his  property  and  held  employ- 
ment under  die  British  government  during  the  war.     Ordered  that 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXLIII 

the  clerk  furnish  Mr.  Bayard  with  a  copy  of  Mr.  Ivers's  petition, 
and  a  scrutiny  ordered. 

14th. — On  Mr.  Jeremiah  Wool's  coming  up  to  be  sworn  as 
alderman,  the  recorder  objected  to  his  being  qualified  because  he 
held  and  exercised  the  office  of  coroner  ;  the  board  determined 
that  Mr.  Wool  might  take  his  choice  of  the  offices,  but  he  insisted 
on  holding  both  ;  the  board  suspended  opinion  and  Wool  took 
the  oaths.  Mr.  Varick  (the  recorder)  objected  to  Mr.  Phoenix  as 
an  assistant,  he  holding  the  offices  of  treasurer  and  chamberlain  : 
but  it  was  overruled. 

It  was  resolved  that  Nicholas  Bayard  was  not  disqualified  and 
was  duly  elected. 

December  2d. — The  mayor,  James  Duane,  presented  a  draft  of 
an  address  to  General  Washington,  etc.  "  To  his  Excellency 
Georo^e  Washino^ton,  late  commander-in-chief  of  the  armies  of  the 
United  States  of  America. 

"  When  this  city  after  the  restoration  had  the  honour  of  your 
Excellency's  presence,  it  was  regretted  that  the  derangement  of  its 
institutions  suspended  those  pubhc  testimonials  of  respect,  grati- 
tude and  applause,  which  every  heart  truly  American  is  solicitous 
to  pay  to  your  distinguished  merits  and  services.  The  corpora- 
tion, since  organized,  resolved  to  embrace  a  proper  opportunity  to 
manifest  the  exalted  sense  which  they  entertain  of  both  ;  and  are 
happy  that  your  app'oach  to  the  vicinity  of  this  state  will  put  it  in 
their  power  to  carry  that  resolution  into  effect."  The  rest  is  com- 
plimentary. 

As  the  mayor  w^as  going  to  Philadelphia,  he  is  deputed  to  carry 
the  address  with  a  gold  box  to  his  Excellency,  who  is  expected  at 
that  place,  and  if  not  found  there,  Mr.  Duane  was  to  forward  it  to 

him. 
17So  May  2d. — Washington's  answer  was  as  follows  : — 
*'  Gentlemen,  I  receive  your  address  and  the  freedom  of 
the  city  with  which  you  have  been  pleased  to  present  me  in  a  gol- 
den box,  with  the  sensibility  and  gratitude  which  such  distinguished 
honours  have  claim  to.  The  flattering  expression  of  both,  stamps 
value  on  the  acts  ;  and  calls  for  stronger  language  than  I  am  master 
of,  to  convey  my  sense  of  the  obligation  in  adequate  terms. 

"  To  have  had  the  good  fortune  amidst  the  vicissitudes  of  a  long 
and  arduous  contest,  '  never  to  have  known  a  moment  when  I  did 
not  possess  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  my  country,'  and  that 
my  conduct  should  have  met  the  approbation,  and  obtained  the 
affectionate  regard  of  the  State  of  New  York,  (where  difficulties 
were  numerous  and  complicated)  may  be  ascribed  more  to  the 
effect  of  divine  wisdom,  which  had  disposed  the  minds  of  the 
people,  harrassed  on  all  sides,  to  make  allowances  for  the  embar- 
rassments of  my  shuation,  whilst  with  fortitude  and  patience  they 


CCXLIV  APPENDIX. 

sustained  the  loss  of  their  capital,  and  a  valuable  part  of  their  ter- 
ritory, and  to  the  liberal  sentiments  amd  great  exertion  of  her  vir- 
tuous citizens,  than  to  any  merit  of  mine. 

*'  The  reflection  of  these  things  now,  after  the  many  hours  of 
anxious  solicitude  which  all  of  us  have  had,  is  as  pleasing,  as  our 
embarrassments  at  the  moment  we  encountered  them  were  distress- 
ing, and  must  console  us  for  past  sufferings  and  perplexities. 

"  I  pray  that  heaven  may  bestow  its  choicest  blessings  on  your 
city.  That  the  devastations  of  war  in  which  you  have  found  it, 
may  soon  be  without  a  trace.  That  a  well  regulated  and  beneficial 
commerce  may  enrich  all  your  citizens,  and  that  your  state  (at 
present  the  seat  of  empire)  may  set  such  examples  of  wisdom  and 
liberality  as  shall  have  a  tendency  to  strengthen  and  give  perma- 
nency to  the  union  at  home ;  and  credit  and  respectability  to  it 
abroad — the  accomplishment  whereof  is  a  lemaining  wish,  and  the 
primary  object  of  all  my  desires. — George  Washington." 

June  29th. — The  committee  respecting  the  fourth  of  July  re- 
port, and  it  is  agreed  to,  that  at  sun  rising  thirteen  round  of 
cannon  to  be  fired  in  the  fields,  and  the  flag  of  the  United  States 
displayed  on  the  City  Hall.  At  8  o'clock  in  the  morning  all  the 
bells  in  the  city  (the  alarm  bell  at  the  City  Hall  and  that  at  the 
Goal  excepted)  to  commence  and  continue  ringing  one  hour.  At 
12  o'clock  the  mayor,  recorder,  aldermen  and  assistants,  attended 
by  the  clerk,  sheriff,  and  the  marshalls  and  constables,  to  assemble 
at  the  City  Hall,  when  the  like  firing  of  the  cannon  and  ringing 
of  the  bells  is  to  be  repeated,  and  thence  to  proceed  to  wait  upon 
their  excellencies  the  governour  and  the  president  of  congress  with 
the  compliments  of  the  city  on  the  occasion.  To  conclude  the 
day,  the  like  firing  of  cannon  is  to  be  repeated  at  the  setting  of  the 
sun. 

October  14th. — Tiie  common  council  passed  the  following  re- 
solution :  "  Whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  board  in  behalf 
of  Mr.  Lawrence  Embree,  one  of  the  commissioners  of  the  Alms 
house,  that  the  company  of  comedians  in  this  city  some  time  since 
presented  him  with  c£40  for  the  use  of  the  poor;  and  that  although  he 
disapproved  of  a  donation  so  circumstanced,  he  thought  it  his  duty 
to  suffer  it  to  be  deposited  with  him  until  the  sense  of  the  magis- 
trates respecting  the  same  could  be  determined.  Whereupon  the 
Board  came  to  the  following  resolutions  : — Resolved,  that  it  ap- 
pears that  the  play  house  was  opened  by  the  said  company  of 
comedians  without  the  license  or  permission  of  the  civil  authority, 
which  in  the  opinion  of  this  board  is  a  thing  unprecedented  and 
offensive  :  Resolved,  that  while  so  great  a  part  of  this  city  still  lies 
in  ruins,  and  many  of  the  citizens  continue  to  be  pressed  with  the 
distresses  brought  on  them  in  consequence  of  the  late  war,  there 
is  a  loud  call  to  industry  and  economy  ;  and  it  would  in  a  peculiar 


MISCELLANEOUS  MATTER.  CCXLV 

manner  be  unjustifiable  in  this  corporation  to  countenance  enticing 
expenses  and  amusements  :  that  among  these  a  theatre  however 
regulated  must  be  numbered  ;  while,  under  no  restraint  it  may- 
prove  a  fearful  source  of  dissipation,  immorality  and  vice  :  Re- 
solved, that  the  acceptance  of  the  said  donation,  by  the  advice  of 
the  board,  might  authorize  a  conclusion  that  they  approved  of  the 
opening  of  the  said  theatre,  and  that  therefore  it  be  and  it  hereby 
is  recommended  to  Mr.  Embree  to  return  the  same  to  the  person 
from  whom  he  received  it.  Ordered,  that  the  foregoing  resolutions 
be  published  in  all  the  newspapers  of  this  city." 

November  14th. — Number  of  persons  in  the  Alms  house  at  this 
time  301  ;  viz:  63  men,  133  women,  50  boys,  49  girls,  2  black 
men,  and  4  black  women. 

1787  April  3d. — The  mayor  laid  before  the  board  a  concur- 
rent resolution  of  the  senate  and  assembly,  dated  the  26th 

of  November,  1784,  "  that  the  monument  by  the  United  States  in 
congress  assembled,  ordered  to  be  erected  to  the  memory  of  Major 
General  Montgomery,  be  erected  in  the  city  of  New  York,  at  such 
particular  place  as  the  mayor  etc.  shall  appoint."  The  mayor  re- 
commended an  immediate  attention  to  fixing  on  a  suitable  place 
for  erecting  said  monument,  and  that  the  same  be  put  up  without 
delay.  They  agreed  that  the  front  of  St.  Paul's  Church  is  the 
most  proper  place,  and  a  committee  was  appointed  to  consult  with 
the  church  wardens  and  carry  into  effect  the  above. 

1788  July  16th. — In  pursuance  of  the  law  of  this  state  au- 
thorizing the  corporation  of  the  city  of  New  York  to  remove 

the  statue  therein  mentioned  ;  Ordered,  that  the  aldermen  and 
assistants  of  the  Dock  ward,  and  East  ward,  be  a  committee  to 
remove  the  remains  of  Pitt's  statue  from  Wall  street,  and  that  they 
deposit  the  same  in  some  safe  place  until  the  further  order  of  this 
board. 

September  17th. — The  act  of  congress  for  appointing  the  lime 
and  place  for  the  meeting  of  the  general  government  under  the 
neiu  constitMiony  is  laid  before  the  common  council,  and  it  appears 
that  this  city  is  appointed  for  that  purpose,  and  Ordered,  "that  the 
whole  of  the  City  Hall  be  appropriated  for  the  accommodating  the 
general  government  of  the  United  States,  and  that  this  board  will 
provide  means  for  defraying  the  expense  of  putting  the  same  in 
proper  order  and  repair."  A  committee  was  appointed  to  consult 
the  delegates  of  this  state  in  congress,  and  others,  and  to  report  the 
alterations  and  repairs  necessary  ;  and  to  examine  the  exchange 
and  report  what  repairs  will  make  it  fit  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  courts  of  justice  and  the  meeting  of  the  corporation  of  this 
city. 

30th. — The  committee  on  the  subject  reported  that  they  have 
consulted  the  gentlemen,  and  had  procured  a  plan  (executed  by 


CCXLVI  APPENDIX. 

Major  L'Enfant)  of  the  additions,  alterations  and  repairs,  necessary 
to  the  City  Hall,  and  recommend  thb  same  to  be  adopted  by  this 
board.  It  is  represented  to  the  board  that  a  number  of  citizens 
had  by  voluntary  subscription  engaged  to  the  monies  necessary  for 
the  said  building,  in  expectation  of  being  reimbursed  by  the  legis- 
lature, and  had  nominated  five  commissioners,  viz  :  Robert  Watts, 
Alexander  Mc  Comb,  Major  L'Enfant,  James  Nicholson,  and 
William  Maxwell,  to  purchase  the  materials  and  superintend  the 
said  business.  Resolved,  that  the  common  council  approve  the 
proceedings,  "  so  that  no  charge  be  made  on  this  corporation  for 
any  part  of  the  expense." 


THE  END. 


ERRATA. 


VOLUME  I. 

Page.  Line. 

18,  40 for  icas  read  icere. 

2b,  note,    7 for  thetfirs  read  tlie  first. 

32,  35 for  flow  read  Jioics. 

34,  19 dele  *. 

"    note,    1 for  in  read  is. 

"    t  2 dele  who  were. 

((    u  a after  and  insert  were. 

35,  note,  18 dele  South. 

50,  43 delez^ 

60,  20 for  icho  like  read  to. 

90,  note,  15 for  .  substitute  ,. 

"  " for  They  read  they. 

91,  7 for  teas  read  were. 

100,  13 after  Haven  insert  John  Leverett. 

"  32 for  thi'ce  read  their. 

101,  5 after  arms  insert  were. 

134,  28 for  twenty  read  sixty. 

145,  35 after  him  insert  not. 

147,  note,  24 for  Smith's  Oly  read  Smith's  Ply. 

168,  41 for  is  read  it. 

218,  note,    6 for  Grotius  read  Gronovius. 

234,  note,  13 after  name  insert  of. 

235,  31 for  keep  read  kept. 

245,  note,  16 for  Prasse  read  Basse 

247,  " dele  note  t. 

255,  note,    7 for  .  substitute  ,. 

" for  To  read  to. 

261,  2 for  .  substitute  ,. 

266,  note,    8 for  Hamson  read  Harrison. 

272,  17 for  Governour  read  Governeur. 

*'  30 dele  his. 

280,  21 after  1712  insert  there  were. 

315,  41 for  declared  read  delivered. 

"  " dele  note* 

319,  9 before  governour  insert  lieutenant, 

326,  note,    6 for  Barton  read  Bartow. 

327,  note,  16 for  1728  read  1778. 

17 for  1729  read  1779. 

339,  37 for  as  read  teas. 

346,  25 for  she  read  he. 

369,  note,     2 dele  to  this  volume. 

379,  31 dele  or. 

383,  26 for  muting  read  mutiny. 

388,  8 for  of  read  on. 

393,  2 before  2000  insert  nearly. 

412,  1--2 dele  from  actuated  to  foreigners. 

"  18 for  imports  read  imposts. 

416,  note,    9 for  were  read  was. 

435,  dele  from  Repeated,  line  4,  to  do, 

line  14.     See  post.  p.  447. 

439,  1 for  consent  read  contest. 

445,  dele  from  Jie,  line  2,  to  month,  line 

14,  and  add  as  a  note  See  ante. 

pp.  427,  428. 


ERRATA. 

Page.  Line. 

446,  note,    7 for  Commissioner  read  Commissioners. 

447,  21 for  1709  read  1766. 

456,  1 for  1776  read  1775. 

"  32 between  authorities  and  ichilc  insert  [1775.] 

461,  23 for  1671  read  1761. 

468,  13 after  August  insert  1775. 

476,  15 for  exerted  read  executed. 

480,  2 for  cockle-boat  read  whale-boat, 

See  Vol.  11.  pp.  19,  20. 


VOLUME  II. 

Page.  Line. 

36,  ]9 for  ^7J?/ read  ?/?f/. 

"  33 for  Oghnwaga  read  Oghhwaga. 

37,  44 for  Oghhicoga  read  Oglikwaga. 

40,  dele  from  the  line  13,  to  city,  line  22, 

See  Vol.  I.  pp.  407,  408. 

42,  28 between  and  and  tlie  insert  during, 

45,  dele  from  appointed,  line  21,  to 

general,  line  23. 
''  24 before  his  insert  as. 

50,  41 for  Burgorjne  read  Carleton. 

54,  19 for  coming  up  with  read  approaching. 

94,  20 for  in  read  on. 

102,  27 for  Moses  read  Moore's. 

162,  46 for  this  read  an. 

"  " between  cnterprize  .and  was  insert  to  recover  it. 

176,  10 for  eminent  read  imminent. 

207,  38 for  ichich  read  while. 

2]  1,  32 for  them  read  «/. 

245,  12 for  proper  read  pt'opcrty. 

"  30 for  appointment  read  apportionment. 

248,  19 dele  «7. 

269,  46 for  power  read  house. 


APPENDIX. 

Page.  Line. 

VIII,  44 after  island  insert  of  Manhattoes. 

XX,  2 for  if  read  of. 

XL,  40 for  1705  read  1805. 

Lxxxii,  33 for  others  read  otters. 

Lxxxiv,  45 for  is  read  are. 

CI,  35 for  Jersey  read  York. 

cxxvii,  1 for  Cobbett  read  Corbett. 

cxLU,  23 for  country  read  county. 

CLXX,  36 dele  and. 

cxcvn,  14 for  was  read  were. 

ccxi,  38 for  Ellen  read  Allen. 

ccvni,  4 for  fells  rend  feels. 

ccxxi,  13 for  royal  read  loyal. 


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